Effect of uniform versus expanding retrieval practice on the recall of physiology information

The purpose of this study was to compare the retention of selected physiology concepts throughout 30 days of two different uniform schedules of retrieval and two different expanding schedules of retrieval. Participants (n = 250) first read and reread 30 immunology and reproductive physiology concepts and were then repeatedly assessed, without feedback, according to one of the following four randomly assigned schedules: 1) immediately after learning and again 9 and 19 days later [uniform (days 1, 10, and 20)]; 2) 7, 14, and 21 days after learning [uniform (days 8, 15, and 22)]; 3) immediately after learning and again 5 and 15 days later [expanding (days 1, 6, and 16)]; and 4) 1, 6, and 16 days after learning [expanding (days 2, 7, and 17)]. All participants completed a final assessment 29 days after learning the physiology concepts. Mean final assessment scores ± SE for the uniform (days 1, 10, and 20), uniform (days 8, 15, and 22), expanding (days 1, 6, and 16), and expanding (days 2, 7, and 17) groups were 36.15 ± 1.97, 32.31 ± 1.87, 45.80 ± 2.56, and 39.71 ± 2.48, respectively. There were no differences in final assessment scores between the two expanding retrieval groups, but expanding (days 1, 6, and 16) group scores were significantly higher than those in both uniform retrieval groups (ANOVA, F = 6.52, P = 0.00). Also, the combined mean of the two expanding retrieval conditions (42.57 ± 1.80) was significantly higher (F = 14.09, P = 0.00) than the combined mean of the two uniform retrieval conditions (34.10 ± 1.36). The results indicate that participants benefited more from expanding retrieval practice, particularly when the first assessment was administered immediately after learning.     

Equine Welfare Assessment: Exploration of British Stakeholder Attitudes Using Focus-Group Discussions

The equine industry in Great Britain has not been subject to the same pressures as the farming industry to engage with welfare assessment, but this may change as concern about equine welfare increases. Stakeholder attitudes toward welfare assessment may impact the implementation of welfare assessment practices. Focus-group discussions regarding welfare assessment were conducted with 6 equine stakeholder groups: leisure horse owners (caregivers; n = 4), grooms (n = 5), veterinary surgeons (n = 3), welfare scientists (n = 4), welfare charity workers (n = 5), and professional riders (n = 4). Three themes emerged from the discussions: (a) Participants predominantly interpreted welfare assessment as a means of identifying and correcting poor welfare in an immediate way; (b) participants believed that horse welfare varied over time; and (c) attributes of the assessor were viewed as an important consideration for equine welfare assessment. The views of equine industry members give insight into the value welfare assessments may have to the industry and how equine welfare assessment approaches can achieve credibility within the industry and increase the positive impact of welfare assessments on equine welfare.     

Studies of the teratogenic potential of exposure of rats to 6000-MHz microwave radiation. II. Postnatal psychophysiologic evaluations

Wistar rats (36) were exposed daily throughout pregnancy to a power density level of 35 mW/cm2 of 6000-MHz microwave radiation (11), sham irradiated (10), or used as control animals (15). Litters were culled to a maximum of eight F1a offspring/litter (total = 124) on Postnatal Day 1 and subjected to a series of reflex tests beginning Day 3. Mothers were rebred 10 days after weaning. Teratologic evaluations were completed on 263 F1b offspring. Weekly weights were recorded for 298 F1a offspring. At 60 days, behavioral testing was initiated on 121 offspring. At 90 days, offspring were bred within/across groups. Teratologic evaluations were completed on 659 F2 term fetuses. Organ weight analyses were completed on 17 mothers and 181 F1a adult offspring, and blood analyses on 21 mothers and 131 offspring. Sex differences within groups were observed in four behavioral tests and in blood data. Significant differences between groups were observed for: F1b term fetal weight; F1a eye opening, postnatal growth to the fifth week, water T-maze and open field test results; and several organ/body weight ratios. These results indicate that exposure to 6000-MHz radiation at this power density level may result in subtle long-term neurophysiologic alterations not detectable at term using conventional morphologic teratologic procedures.     

Towards a more open debate about values in decision-making on agricultural biotechnology

Regulatory decision-making over the use of products of new technology aims to be based on science-based risk assessment. In some jurisdictions, decision-making about the cultivation of genetically modified (GM) plants is blocked supposedly because of scientific uncertainty about risks to the environment. However, disagreement about the acceptability of risks is primarily a dispute over normative values, which is not resolvable through natural sciences. Natural sciences may improve the quality and relevance of the scientific information used to support environmental risk assessments and make scientific uncertainties explicit, but offer little to resolve differences about values. Decisions about cultivating GM plants will thus not necessarily be eased by performing more research to reduce scientific uncertainty in environmental risk assessments, but by clarifying the debate over values. We suggest several approaches to reveal values in decision-making: (1) clarifying policy objectives; (2) determining what constitutes environmental harm; (3) making explicit the factual and normative premises on which risk assessments are based; (4) better demarcating environmental risk assessment studies from ecological research; (5) weighing the potential for environmental benefits (i.e., opportunities) as well as the potential for environmental harms (i.e., risks); and (6) expanding participation in the risk governance of GM plants. Recognising and openly debating differences about values will not remove controversy about the cultivation of GM plants. However, by revealing what is truly in dispute, debates about values will clarify decision-making criteria.     

Effects of heavy barbell hip thrust vs back squat on subsequent sprint performance in rugby players

The objective of this research was to compare the effect of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement (PAPE) exerted on the back squat (BS) versus the barbell hip thrust (HT) on the sprint performance (5- and 10-m). 17 male amateur rugby players participated in the study (age 22.14 ± 2.52 years; body mass 81.06 ± 9.6 kg; height 1.78 ± 0.05 m). All participants performed a dynamic maximum strength test (3RM) in BS and HT at maximum speed. Two randomized sessions were performed inducing PAPE using BS or HT trough three series with three repetitions at 85% 1RM eight minutes before the sprint tests. An ANOVA of repeated measurement, found no differences in the time for 5-m (F = 0.398, P = 0.537, η²p = 0.024) or 10-m (F = 2.589, P = 0.127, η²p = 0.139). There were no significant differences in the Protocol effect between HT and BS in 5-m or 10-m (F = 2.963, P = 0.104, η²p = 0.156 and F = 1.472, P = 0.243 η²p = 0.084, respectively). There were also no differences in the Time x Protocol interaction at 5-m (F = 0.001, P = 0.976, η²p < 0.001) or 10-m (F = 4.174, P = 0.058, η²p = 0.207). The effect size obtained in the results of the sprint tests was small in both exercises (ES < 0.2). None of the BS or HT exercises performed with heavy load induced a significant PAPE phenomenon on the ability to sprint in rugby players.     

Expression, binding, and signaling properties of CRF2(a) receptors endogenously expressed in human retinoblastoma Y79 cells: passage-dependent regulation of functional receptors

Endogenous expression of the corticotropin-releasing factor type 2a receptor [CRF2(a)] but not CRF2(b) and CRF2(c) was observed in higher passage cultures of human Y79 retinoblastoma cells. Functional studies further demonstrated an increase in CRF2(a) mRNA and protein levels with higher passage numbers (> 20 passages). Although the CRF1 receptor was expressed at higher levels than the CRF2(a) receptor, both receptors were easily distinguishable from one another by selective receptor ligands. CRF(1)-preferring or non-selective agonists such as CRF, urocortin 1 (UCN1), and sauvagine stimulated cAMP production in Y79 to maximal responses of approximately 100 pmoles/10(5) cells, whereas the exclusive CRF2 receptor-selective agonists UCN2 and 3 stimulated cAMP production to maximal responses of approximately 25-30 pmoles/10(5) cells. UCN2 and 3-mediated cAMP stimulation was potently blocked by the approximately 300-fold selective CRF2 antagonist antisauvagine (IC50 = 6.5 +/- 1.6 nmol/L), whereas the CRF(1)-selective antagonist NBI27914 only blocked cAMP responses at concentrations > 10 microL. When the CRF(1)-preferring agonist ovine CRF was used to activate cAMP signaling, NBI27914 (IC50 = 38.4 +/- 3.6 nmol/L) was a more potent inhibitor than antisauvagine (IC50 = 2.04 +/- 0.2 microL). Finally, UCN2 and 3 treatment potently and rapidly desensitized the CRF2 receptor responses in Y79 cells. These data demonstrate that Y79 cells express functional CRF1 and CRF2a receptors and that the CRF2(a) receptor protein is up-regulated during prolonged culture.     

Synthesis of precursors for the dimeric 3-O-SO3Na Lewis X and Lewis A structures

Stereoselective syntheses of 3-O-SO₃Na-β-Gal-(1 → 4)-β-GlcNAc-(1 → 3)-β-Gal-(1 → 4)-GlcNAc-β-OBn (15) and 3-O-SO₃Na-β-Gal-(1 → 3)-β-GlcNAc-(1 → 3)-β-Gal-(1 → 3)-β-GlcNAc-(1 → 3)-β-Gal-(1 → 4)-Glc-β-OBn (25) were accomplished through the use of two novel glycosyl donors, namely, ethyl

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(8) and ethyl

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(18).     

Determinants and Consequences of Failure of Linkage to Antiretroviral Therapy at Primary Care Level in Blantyre, Malawi: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background

Poor rates of linkage from HIV diagnosis to ART initiation are a major barrier to universal coverage of ART in sub-Saharan Africa, with reasons for failure poorly understood. In the first study of this kind at primary care level, we investigated the pathway to care in the Malawian National Programme, one of the strongest in Africa.

Methods and Findings

A prospective cohort study was undertaken at two primary care clinics in Blantyre, Malawi. Newly diagnosed HIV-positive adults (>15 years) were followed for 6-months to assess completion of eligibility assessments, initiation of ART and death. Two hundred and eighty participants were followed for 82.6 patient-years. ART eligibility assessments were problematic: only 134 (47.9%) received same day WHO staging and 121 (53.2%) completed assessments by 6-months. Completion of CD4 measurement (stage 1/2 only) was 81/153 (52.9%). By 6-months, 87/280 (31.1%) had initiated ART with higher uptake in participants who were ART eligible (68/91, 74.7%), and among participants who received same-day staging (52/134 [38.8%] vs. 35/146 [24.0%] p = 0.007). Non-completion of ART eligibility assessments (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.06–0.21) was associated with failure to initiate ART. Retention in pre-ART care for non-ART initiators was low (55/193 [28.5%]). Of the 15 (5.4%) deaths, 11 (73.3%) occurred after ART initiation.

Conclusions

Although uptake of ART was high and prompt for patients with known eligibility, there was frequent failure to complete eligibility assessment and poor retention in pre-ART care. HIV care programmes should urgently evaluate the way patients are linked to ART. In particular, there is a critical need for simplified, same-day ART eligibility assessments, reduced requirements for hospital visits, and active defaulter follow-up.     

Can Research Assessments Themselves Cause Bias in Behaviour Change Trials? A Systematic Review of Evidence from Solomon 4-Group Studies

Background

The possible effects of research assessments on participant behaviour have attracted research interest, especially in studies with behavioural interventions and/or outcomes. Assessments may introduce bias in randomised controlled trials by altering receptivity to intervention in experimental groups and differentially impacting on the behaviour of control groups. In a Solomon 4-group design, participants are randomly allocated to one of four arms: (1) assessed experimental group; (2) unassessed experimental group (3) assessed control group; or (4) unassessed control group. This design provides a test of the internal validity of effect sizes obtained in conventional two-group trials by controlling for the effects of baseline assessment, and assessing interactions between the intervention and baseline assessment. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate evidence from Solomon 4-group studies with behavioural outcomes that baseline research assessments themselves can introduce bias into trials.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Electronic databases were searched, supplemented by citation searching. Studies were eligible if they reported appropriately analysed results in peer-reviewed journals and used Solomon 4-group designs in non-laboratory settings with behavioural outcome measures and sample sizes of 20 per group or greater. Ten studies from a range of applied areas were included. There was inconsistent evidence of main effects of assessment, sparse evidence of interactions with behavioural interventions, and a lack of convincing data in relation to the research question for this review.

Conclusions/Significance

There were too few high quality completed studies to infer conclusively that biases stemming from baseline research assessments do or do not exist. There is, therefore a need for new rigorous Solomon 4-group studies that are purposively designed to evaluate the potential for research assessments to cause bias in behaviour change trials.     

Effect of Misalignment between Successive Corneal Videokeratography Maps on the Repeatability of Topography Data

Purpose

To improve the reliability of corneal topographic data through the development of a method to estimate the magnitude of misalignment between successive corneal videokeratography (VK) maps and eliminate the effect of misalignment on the repeatability of topography data.

Methods

Anterior and posterior topography maps were recorded twice for 124 healthy eyes of 124 participants using a Pentacam, and the repeatability of measurements was assessed by calculating the differences in elevation between each two sets of data. The repeatability of measurements was re-assessed following the determination of the magnitude of misalignment components (translational displacements: x₀, y₀ and z₀, and rotational displacements: α, β and γ) between each two data sets and using them to modify the second data set within each pair based on an Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm. The method simultaneously considered the anterior and posterior maps taken for the same eye since they were assumed to have the same set of misalignment components. A new parameter, named Combined Misalignment parameter (CM), has been developed to combine the effect of all six misalignment components on topography data and so enable study of the association between misalignment and the data repeatability test results.

Results

The repeatability tests resulted in average root mean square (RMS) differences in elevation data of 8.46±2.75 μm before ICP map matching when simultaneously considering anterior and posterior surfaces. With map matching and misalignment correction, the differences decreased to 7.28±2.58 μm (P = 0.00). When applied to only the anterior maps, misalignment correction led to a more pronounced reduction in elevation data differences from 4.58±1.84 μm to 2.97±1.29 μm (P = 0.00). CM was found to be associated with the repeatability error (P = 0.00), with posterior maps being responsible for most of the error due to their relatively lower accuracy compared to anterior maps.

Conclusions

The ICP algorithm can be used to estimate, and effectively correct for, the potential misalignment between successive corneal videokeratography maps.     

Impaired beta cell function is present in nondiabetic rheumatoid arthritis patients

Introduction

To investigate how markers of β-cell secretion (proinsulin-processing metabolites) are expressed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and their potential relation with the insulin resistance (IR) observed in these patients.

Methods

The 101 RA patients and 99 nondiabetic sex- and age-matched controls were included. IR by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA2), and β-cell secretion, as measured by insulin, split and intact proinsulin, and C-peptide levels were determined for both groups. Multiple regression analysis was performed to compare IR between groups and to explore the interrelations between RA features, proinsulin metabolites, and IR. Data were adjusted for glucocorticoids intake and for IR classic risk factors.

Results

Compared with controls, RA patients showed higher HOMA-IR (β coef., 0.40 (95% CI, 0.20 to 0.59); P = 0.00). When data were adjusted for glucocorticoids intake, noncorticosteroid patients maintained a higher IR index (β, 0.14 (0.05 to 0.24); P = 0.00). Impaired insulin processing in RA patients was detected by the onset of elevated split proinsulin levels (β, 0.70 pmol/L (0.38 to 1.02); P = 0.00). These data remained significant also when adjusted for prednisone intake (β, 0.19 (0.00 to 0.36) pmol/L; P = 0.04). Split proinsulin-to-C-peptide ratios were higher in RA patients undergoing corticosteroid therapy (β, 0.25 (0.12 to 0.38); P = 0.03) and were nearly significant in comparison between noncorticosteroids patients and controls (β, 0.16 (-0.02 to 0.34); P = 0.08). Interestingly, the impact of HOMA-IR on the ratio of intact proinsulin to C-peptide was higher in controls compared with patients (β, 6.23 (1.41 to 11.06) versus 0.43 (-0.86 to 1.71); P = 0.03).

Conclusions

β-Cell function is impaired in nondiabetic and in RA patients not taking corticoids by a mechanism that seems to be, at least in part, independent of IR.     

A Novel Integrated Score Index of Echocardiographic Indices for the Evaluation of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function

Background

We propose a novel integrated score index, which could be used to quantify and grade left ventricular (LV) diastolic function.

Methods

We enrolled 629 participants [393 healthy subjects, 145 with hypertension (HTN), 24 with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), and 67 with coronary artery disease (CAD)]. This score index was with a score of 1 for an E/A ratio < 1, a score of 1 for a septal e’/a’ ratio ≤ 0.8, a score of 2 for a lateral e’/a’ ratio ≤ 1, a score of 2 for a septal E/e’ ratio ≥10–15, a score of 3 for a lateral E/e’ ratio ≥8–15, and a score of 1 for a deceleration time >240 ms. The sum of each score was considered as the final value in this scoring method (either a septal or a lateral E/e’ ratio > 15 was given a total score of 10, regardless of the other measurements).

Results

After analysis, the AUROC of this integrated score index for predicting any diastolic dysfunction (discriminated by the American Society of Echocardiography guidelines) was 0.962, and the AUROC of the method from the logistic regression was 0.970. The mean values of the score index for the groups were 3.81 ± 0.12 in healthy, 6.48 ± 0.19 in HTN, 7.35 ± 0.46 in HCM, and 6.62 ± 0.29 in CAD. Using the score index, the healthy subjects obtained lower scores compared with those of HTN (p = 0.00), HCM (p = 0.00), and CAD (p = 0.00). Therefore, this score index could discriminate patients with diseases with impaired diastolic function from the healthy subjects when the total sum of the score was equal to or greater than 4.

Conclusions

If the presently used methods cannot allow the clear diagnosis of LV diastolic dysfunction, this integrated score index might be helpful for discriminating diseases with impaired diastolic function.     

HbA1c Levels Are Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease in a Non-Diabetic Adult Population: A Nationwide Survey (KNHANES 2011–2013)

Background

Many studies have reported an association between glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in non-diabetes patients. Each component of MetS is in fact related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) incidence and progression. Therefore, HbA1c in non-diabetic mellitus (DM) may be intrinsically associated with the prevalence of CKD. The hypothesis of the present study was that high HbA1c in non-DM patients is associated with CKD.

Patients and Methods

The total number of participants in this study was 24,594. The participants were divided into three groups according to their HbA1c levels: a Low group (<5.7% or <39 mmol/mol), a Middle group (5.7–6.0% or 39–42 mmol/mol), and a High group (>6.0% or >42 mmol/mol). The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation.

Results

The number of participants allocated to the Low, Middle, and High groups was 8,651, 4,634, and 1,387, respectively. Linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between variables. Standardized β ± standard error was 0.25 ± 0.22 for waist circumference, 0.44 ± 0.20 for fasting glucose, –0.14 ± 0.30 for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, 0.15 ± 2.31 for triglyceride levels, 0.21 ± 0.00 for systolic blood pressure, 0.10 ± 0.00 for diastolic blood pressure, and –0.22 ± 0.42 for eGFR (P < 0.001 for all variables). eGFR in non-diabetes participants was inversely associated with the HbA1c level, where eGFR decreased as HbA1c levels increased. Standardized βs were –0.04 ± 0.42 in multivariable analysis (P < 0.001). The proportion of participants with only MetS, only CKD, or both MetS and CKD was higher in the High group than in the Low and Middle groups.

Conclusion

High HbA1c in non-DM patients may be associated with CKD. Renal function in patients with high HbA1c levels may need to be monitored.     

Ultrasound measurements of uterine height,horns diameter and presence of intraluminal fluid to investigate uterine involution in lactating sows housed in farrowing crates

The uterine involution of sows housed in farrowing crates was investigated during lactation using B-mode trans-abdominal ultrasonography. The objectives were to describe uterine involution, detect any delay or uterine disorders and assess possible associations between involution and subsequent reproductive performance. Three parameters were measured: uterine height (H), horns diameter (D) and the percentage of sows with intraluminal fluid (F). During lactation (3-4 weeks), H decreased from 11.0±1.6 the first week to 5.9±1.5 cm the last week (p<0.001), and D from 2.6±0.7 to 1.4±0.2 cm (p<0.001). Between days 1-7, H and D decreased significantly faster, i.e. respectively 0.38 cm (p<0.0001) and 0.20 cm (p<0.0001) per day than between days 22-28, i.e. respectively 0.02 cm (p=0.49) and 0.00 cm (p=0.75) per day. F decreased significantly (p<0.0001) from 78% at the beginning to 16% at the end of lactation. Between days 1-7, F decreased significantly (p<0.001) faster than during the last week of lactation (p=0.41). Between days 22-28, H of sows from parity ≥3 were significantly higher than those of sows from parity 1 and 2 (p=0.007). During that period, F was significantly higher in sows of higher parity. This effect of parity on F was significantly higher during the entire lactation period in sows of parity ≥6. Some sows were monitored after weaning. There was no significant relationship between the 3 parameters measured at the end of lactation and the subsequent performance. A small number of sows was suspected of endometritis (2%) and one case of fœtoplacental retention was detected. In conclusion, B-mode ultrasonography is a suitable tool to monitor uterine involution in lactating sows. When examination is conducted during the last week of lactation, it may help the farmer to verify whether uterine involution is complete, and to decide whether a sow should be either culled or maintained on farm.     

Myeloperoxidase and troponin T are linked with myocardial infarction among young Indians

It is of interest to document the correlation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and Troponin T (TnT) in young Indian patients with myocardial infarction using epidemiological data. A study with 220 (110 case and 110 control) participants with Acute Coronary Syndrome (both males and females) was completed. Patients were identified using a pre-designed PROFORMA at the OPD and IPD of the Medicine Department at the Index Medical College & Hospital, Malwanchal University and Moti Lal Nehru Medical College and Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital in India. MPO and TnT were measured using the Sandwich ELISA (Sandwich Enzyme linked immunosorbent Assay) kit. TnT (pg/ml) (Mean ± SD) were high in the case group than control 134.7 ± 8.57 vs 96.6 ± 2.82; F = 145.9; t = 44.3; p < 0.01). Moreover, MPO was 3-fold high in case group than control (157±30.1 and 42.4±14.82, respectively). The differences was found statistically significant (p<0.001). This suggests a link between TnT and MPO among young Indian patients with myocardial infarction.     

Progression of Liver Fibrosis in HIV/HCV Co-Infection: A Comparison between Non-Invasive Assessment Methods and Liver Biopsy

Objectives

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of seven non-invasive tests (NITs) of liver fibrosis and to assess fibrosis progression over time in HIV/HCV co-infected patients.

Methods

Transient elastography (TE) and six blood tests were compared to histopathological fibrosis stage (METAVIR). Participants were followed over three years with NITs at yearly intervals.

Results

Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for significant fibrosis (> = F2) in 105 participants was highest for TE (0.85), followed by FIB-4 (0.77), ELF-Test (0.77), APRI (0.76), Fibrotest (0.75), hyaluronic acid (0.70), and Hepascore (0.68). AUROC for cirrhosis (F4) was 0.97 for TE followed by FIB-4 (0.91), APRI (0.89), Fibrotest (0.84), Hepascore (0.82), ELF-Test (0.82), and hyaluronic acid (0.79). A three year follow-up was completed by 87 participants, all on antiretroviral therapy and in 20 patients who completed HCV treatment (9 with sustained virologic response). TE, APRI and Fibrotest did not significantly change during follow-up. There was weak evidence for an increase of FIB-4 (mean increase: 0.22, p = 0.07). 42 participants had a second liver biopsy: Among 38 participants with F0-F3 at baseline, 10 were progessors (1-stage increase in fibrosis, 8 participants; 2-stage, 1; 3-stage, 1). Among progressors, mean increase in TE was 3.35 kPa, in APRI 0.36, and in FIB-4 0.75. Fibrotest results did not change over 3 years.

Conclusion

TE was the best NIT for liver fibrosis staging in HIV/HCV co-infected patients. APRI-Score, FIB-4 Index, Fibrotest, and ELF-Test were less reliable. Routinely available APRI and FIB-4 performed as good as more expensive tests. NITs did not change significantly during a follow-up of three years, suggesting slow liver disease progression in a majority of HIV/HCV co-infected persons on antiretroviral therapy.     

Information needs of mothers regarding communicating BRCA1/2 cancer genetic test results to their children

Mothers who participate in genetic testing for hereditary breast/ovarian cancer risk must decide if, when, and how to ultimately share their BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) test results with their minor-age children. One of the primary aides for mothers in making this decision is cancer genetic counseling. However, counseling is limited in how well it can educate mothers about such decisions without the availability of resources that are specific to family communication and genetic testing per se. In an effort to fill this gap and identify mothers most likely to benefit from such resources, surveys were conducted with 187 mothers undergoing BRCA1/2 testing who had children 8-21 years old. Data were collected weeks after genetic testing but prior to mothers' learning of their test results; quantitative assessments of informational resource needs (i.e., speaking with previous BRCA1/2 testing participants who are parents regarding their experiences, reading educational literature about options and what to expect, speaking with a family counselor, attending a family support group, and self-nominated other resources), testing motivations, decision making vigilance, and decisional conflict regarding communicating test results to children were included. Mothers' most-to-least frequently cited information resource needs were: literature (93.4%), family counseling (85.8%), prior participants (79.0%), support groups (53.9%), and other (28.9%; e.g., pediatricians and psychologists). Seventy-eight percent of mothers were interested in accessing three or more resources. In multivariate regression analyses, testing motivations (beta = 0.35, p = 0.03), decision-making vigilance (beta = 0.16, p = 0.00), and decisional conflict (beta = 0.10, p = 0.00) were associated with mothers' need level; mothers with a greater interest in testing to learn about their children's risks, those with more vigilant decision-making styles, and those with higher decisional conflict had the greatest need. In conjunction with enhanced genetic counseling focusing on family disclosure, educational literature, and psychosocial support may promote improved outcomes.     

Effect of training in minimalist footwear on oxygen consumption during walking and running

The present study sought to examine the effect of 5 weeks of training with minimalist footwear on oxygen consumption during walking and running. Thirteen college-aged students (male n = 7, female n = 6, age: 21.7±1.4 years, height: 168.9±8.8 cm, weight: 70.4±15.8 kg, VO₂max: 46.6±6.6 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) participated in the present investigation. The participants did not have experience with minimalist footwear. Participants underwent metabolic testing during walking (5.6 km·hr⁻¹), light running (7.2 km·hr⁻¹), and moderate running (9.6 km·hr⁻¹). The participants completed this assessment barefoot, in running shoes, and in minimalist footwear in a randomized order. The participants underwent 5 weeks of training with the minimalist footwear. Afterwards, participants repeated the metabolic testing. Data was analyzed via repeated measures ANOVA. The analysis revealed a significant (F_4,32= 7.576, ηp2=0.408, p ≤ 0.001) interaction effect (time × treatment × speed). During the initial assessment, the minimalist footwear condition resulted in greater oxygen consumption at 9.6 km·hr⁻¹ (p ≤ 0.05) compared to the barefoot condition, while the running shoe condition resulted in greater oxygen consumption than both the barefoot and minimalist condition at 7.2 and 9.6 km·hr⁻¹. At post-testing the minimalist footwear was not different at any speed compared to the barefoot condition (p> 0.12). This study suggests that initially minimalist footwear results in greater oxygen consumption than running barefoot, however; with utilization the oxygen consumption becomes similar.     

Efficacy of cycling training based on a power field test

The efficacy of an 8-minute field test to prescribe exercise intensity and assess changes in fitness was evaluated before and after 8 weeks of indoor cycling, and the results were confirmed by laboratory assessment. Changes in maximal steady-state power (MSSP), power at lactate threshold (PT(lact)), maximal power (Pmax), and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were measured on 56 participants (20 women, 36 men; mean +/- SD. 46.5 +/- 10.0 years) who completed 1-hour, biweekly indoor stationary cycling classes on their own road bike outfitted with a Power Tap Pro power meter. The MSSP was defined as the average power during an 8-minute field test, which was administered at the beginning (pre) and end (post) of the training intervention. Individual training ranges were calculated from the pre-MSSP in accordance with Carmichael Training Systems. Laboratory assessments of PT(lact), Pmax, and VO2max were made on 24 of the participants the same weeks MSSP was evaluated. After training, MSSP increased 9.2% (195.4 +/- 56.6 vs. 213.8 +/- 57.2 W; p < 0.05), and PT(lact) increased 12.9% (178.3 +/- 47.1 vs. 201.5 +/- 47.6 W; p < 0.05). The MSSP was approximately 7.5 % higher than PT(lact). Pmax increased approximately 6.7% (315.2 +/- 65.1 to 336.5 +/- 65.9 W), and VO2max increased approximately 6.5% (46.2 +/- 10.7 to 49.1 +/- 10.5 ml x kg(-1) x min(-1)). The MSSP and PT(lact) were highly correlated (r = 0.98) as was MSSP and VO2max (r = 0.90). The results of this research indicated that (a) the field test is a valid measure of fitness and changes in fitness, (b) it provided data for the establishment of training ranges, and (c) a biweekly power-based training program can elicit significant changes in fitness.