Four-week Period Research Articles

Effect of Early Time-Restricted Eating on Metabolic Markers and Body Composition in Individuals with Overweight or Obesity.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of early time-restricted eating (eTRE) on metabolic markers and body composition in individuals with overweight or obesity. Seventeen subjects completed a randomized, crossover, and controlled clinical trial. Twelve women and five men participated, with a mean age of 25.8 ± 10.0 years and a BMI of 32.0 ± 6.3 kg/m2. The eTRE intervention included 16 h of fasting (3:00 pm to 7:00 am) and 8 h of ad libitum eating (7:00 am to 03:00 pm) (16:8). The trial included four weeks of interventions followed by a four-week washout period. Body weight, waist and hip circumferences, and body composition measurements were taken. Additionally, a venous blood sample was collected for biochemical determinations. In a before-after analysis, eTRE induced a reduction in BW and BMI in women but this was not significant when compared to the control group. eTRE did not modify any other anthropometric measurements, fasting biochemical parameters, glycemic and insulinemic responses, blood pressure, or subjective appetite. In conclusion, eTRE did not induce beneficial effects on the glycemic and lipid metabolisms, body composition, subjective appetite, or blood pressure. These findings may be attributed to the special characteristics of the population and the short intervention period.

The Effect of English Podcast on ESL Students Listening Comprehension Skills

This study aims to evaluate the effect of using English podcasts on the listening comprehension skills of ESL (English as a Second Language) students using a pre-experimental one-group pretest post-test design. The sample consisted of 35 ESL students. The students were given a listening comprehension test before the intervention (pretest) to measure their initial skills. During a four-week period, the students were regularly exposed to English podcasts selected based on difficulty level and relevance to the curriculum. After the intervention period, the same listening comprehension test was administered as a post-test to measure changes in listening skills. The collected data were analyzed using a paired t-test to determine the significance of the difference between pretest and post-test scores. The results showed a significant increase in students' listening comprehension scores after the podcast intervention (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that regular use of English podcasts can improve ESL students' listening comprehension skills. This study suggests that podcasts can be an effective tool in language learning, particularly in enhancing listening skills. The practical implication of this research is to encourage educators to integrate podcasts into their teaching methods. Further research is recommended to address the limitations of this study design and explore other factors that may influence the results.

Identifying Key Training Load and Intensity Indicators in Ice Hockey Using Unsupervised Machine Learning

ABSTRACT To identify key training load (TL) and intensity indicators in ice hockey, practice, and game data were collected using a wearable 200-Hz accelerometer and heart rate (HR) recording throughout a four-week (29 days) competitive period (23 practice sessions and 8 competitive games in 17 elite Danish players (n = 427 observations). Within-individual correlations among accelerometer- (total accelerations [Acctot], accelerations >2 m·s−2 [Acc2], total accelerations [Dectot], decelerations <- 2 m·s−2 [Dec2]), among HR-derived (time >85% maximum HR [t85%HRmax], Edwards’ TL and modified training impulse) TL indicators, and between acceleration- and HR-derived TL parameters were large to almost perfect (r = 0.69–0.99). No significant correlations were observed between accelerometer- and HR-derived intensity indicators. Three between- and two within-components were found. The K-means++ cluster analysis revealed five and four clusters for between- and within-loadings, respectively. The least Euclidean distance from their centroid for each cluster was reported by session-duration, Acctot, Dec2, TRIMPMOD, %t85HRmax for between-loadings, whereas session-duration, Acc2, t85HRmax and Dec2/min for within-loadings. Specific TL or intensity variables might be relevant to identify similar between-subject groups (e.g. individual player, playing positions), or temporal patterns (e.g. changes in TL or intensity over time). Our study provides insights about the redundancy associated with the use of multiple TL and intensity variables in ice hockey.

Powderly and the worker awakening: speaking to the South in 1885

ABSTRACT Throughout his 1885 speaking tour across the South, Terence Powderly both respected and challenged the region’s color line. Dedicated to growing the Knights of Labor (KOL) membership in the rapidly industrializing South, Powderly asked white and black workers to recognize their common cause in protesting their new wage slavery. Recognizing that the KOL’s vision of a cooperative commonwealth depended on a racially unified and enlarged union membership, Powderly pushed the notion of worker equality while respecting the South’s views of social inequality. His variegated approach to racial relations at speaking engagements across seven southern states over a four-week period reflected both a pragmatic approach to growing union membership and a moral courage in pressing against the south’s racial boundaries.

Combination of a Topical Anti-Inflammatory Drug and a Moisturizer, Both with a Lamellar Structure Containing Synthetic Pseudo-Ceramides, for the Treatment of Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Atopic Dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis is characterized by chronic inflammation and dryness accompanied by severe itching. The combined use of moisturizers and topical anti-inflammatory drugs is essential for alleviating atopic dermatitis. We have developed a topical anti-inflammatory drug with a steroid and a moisturizer with heparinoid, both in lamellar structure-based formulations containing synthetic pseudo-ceramides. Here, assessed the efficacy of this combination in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. We included 22 patients with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis and subjected them to a seven-week treatment with the test formulations, followed by a four-week post-treatment period. Clinical findings and the quality of life of participants remarkably improved after one week of treatment. Furthermore, skin hydration and transepidermal water loss considerably improved at weeks one and three, respectively. The Cer [NP]/[NS] ratio, an indicator of epidermal turnover, substantially increased during the treatment period and remained elevated even thereafter. The improvement in stratum corneum function was distinctive in participants with lower barrier function. These findings indicated that the combined use of the anti-inflammatory drug and moisturizer, both in lamellar structure-based formulations, is effective in treating atopic dermatitis in patients with fragile barrier function.

Analisis Deskriptif Pertumbuhan dan Perkembangan Cacing Tanah (Lumbricus rubellus) dengan Variasi Pakan Ampas Tahu dan Kotoran Sapi

Earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) are beneficial invertebrates that reduce waste, animal feed, and cosmetic raw material. The research was conducted at Ruyani Life Sciences Learning Resources (SBIH), Bengkulu (Ruyani et al., 2018), from September to November 2023. The design of this study adopted a Complete Randomized Design (RAL) consisting of five experimental groups with different feed comparisons (in %).Earthworm growth and development are optimized in their natural habitat, which includes temperatures ranging from 15℃ to 25℃, soil moisture and air availability between 15% and 30%, soil pH levels between 6.0 and 7.2, and the presence of organic matter for food. The study fed earthworms a diet consisting of tofu residues and cow dung in different proportions: (a) 100% tofu residues and 0% cow dung; (b) 75% tofu residues and 25% cow dung; (c) 50% tofu residues and 50% cow dung; and (d) 25% tofu residues and 75% cow dung. The research findings indicated that the ideal feed composition for maximizing earthworm biomass production is 25% tofu residues and 75% cow dung. Additionally, the most effective ratio of individual earthworms throughout a four-week maintenance period is 75% tofu residues and 25% cow dung.

Executive function and drivers’ ability to self-regulate behaviour when engaging with devices

Distracted driving is a leading cause of road trauma. While there is an understanding of some psychological mechanisms underlying distracted driving, there is limited knowledge on the role of executive function in the willingness to engage in non-driving tasks and even less is known about its potential role in drivers’ self-regulatory behaviour when distracted. This study investigated the relationship between executive function and driver engagement with technology. It specifically focussed on whether difficulties in everyday executive functioning impacts drivers’ ability to self-regulate behaviour when engaging with devices at the planning, decision and control levels. Twenty-five licenced drivers aged 20 to 65 years were recruited from the general driving public. Participants first completed the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Adult Version (BRIEF-A) and then filled in a series of trip diaries soon after driving over a four-week period. The diaries detailed their interactions with a range of on-board and portable devices during each trip. Generalised Estimated Equations were used to examine associations between executive function and drivers’ behavioural regulation when interacting with devices. Results revealed that difficulties with the behavioural regulation and metacognition aspects of executive function were associated with higher engagement with devices while driving. Executive function also had important links to drivers’ self-regulatory behaviours, particularly at the planning and decision levels. The relationship between executive function and self-regulation at the control level was less clear. These findings enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying distracted driving behaviour and suggest possible interventions to reduce engagement with devices and facilitate and enhance positive self-regulatory behaviours.

Professional development in pediatric nursing: A study on the impact of educational module in legal and ethical care

The increasing complexity of legal and ethical issues in pediatric healthcare necessitates enhanced competencies among nurses. This study investigates the impact of a teaching module on the legal and ethical knowledge and practices of nurses in a pediatric tertiary care centre in South India. : A quasi-experimental, one-group pre-test and post-test design were employed over a four-week period. The participants included 60 registered nurses who were not involved in operation theaters, outpatient departments, or night shifts. A validated semi-structured questionnaire assessed the nurses' knowledge and practices before and after the intervention. The teaching module consisted of a 45-minute session that combined lecture discussions, PowerPoint presentations, and handouts. Results showed significant improvements in knowledge and practice post-intervention, with average knowledge scores increasing by 32.88% and practice scores by 41.00%. Additionally, demographic factors such as age and working experience positively correlated with knowledge and practice gains. This study underlines the effectiveness of teaching modules in closing the gap in legal and ethical training among pediatric nurses, suggesting that such educational initiatives could substantially enhance patient care and reduce legal risks.

Promoting collective precycling behavior: results from a group intervention with Berlin households in Germany.

To tackle the global waste crisis, there is an urgent need for decisive and joint action at multiple levels. The collective behavior of a community could make a significant contribution. This paper presents the results of a field experiment designed to promote packaging waste prevention - called precycling - in a newly formed community setting, in Berlin, Germany. The aim was to examine the effect of the intervention on precycling and to examine the underlying social identity processes. Over a four-week period, 132 participants from 96 different households digitally received a combination of different interventions, that were theoretically informed by the Social Identity Model of Pro-Environmental Action (SIMPEA). Households were assigned to two intervention groups and a waiting control group. Data was collected before, immediately after and four months after the intervention to assess the impact of the intervention using multilevel models. After the intervention, the overall precycling behavior increased significantly, but not as a result of the different group conditions. In the more comprehensive intervention group, which included social interaction and behavioral experimentation, the community identification was strengthened and the reuse behavior, as a subset of precycling, increased. While a number of social identity processes (collective efficacy beliefs, having a precycling action goal, crisis appraisal, and sufficiency attitudes) were found to positively predict the precycling behavior, surprisingly, the predictive power of social norms and ingroup identification could not be confirmed. Overall, the presented community intervention promoted precycling. However, in this dynamic real-world setting, not all intervention elements worked as expected. The pitfalls and opportunities of this intervention are discussed, and ideas for translating the results into everyday precycling activities are presented.

Improving prospective memory in persons with multiple sclerosis via telehealth: A randomized feasibility study

BackgroundPersons with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) can experience deficits in prospective memory (PM) or “remembering to remember,” which are associated with functional difficulties. However, no cognitive rehabilitation intervention has specifically addressed improving PM in PwMS. The Telehealth PM Intervention (TPMI) provides a novel combination of two strategies—visual imagery and implementation intentions—that have each been beneficial in other populations. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of TPMI and its preliminary efficacy, which could be used to inform future trials. MethodsParticipants (n = 35) were PwMS who were pre-screened and endorsed experiencing problems “remembering places they have to be” and “things they have to do.” After completing a baseline evaluation, which included objective (Memory for Intentions Test; MIST) and subjective (Perceived Deficits Questionnaire; PDQ-PM) measures of PM, participants were randomized to either the active treatment (TPMI; n = 17) or active control group (Control; n = 18). TPMI was offered through remote one-on-one sessions twice a week over a four-week period. Participants were asked about treatment credibility and expectancy during the first session. The MIST and PDQ-PM were repeated at post-treatment, where treatment satisfaction was also captured. Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests were used to examine the feasibility measures, while repeated measures ANOVAs were used to examine changes in the PM outcomes. ResultsA total of 88.2 % of the TPMI group completed all eight sessions, with moderate-to-high (≥7 out of 10) treatment credibility/expectancy and satisfaction reported by 93.3 % and 86.7 %, respectively. While there were no significant effects on overall PM, the TPMI group had an improvement in objective time-based PM after adjusting for baseline differences (F(1,29) = 4.61, p = 0.040; d = 0.80). Furthermore, the TPMI group had a significant reduction in the number of time-based loss of content errors compared to the Control group, which remained significant after covariate adjustment (F(1,25) = 4.29, p = 0.049; d = 0.83). ConclusionsTPMI is a feasible intervention, with high completion rates and moderate-to-high treatment ratings, that can be delivered remotely. Early evidence shows its potential benefit for improving time-based PM, a particular concern for PwMS, which should be further evaluated in a larger clinical trial.

Reducing Lung Injury from Blind Insertion of Small-Bore Feeding Tubes.

Using a blind insertion technique to insert small-bore feeding tubes can result in inadvertent placement in the lungs, leading to lung perforation and even mortality. In a Magnet-designated, 500-bed, level 2 trauma center, two serious patient safety events occurred in a four-week period due to nurses blindly inserting a small-bore feeding tube. A patient safety event review team convened and conducted an assessment of reported small-bore feeding tube insertion events that occurred between March 2019 and July 2021. The review revealed six lung perforations over this two-year period. These events prompted the creation of a multidisciplinary team to evaluate alternative small-bore feeding tube insertion practices. The team reviewed the literature and evaluated several evidence-based small-bore feeding tube placement methods, including placement with fluoroscopy, a two-step X-ray, electromagnetic visualization, and capnography. After the evaluation, capnography was selected as the most effective method to mitigate the complications of blind insertion. In this article, the authors describe a quality improvement project involving the implementation of capnography-guided small-bore feeding tube placement to reduce complications and the incidence of lung perforation. Since the completion of the project, which took place from December 13, 2021, through April 18, 2022, no lung injuries or perforations have been reported. Capnography is a relatively simple, noninvasive, and cost-effective technology that provides nurses with a means to safely and effectively insert small-bore feeding tubes, decrease the incidence of adverse events, and improve patient care.

Đánh giá độc tính cấp và độc tính bán trường diễn của viên nang cứng Probiotic EntVN 500 mg trên động vật thực nghiệm

Probiotic EntVN 500 mg contains the probiotic strains E. faecium F26BA and E. faecium F54BA, both of which were isolated from traditional Vietnamese foods. This study's goal is to evaluate the safety of Probiotic EntVN 500 mg through an acute and semi-chronic toxicity oral administration. Toxicity studies on Wistar rats showed that even at a dose of 10 000 mg/kg body weight-40 times higher than the typical human dose-no 50% mortality rate (LD50) was observed. After administering EntVN Probiotic 500 mg to sewer rat at a daily dose of 140 mg/kg body weight (equivalent to the human dosage) and 420 mg/kg body weight (three times the human dosage) over a four-week period, no significant changes were observed hematological parameters including red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets. Blood chemistry tests, measuring levels of AST, ALT, cholesterol, albumin, and creatinine, also showed no significant variations. Additionally, histopathological examinations of the liver, spleen, and kidneys revealed no damage. Mice after using EntVN 500 mg increased their weight slightly compared to the control group. The concentration of viable probiotic bacteria was 3.3 x 1010 CFU/g at the time of production, and 3 x 1010 CFU/g one month later, indicating stable potency. The capsule formulation complies with Vietnam's national standards for bacterial contamination limits and heavy metal contamination limits. The results indicate that the capsule Probiotic EntVN 500 mg ingredients are safe and have potential applications in the field of pharmaceuticals and functional foods

Serum vitamin D concentrations in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are more affected by UVB irradiation of food than irradiation of animals

Rabbits kept under ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiation respond with increasing serum vitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations, but it is unknown whether irradiation of the animals or their feed contributes more. Twenty-four New Zealand White rabbits were divided into three groups for a four-week period: the control group (C) received no UVB-exposure and non-irradiated hay (ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) concentration 2.22 µg/100 g dry matter). The direct exposure group (D) was provided with 12 h of UVB-irradiation daily and fed the same hay as group C in shaded areas to prevent UVB-irradiation thereof. The indirect exposure group (I) did not receive direct UVB-irradiation but was fed hay of the same batch that was exposed to 12 h of UVB-irradiation (vitamin D2 6.06 µg/100 g dry matter). Serum 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3, ionised calcium, total calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium concentrations were measured weekly. There was no systematic effect on serum mineral concentrations. The serum 25(OH)D2 concentrations were significantly higher in group I compared to groups C and D from the second week onwards. 25(OH)D3 concentrations increased only in group D, with significant differences to both other groups from the third week onwards, yet at lower magnitudes than the noted increase of 25(OH)D2 in group I. Total 25(OH)D concentrations were highest in group I, intermediate in group D and lowest in group C. Serum total 25(OH)D concentration was more affected by UVB-irradiation of rabbits’ feed than by direct irradiation of the animals themselves. If rabbit serum total 25(OH)D concentrations should be managed, diet manipulation rather than animal UVB-exposure appears to be more effective.

The Feasibility and Efficacy of Remote App-Guided Home Exercises for Frozen Shoulder: A Pilot Study.

Home exercise programs are beneficial in managing frozen shoulder (FS), yet adherence remains challenging. This pilot study introduces the remote app, Defrozen, designed for home exercises and assesses its feasibility and clinical outcomes in FS patients undergoing intra-articular and sub-acromial corticosteroid treatment. Over a four-week period, patients used the Defrozen-app, engaging in guided exercises. The feasibility of the intervention was assessed through several measurement scales, including adherence, the Technology Acceptance Model 2 (TAM2), the System Usability Scale (SUS), and User Satisfaction and Engagement (USE). Clinical outcomes included pain scale, Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS), Quick Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) Score, and passive range of motion. The TAM2 results indicated high perceived usefulness (4.5/5), ease of use (4.8/5), and intention to use (4.4/5); the SUS score was high at 81.7/100, complemented by USE scores reflecting ease of learning (4.9/5) and satisfaction (4.3/5). Clinical outcomes showed significant pain reduction, improved shoulder function, reduced shoulder-related disability, and increased shoulder range of motion. These findings suggest the Defrozen-app as a promising solution for FS, significantly improving adherence and showing potential to enhance clinical outcomes. However, these clinical outcome results are preliminary and necessitate further validation through a large-scale randomized controlled trial to definitively confirm efficacy and assess long-term benefits.

Temporal trends of ischemic stroke rates in atrial fibrillation without anticoagulation: a nationwide cohort study from 2007 to 2018

Abstract Background Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke (IS), but whether the magnitude of this risk has changed over time is unknown. Purpose To evaluate temporal trends in IS rates in patients with AF who have not initiated oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy. Methods The registry-linkage Finnish AntiCoagulation in Atrial Fibrillation (FinACAF) study covers all patients with incident AF in Finland from 2007 to 2018. A four-week quarantine period from AF diagnosis was applied and only follow-up time without OAC therapy was included. IS incidence rates were computed in four-year intervals. Results In total, 129 789 patients with new-onset AF (49.2% women; mean age 71.4 years) were identified. The IS incidence rate trends according to sex and the CHA2DS2-VA score are depicted in the Figure, along with the previously estimated treatment thresholds for direct oral anticoagulants (red broken line) and warfarin therapy (blue broken line). Between the calendar year intervals of 2007-2010 and 2015-2018, their mean CHA2DS2-VA score increased from 2.5 to 3.0, while concurrently the overall IS rate decreased by 25% from 36.7 (95% CI 34.5-39.0) to 27.6 (95% CI 26.1-29.0) events per 1000 patient years. This trend was driven by a 32% decrease in women, particularly among those with high CHA2DS2-VA scores. The overall IS rate in patients with a CHA2DS2-VA score of 1 was 8.2 (95% CI 7.2-9.4) events per 1000 patient years and it remained stable across the study period. Conclusions The IS rates in AF patients without OAC therapy have decreased by 25% between 2007 and 2018, despite their rising stroke risk scores. In patients with a CHA2DS2-VA score of 1 the IS rate appears to be lower than previously assumed and approximately at the threshold at which the potential benefits and harms of OAC therapy have been estimated to overlap.

Innovative cultural care training: the impact of flipped classroom methods on critical cultural competencies in psychiatric nursing: a quasi-experimental study

IntroductionHealthcare systems are encountering a growing number of diverse and multicultural clients due to globalization and migration. To effectively address the challenges associated with cross-cultural interactions, nurses require a comprehensive framework of critical cultural competencies. One potential approach to enhancing these competencies in mental health care settings is to use innovative methods such as the flipped classroom in cultural care training programs. This study evaluated the effect of using the flipped classroom method in cultural care training on the critical cultural competencies of nurses working in a psychiatric hospital.MethodsThis quasi-experimental study involved 70 nurses working in a psychiatric hospital affiliated with the Kerman University of Medical Sciences in southeastern Iran. Through random sampling, the nurses were allocated into two groups of intervention (n = 35) and control (n = 35). The intervention group participated in a cultural care training program using the flipped classroom method, which consisted of four sessions conducted over a four-week period. To evaluate the nurses’ critical cultural competence, the Almutairi’s Critical Cultural Competence Scale was administered before the training and again one month later.ResultsThe study findings indicated no significant differences in the scores of critical cultural competencies between the intervention group (4.53 ± 0.64) and the control group (4.73 ± 0.42) during the pre-test stage (t = 1.53, p = 0.13). Both groups had a similar perception of critical cultural competencies, which was not particularly positive. However, in the posttest stage, the intervention group (5.33 ± 0.49) demonstrated a significant increase in critical cultural competencies compared to the control group (4.75 ± 0.44) (t = 5.14, p = 0.001).ConclusionThe study results indicated that the use of the flipped classroom method in the cultural care training program effectively enhanced the critical cultural competencies of nurses. Given the importance of cultural care in both physical and psychiatric care settings for multicultural clients, it is crucial for nurses to receive ongoing in-service education that utilizes innovative and active methods such as the flipped classroom.

Effects of Four Weeks of In-Season Pre-Workout Supplementation on Performance, Body Composition, Muscle Damage, and Health-Related Markers in Basketball Players: A Randomized Controlled Study.

This randomized, double-blinded, experimental study investigated the effects of a four-week daily pre-workout supplementation (200 mg caffeine, 3.3 g creatine monohydrate, 3.2 g β-alanine, 6 g citrulline malate, and 5 g BCAA) vs. placebo (isocaloric maltodextrin) on anaerobic (jumping, sprinting, agility, and the running-based anaerobic sprint test: RAST) and aerobic (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1) performance, as well as on body composition and selective muscle damage/health-related blood markers in well-trained basketball players during the in-season period. Eighteen basketball players (age: 24.4 ± 6.3 years, height: 185.7 ± 8.0 cm, weight: 85.7 ± 12.8 kg, body fat: 16.5 ± 4.2%) were randomly assigned into two groups: pre-workout supplement (PWS, n = 10) or placebo (PL, n = 8). PWS consumption increased aerobic performance (PWS: 8 ± 6%; PL: -2 ± 6%; p = 0.004) compared to PL. A significant decrease was observed in peak (F = 7.0; p = 0.017), average (F = 10.7; p = 0.005), and minimum power (F = 5.1; p = 0.039) following 4 weeks of supplementation in both groups. No other significant changes were observed between groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the consumption of the current PWS over a four-week period appears to positively influence the aerobic performance of well-trained basketball players during the in-season period. However, it does not appear to mitigate the observed decline in anaerobic power, nor does it affect performance in jumping, sprinting, and agility, or alter body composition or selective muscle damage/health-related blood markers.

Abstract 1124: Sympathetic Denervation Models In Murine Femoral Arteries: Acute To Chronic Effects Of 6-hydroxydopamine

Introduction: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) drives blood flow regulation in peripheral arteries. This study aims to develop novel models of sympathetic denervation in peripheral arteries and to characterize subsequent vascular remodeling. We hypothesize that sympathetic denervation of murine femoral arteries can be achieved through local administration of neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Methods: BALB/c mice underwent local administration of 6-OHDA to the left femoral artery, while the contralateral artery received vehicle solution. Two approaches were tested: (1) Acute: a one-time topical application following surgical exposure of femoral arteries (N=8, male, Fig. A ), and (2) Chronic: weekly subcutaneous injections near the femoral arteries (N=11, male and female, Fig. B ). Hindlimb perfusion was assessed with laser Doppler imaging, and arterial structure and remodeling were evaluated with histology and immunohistochemistry at one, two, or four weeks. Results: One-time 6-OHDA application (Acute) led to temporary femoral artery denervation (reduction in tyrosine hydroxylase) for one week ( Fig. C – D ), with inflammation observed in both 6-OHDA and vehicle-treated arteries. No vascular wall remodeling was observed after temporary denervation. Weekly subcutaneous 6-OHDA injections (Chronic) resulted in persistent denervation throughout the four-week period in male mice, while female mice displayed variable outcomes ( Fig. E – F ). Sustained sympathetic denervation in the chronic model led to reduced hindlimb blood perfusion at low core temperatures ( Fig. G – H ), though no significant differences were detected in vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype or extracellular matrix composition. Conclusions: Local administration of 6-OHDA is an effective means of peripheral artery sympathetic denervation with controllable duration. This innovative approach of targeting the ANS unveils new prospects for advancing vascular therapies.

REGULAR LOW-DOSE CAFFEINE SUPPLEMENTATION DURING TRAINING DOES NOT PROVIDE ADDITIONAL BENEFIT TO SUBSEQUENT EXERCISE PERFORMANCE IN AUSTRALIAN RULES FOOTBALL ATHLETES

INTRODUCTION &amp; AIMS Acute caffeine supplementation can improve exercise types like those completed by Australian Rules football (ARF) players during training. Hypothetically athletes could implement caffeine supplementation prior to training, allowing them to complete more training volume, improving adaptation and subsequent exercise performance. This study aimed to investigate the effect of regular low-dose caffeine ingestion pre-training during a training block on subsequent exercise performance. METHODS Twenty-nine male semi-professional ARF players were randomly allocated to a caffeine or placebo group. The four-week intervention period involved participants ingesting 2 mg·kg·BM-1 of caffeine or a placebo 60 min prior to two of their three weekly training sessions, which incorporated sport-specific conditioning and skills training. To assess exercise performance, a battery of tests was used before and after the intervention period including the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 2 (YYIRT2), 20 m sprint and vertical jump (VJ). Performance differences were assessed using a linear mixed-effect model. RESULTS Mean session rating of perceived exertion (p = .24) and total training load (p =.53) were not different between caffeine and placebo groups over the intervention. There were no significant time x condition interaction effects for YYIRT2 accumulated distance (p = .87), or 5, 10 and 20 m sprint times (p =.06 - .44), however both caffeine and placebo groups improved YYIRT2 distance and sprint times following four weeks of training (p &amp;lt; 0.01). There was a significant effect for time showing decreased VJ performance (p &amp;lt; 0.01), with greater reductions in the placebo group (p = .03). CONCLUSION It is more beneficial to implement an effective training program for athletes rather than focusing effort on regular low-dose caffeine supplementation to augment the training stimulus. The training stimulus itself is typically greater for developing endurance and sprint effort performance, with supplemental caffeine showing no additional performance benefit.

A comparative study on the effects of e-picture books and printed books on story comprehension and reading motivation among Chinese preschoolers

With the development of multimedia technology, the electronic reading method has greatly increased the enthusiasm for reading among initially less motivated children. This form of reading exhibits considerable potential, underscoring the necessity of determining the impact of employing such novel software on the emergent reading of young children in China. The aim of this research investigation is to contrast the influences of electronic books and printed book reading on story comprehension and reading motivation in Chinese five-year-olds. Preschoolers participating in this study were randomly selected from three different classrooms in a public kindergarten in Chongqing, China. These participants were again assigned to electronic and printed book reading groups according to their pretest scores. During the four-week reading intervention period, each preschooler read a picture book once a week, for a total of two books. The results indicate that the incorporation of screen-based reading for preschoolers holds promise in reducing reading fatigue and fostering interest in reading. In addition, there was a notable disparity in story comprehension levels, even though varying reading mediums were used in the two groups.