Full Gear Research Articles

The effectiveness of physical therapy in the rehabilitation of patients after arthroscopy of the knee joint.

Aim: To determine the effectiveness of physical therapy on the functional state of law enforcement officers' knee joints after surgical intervention. Materials and Methods: The research involved law enforcement officers from different units of the National Police of Ukraine (n = 56) who had suffered knee joint injuries in the line of duty, and underwent surgical intervention and rehabilitation procedures. Results: It was found that 78.2 % of respondents had suffered knee joint ligament injuries as a result of falls during rapid movement, while 43.9 % were in full gear (armored protection, helmet, etc.). It was determined that after surgical intervention, the functional state of the knee joint of law enforcement officers who followed the recommendations of physical therapy specialists and systematically performed special sets of physical exercises was significantly different (p < 0.001). Worse results were noted in people who partially followed the recommendations of rehabilitation therapists and performed part of the prescribed procedures and physical exercises. Conclusions: The effectiveness of the complex use of physical rehabilitation means for restoring the functioning of the knee joint after surgical intervention, which included arthroscopy, partial menisectomy of the damaged areas, debridement, vaporization of damaged cartilage, etc. was revealed. The positive effect of physical exercises on the functional state of the knee joint was proven. The sets of exercises that are advisable to use to restore the functioning of the knee joint were determined.

Time to Put Women-Controlled Multipurpose Prevention Technologies for Their Protection in Full Gear

In this concise communication, we shed some light on the urgent need to support and fund women’s sexual and reproductive health research in the area of STIs/HIV/unintended pregnancy prevention that is largely underserved. We stress the need for developing affordable safe and effective innovative vaginal products under the control of women to protect themselves against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We highlight the importance of complete and homogenous coverage of the vaginal and cervical mucosae of women by the vaginal product for optimal protection, especially against biofilm vaginal infections. Finally, we focus on the necessity of equity for women and the ease of access to such woman-controlled products for the benefit of the whole society.

Comparing Acute Responses Between Single Session Circuit Training and Fireground Suppression Tasks.

Loewen, B, Melton, B, Maupin, D, and Ryan, G. Comparing acute responses between single session circuit training and fireground suppression tasks. J Strength Cond Res 37(8): 1667-1678, 2023-The purpose of this study was to compare the cardio-metabolic and perceived demands of task-specific circuit training to fireground suppression tasks (FST). Twenty-three career, structural firefighters performed three separate testing days (i.e., FST, CT, and CTW). FST consisted of performing seven common occupational tasks in full gear (∼22.5kg). The weighted (CTW: 18.9kg vest) and unweighted (CT) circuit utilized seven exercises designed to mimic the FST's. Measurements included relative heart rate (%HRmax), post-training blood lactate (Lapost), change in countermovement jump height (▵CMJ), change in dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength (▵DHG and ▵NDHG), total training time, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and job-specific rating of relevance. A repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA), with Bonferroni post-hoc, was performed for each variable, excluding RPE and rating of relevance. Friedman's ANOVA was used to assess differences in RPE and rating of relevance, with Wilcoxen Signed Rank tests follow-up. Significant mean differences were found in %HRmax between CT and FST (∼8.6%, p < 0.01, d = 1.12) and CTW and FST (∼5.3%, p < 0.01, d = 0.75), ▵CMJ between CT and FST (p < 0.01, d = 1.35) and CTW and FST (p < 0.01, d = 1.09), ▵NDHG between CTW and FST (p = 0.01, d = 0.79), training time between CT and FST (p < 0.01, d = 1.00) and CTW and FST (p < 0.01, d = 1.81), and rating of relevance between CT and FST (PSdep = 0.67). In conclusion, CT and CTW were able to elicit similar metabolic and perceived demands as FST, while producing a lower cardiovascular response. Therefore, while circuit training may be a beneficial training tool for firefighters, it cannot replicate FST.

Simulation Study on the Tribological Characteristics in the Meshing Contact in the Context of the Load Carrying Capacity Calculation of Internal Gears with Unbalanced Sliding Conditions

Planetary gearboxes are characterized by a high power density and a compact design with coaxial in- and output. Consequently, planetary gear units are frequently used in many practical applications, e.g. in wind energy and industrial transmission systems as well as in automotive applications such as automatic transmissions. As a result of the scaling-up of the required system power, the risk of flank damages increased during the last decade. Certain damage types, such as pitting and micropitting, occur predominantly in contact areas of negative specific sliding on the tooth flank surface. Unlike external gears, internal gears offer the possibility of positioning the pitch point C outside of the active profile. Depending on the gear design, this allows a complete avoidance of negative specific sliding either on the planet or on the ring gear. In contrast, the corresponding gear is subjected to negative specific sliding only. It can be assumed that the lifetime regarding flank damages of each meshing partner can be affected by different positions of the pitch point and the resulting differences in the specific sliding, which allows an optimization of the full gear system, taking into account e.g. the load carrying capacity reserves for different material pairings. It is to be noted that such gear designs are already part of some practical applications.However, the existing analytical approaches within standardized load carrying capacity calculation methods are typically based on investigations considering external gears with balanced sliding conditions. Systematic results on internal gear designs with pitch point positioned outside of the active profile are not available.Within this paper, extended theoretical studies on the tribological characteristics of different internal gear designs are presented. Therefore, a reference geometry with balanced sliding conditions is compared to internal gears with pitch point below respectively above the active profile. The focus of the studies is the analysis of the lubricant film thickness and the contact temperature in the meshing contact. Referring to this, a high-order TEHL contact simulation model was used. The results of the numerical analysis with the FZG calculation software TriboMesh are compared to different analytical approaches in the context of the calculation of load carrying capacity to derive recommendations for the design of internal gears.

Kalorimetrische Messung der Ver- zahnungsverlustleistung im Bereich hoher Umfangsgeschwindigkeiten

Gear damage, e.g. scuffing, reacts sensitively to the local dissipation of frictional heat during a full gear mesh. Several empirical friction models have been established in relevant literature. These can be used to calculate the gear friction locally or averaged over a mesh. For calibration purpose, experimental data from twin disc machines with stationary contact conditions are mostly used. However, the assignment of the model as well as the consideration of topographical, rheological and geometrical effects is often subject to uncertainties. In this paper, a method is presented to measure the power losses of high-speed spur gears up to vt = 100 m/s. The measurement principle uses the calorimetric properties of the circulating lubricant. The implementation of the measurement setup in a highspeed gear test rig reduces thermal interferences from sealings and bearings. Analysis regarding the measurement quality show that the measurement method delivers reproducible results with a high measurement resolution over a wide range of operating conditions.

Technology Focus: Bits and Bottomhole Assemblies (December 2022)

Drilling-efficiency improvements must guarantee consistent reductions in project cost. The industry continues to pursue this critical requirement through different approaches—rate of penetration (ROP) maximization or cycle-time improvement. Recent advancements in technology, drilling processes, and applications characterization have begun to crystallize the differences and implications of the two methods. Most importantly, these efforts also identify crucial requirements and considerations that must be resolved as the move toward drilling analytics and automation gathers momentum. Considerations and factors that influence project costs must be identified and analyzed from an operational perspective, instead of the usual mechanical evaluations that focus just on ROP. Recent advancements in technology development, field performance trends, and applications characterizations have established the effects and contributions of numerous other factors such as vibrations control, durability, borehole quality, directional challenges, downhole tool life, footage drilled, borehole verticality, and ROP on operational costs. The different factors have peculiar relationships with, and effects on, project costs and must not be analyzed in isolation. Consequently, solutions needed to address risks, failures, opportunities, and associated implications of these factors must be developed holistically. Actionable lookbacks and relational benchmarking that focuses on the “why” and “how” of events rather than the “what” are critical requirements of this process. This systematic and holistic approach promotes cycle-time improvement, with measurable positive effects on operational costs. The methodology ensures that problems are addressed at their source, while certifying relevance and functional compatibility of all drilling-system components. Drilling analytics and automation must improve performance, with clear objectives to further drive down operational costs. To achieve these goals, critical pillars that focus on the holistic-solution approach and fast learning principles must be built. This strategy will promote process efficiency, explainable results, performance consistency, and fast adaptability by project teams. The industry’s commitment to improve drilling efficiency and reduce operational costs is in full gear, yielding positive results, because of the new alignment and focus on cycle-time improvement. Holistic methodologies and solutions needed for this endeavor pose several questions that must be answered because clearer and complete pictures must be drawn for all challenges. Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org. SPE 204129 When Slick Is Not Smooth: Bottomhole Assembly Selection and Its Effect on Wellbore Quality by Marc Willerth, Helmerich and Payne, et al. SPE 207423 Novel Motor Adjusts Bend Setting Downhole, Addressing Today’s Directional Drilling Challenges by Rohan D’Souza, NOV, et al. SPE 208541 Optimizing Bottomhole Assembly Design Criteria To Improve Mechanical Performance in Slimhole Drilling Environment by Stephen Fleming, Halliburton, et al.

Predicting Firefighters' Physical Ability Test Scores from Anaerobic Fitness Parameters & Mental Toughness Levels.

Physical ability test (PAT) evaluates firefighters' (FF) occupational capacity. The contribution of anaerobic systems during PAT and mental toughness (MT) relationship to PAT is unexplored. PAT modeling based on anaerobic fitness (AF), MT, and respective relationships were examined. Fourteen male FFs (Age: 29.0 ± 7.0 years) completed a PAT composed of occupationally-specific tasks in full gear. On a separate day, a series of AF assessments were performed (handgrip-dynamometry: HG; vertical-jump: VJ; Margaria-Kalamen: MK; 300-yard shuttle run: 300YD). MT was evaluated using military training MT inventory (MTMTI) and sports MT questionnaire (SMTQ). We tested the PAT model using multiple backward regression and related correlations coefficients at p &lt; 0.05. A 78% proportion of PAT was explained by AF parameters (F2,13 = 20.2, &lt;0.05). PAT was significantly correlated with HG (r = -0.71, p &lt; 0.01), VJ (r = -0.73, p &lt; 0.01), MK (r = -0.75, p &lt; 0.01), and with 300YD (r = 0.60, p &lt; 0.05). MT did not demonstrate significant correlation with PAT (p &gt; 0.01). Anaerobic system significantly contributes to PAT performance. FFs should optimize AF training, which would allow for enhanced occupational performance in PAT. Further investigation into psychological determinants of FFs is recommended.

Theoretical analysis of the organization of special physical training of future officers of military education institutions

The key to high combat readiness and combat capability of the personnel of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is the required level of professional knowledge, sufficient motivation, excellent physical development and high functional status of the basic body systems of servicemen [1].Radical changes in views on the country's national security, the protracted hybrid war in eastern Ukraine, and the reform of the higher education system in line with the Bologna Process are factors in the need to reform the training of officers in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Scholars believe that in order for the level of a future officer of a military educational institution to fully meet the requirements of a NATO-style professional army, it is necessary to significantly strengthen the professional component of the future officer's training and ensure its specialization [2].On the other hand, the experience of combat operations in the Joint Forces Operation (anti-terrorist operation) in eastern Ukraine has proved the need to develop and improve the military-applied physical skills of servicemen. Modern specialists in physical training of the Armed Forces of Ukraine insist on the need to focus on training servicemen to develop skills on the battlefield, overcoming obstacles in full gear and ballistic protection, throwing grenades, firing small arms from different positions, swimming and swimming. with weapons [3]. Authors of scientific works O. Lavrut, T. Lavrut, 2009; O. Olkhoviy, 2014; V. Klimovich, O. Olkhoviy, S. Romanchuk, 2016, argue that the success of the military-professional activity and the results of the professional training of the future officers lie in the old physical camp [4, 5]. Foreign experts I. Mikkola, S. Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi, J. Jokelainen, A. Peitso, P. Härkönen, M. Timonen, 2012; K. Friedl, J. Knapik, K. Häkkinen, N. Baumgartner, H. Groeller, N. Taylor, 2015 in their studies confirm that the physical development and functional state of the body’s systems is a guarantee of effective combat training of military service personnel [6, 7].

Disenchanting Socialist Internationalism: Polish Workers in Czechoslovakia and East Germany, 1962–91

This article seeks to paint a more nuanced picture of the role plaid by socialist internationalism in East Germany and Czechoslovakia regarding the employment of foreign labour, focusing on Poles. The long-term cooperation with Warsaw provides a suitable perspective on how to interpret particular periods and milestones of the schemes as a whole. The article partly dissociates from contemporary writing on the subject, which perceives socialist internationalism either as an instrument of propaganda, masking ruthless exploitation, or as a genuine value that inspired and permeated foreign labour recruitment. Based on documents from archives of all three countries in focus, it is argued that the schemes were clearly driven by the economic needs from the very beginning. Except for limited-scale cooperation with countries of the Global South, socialist internationalism came largely to the fore during the 1970s as a substitutional objective, when the economic goals of the foreign labour recruitment proved unreachable, and policymakers were at pains to reshape the meaning of the schemes (running already in full gear). However, with growing and unmanageable economic difficulties, the idealist rhetoric of internationalism plaid an ever more important role in framing the labour force cooperation until the end of communist regimes.

Two Reconfigurable NDP Servers: Understanding the Impact of Near-Data Processing on Data Center Applications

Existing near-data processing (NDP)-powered architectures have demonstrated their strength for some data-intensive applications. Data center servers, however, have to serve not only data-intensive but also compute-intensive applications. An in-depth understanding of the impact of NDP on various data center applications is still needed. For example, can a compute-intensive application also benefit from NDP? In addition, current NDP techniques focus on maximizing the data processing rate by always utilizing all computing resources at all times. Is this “always running in full gear” strategy consistently beneficial for an application? To answer these questions, we first propose two reconfigurable NDP-powered servers called RANS ( R econfigurable A RM-based N DP S erver) and RFNS ( R econfigurable F PGA-based N DP S erver). Next, we implement a single-engine prototype for each of them based on a conventional data center and then evaluate their effectiveness. Experimental results measured from the two prototypes are then extrapolated to estimate the properties of the two full-size reconfigurable NDP servers. Finally, several new findings are presented. For example, we find that while RANS can only benefit data-intensive applications, RFNS can offer benefits for both data-intensive and compute-intensive applications. Moreover, we find that for certain applications the reconfigurability of RANS/RFNS can deliver noticeable energy efficiency without any performance degradation.

Youth ice hockey COVID-19 protocols and prevention of sport-related transmission

ObjectivesThis observational study evaluated the impact of return-to-play protocols to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in a youth ice hockey programme in Virginia Beach, Virginia.MethodsFollowing an outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 in November...

Physical Performance Testing Measures Are Poor Predictors Of Ice Hockey Game Performance

Physical performance testing is used to evaluate ice hockey players’ physical preparedness for competition. Identifying relationships between performance tests and game performance outcomes (GPO) could be valuable for predicting which players will be most successful. PURPOSE: To evaluate relationships between measures obtained during off- and on-ice physical performance tests and GPO during a collegiate ice hockey season. METHODS: Nineteen male, collegiate ice hockey players (age = 18-24 yr; ht = 1.8 ± 0.1 m, wt = 85.3 ± 5.1 kg) completed physical performance tests including vertical jump (VJ), 30-sec Wingate, incremental treadmill (TM), and a repeated shift ability (RSA) test during preseason. Players received 3-5 attempts to perform their maximum vertical jump (nearest 0.5 inch). The 30-sec Wingate was performed with 0.075 kg per kg of body weight and provided peak power (WPW) and percent fatigue decrement (WFD). Time to volitional exhaustion was measured on the TM which entailed 3-min run stages separated by 90-sec rest. The RSA was performed on-ice in full gear. The RSA involved eight, ~22-sec maximal skating shifts with 90-sec rest between each shift. The fastest shift (FS) and fatigue decrement index (FDI) were measured and calculated. Throughout the 2019-2020 season, Corsi For (CF) and Ice Time (IT) were recorded each game. Spearman correlations were used to assess relationships between each performance test and GPO. RESULTS: VJ heights averaged 30.4 ± 2.5 in, WPW and WFD averaged 11.6 ± 1.4 W/kg and 14.8 ± 4.8% respectively, TM time to exhaustion averaged 20.1 ± 1.5 min, and FS and FDI averaged 22.0 ± 0.4 sec and 7.7 ± 2.5% respectively. Correlations revealed TM times were inversely associated with FDI (r = -0.52, p < 0.05), CF (r = -0.60, p < 0.05), and IT (r = -0.65, p < 0.01). No relationships were identified between other physical performance and GPO measures. CONCLUSION: Inverse relationships between TM times and CF and IT were surprising as we expected greater aerobic fitness to contribute to faster recovery and consequently, more ice time and higher CF during competition. We also anticipated measures from the VJ, Wingate, and RSA to relate to GPO. Further investigation into how off- and on-ice performance test measures relate to aspects of competition could improve the rationale for using these preseason tests.

Evaluation of patient navigation and delivery of head and neck cancer therapy during COVID-19 pandemic: A single institution experience.

e13510 Background: The COVID-19 (COVID) pandemic presents many challenges to cancer patient treatment. Care coordination pathways are more complex to ensure safe screening and monitoring for COVID while reducing person-to-person interaction. The oncologic management of head and neck cancer (HNC) involves an interdisciplinary workflow. Time from diagnosis/specialized oncologic referral to initiation of treatment is critical for optimal outcomes. The insertion of any additional rate limiting factor could drastically increase the timeliness to care. Our study evaluates the effectiveness of patient navigation and the impact of institutional COVID process on timeliness to treatment. Methods: Operational workflow changes were set in place with goal of obtaining COVID testing prior to initiation of therapy. Patients with COVID symptoms after initial clearance were subjected to additional COVID testing. COVID screening was obtained in a single location when feasible. COVID positive or patients with pending results were triaged to determine risk/benefits of delaying treatment initiation and CDC guidelines for safe administration of therapy were considered. Patients with pending or positive results, but acute situation, were treated after hours in full PPE gear in order to reduce exposure risks. Results: Navigation information for 88 HNC patients were collected from 1/1/20 to 1/1/21. All patients were treated with curative intent. COVID testing data were collected contemporaneously with the pandemic from 4/1/20 to 1/31/21. Thirty patients with HNC required coordination of CMT and completed COVID screening test an average of 19 days prior to the start of therapy (29 negative; 1 positive). Two (6%) patients received their screening results after therapy initiation. Four patients did not complete therapy (13%); 26 completed (86%). Patients treated with radiation averaged 31 treatments (range 30-35) each treatment indicative of an aerosolized risk exposure. Each infusion representing and aerosolized and IV risk exposure. During the course of care we experienced zero patient-to-staff contracted COVID positives. Five staff members tested positive for COVID however contact tracing indicated outside source. Prior to the pandemic, average time from referral to appointment (TRA) with oncology specialist was 14.62 days, time from first appointment with oncology specialist to first treatment modality (TAT) was 46.29 days, and time from referral to our center and initiation of first treatment (TRT) was 60.91 days. During the pandemic, from March 2020 to May 2020, average TRA was 10.51 days, TAT was 24.09 days, and TRT was 34.6 days. Conclusions: Appropriate navigation, protocols and team vigilance resulted in improved timeliness to treatment. Continued delivery of oncologic care to HNC patients can be achieved without increased patient or staff risk for contraction of COVID.

Dispatched nurses' experience of wearing full gear personal protective equipment to care for COVID-19 patients in China-A descriptive qualitative study.

Aims and objectivesWe explored dispatched nurses’ experiences of wearing full gear personal protective equipment to care for patients with coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) in Wuhan, China.BackgroundFull gear personal protective equipment is the primary and foremost measure to prevent the contact and transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV2); however, working in full gear personal protective equipment may hinder nursing care activities and thus negatively affect patients’ and nurses’ health.DesignThis descriptive qualitative inquiry followed the COREQ guidelines.MethodsIndividual semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted in a purposive sample of 15 frontline nurses who were dispatched to the outbreak epicentre from March to April 2020. Verbatim transcripts were content analysed.ResultsFour themes emerged from the data: inadequate preparedness for working with full gear personal protective equipment, full gear personal protective equipment stimulated stress responses, coping strategies and professional growth. Participants learned a great deal from problem‐focussed and emotion‐focussed strategies to tackle challenges related to the prolonged wearing of full gear personal protective equipment for quality nursing care and reduced risk of exposure. They became more vigilant to the adherence to evolving protocols and appropriate training concerning full gear personal protective equipment use.ConclusionsFrontline nurses confronted various but diminishing challenges related to the use of full gear personal protective equipment when caring for patients with COVID‐19 across the approximate 40‐day period. Consistent use of coverall personal protective equipment to protect from SARS‐CoV‐2 in high exposure settings would be feasible if nurses were better prepared; therefore, scenario‐based skill training concerning the prolonged use of full gear personal protective equipment should be offered regularly and intensively.Relevance to clinical practiceThis study informs future decisions concerning improved full gear personal protective equipment‐related psychomotor training and promoting ways for nurses to cope with the stress that comes from working in highly contiguous environments.

Boards have important role to play after end‐of‐year fundraising campaigns

As 2021 fast approaches, your organization's end‐of‐year fundraising is likely in full gear. As these donations come in, experts say, board members should help out their nonprofits by thanking donors for their contributions to the cause—which not only helps put a smile on supporters' faces, but also helps lay the groundwork for the next time the nonprofit asks them for a contribution.

Comparison Of Off-ice And On-ice Performance Tests In Collegiate Ice Hockey Players

Ice hockey is a high-intensity sport that requires optimally performing energy systems to compete at an elite level. Typically, off-ice performance tests are used to evaluate player fitness, but little is known about their relationships to on-ice tests. PURPOSE: To compare performance, blood lactate (LAC), and heart rate (HR) obtained during off- and on-ice fitness tests in collegiate ice hockey players. METHODS: Nineteen male, collegiate ice hockey players, (age=18-24 yr; ht=1.81±0.05m, wt=84.9±4.74 kg) were assessed off-ice using a discontinuous, incremental treadmill (TM) test. 3-min run stages were separated by 90-sec rest, until players reached volitional exhaustion. The on-ice test, in full gear, was a repeated shift ability (RSA) test consisting of eight, ~22-sec stages of maximal effort skating with 90-sec rest between stages. Fatigue decrement index (FDI) was calculated by subtracting fastest from slowest RSA stage times. During both tests, fingerstick LAC was obtained during rest intervals and HR was measured continuously. Spearman correlations were used to assess the relationship between TM completion time and FDI, as well as the relationships in Stage4 LAC and HRrecovery between off- and on-ice tests. RESULTS: TM times to exhaustion averaged 19.8±1.1 min, and RSA times averaged 22.0±0.4 sec. Corrrelations revealed no relationship between TM time and FDI (r=0.301, ns). Average HRmax during the TM tests was 192±6 b.min-1 versus highest achieved HR of 175±9 b.min-1 (91% of TM HRmax) during the RSA tests. For the TM tests, Stage4 LAC and HRrecovery averaged 10.2±2.8mmol and reduction to 76±8% HRmax, respectively. For the RSA tests, Stage4 LAC and HRrecovery averaged 13.3±1.9mmol and reduction to 74±4%HRmax. Stage4 TM and RSA LAC values were significantly related (r=0.52, p<0.05); however no significant relationship existed between Stage4 TM and RSA values for HRrecovery (r=0.34, ns). CONCLUSION: The lack of relationship between TM time and FDI was expected given the two tests’ emphases on different energy systems and the homogeneity of the athletes’ overall fitness. Moderate to high correlation found between LAC measures, regardless of test modality, supports previous research from our lab indicating the predictive value of LAC measures on ice hockey player performance.

Roles of Reconstituted High-Density Lipoprotein Nanoparticles in Cardiovascular Disease: A New Paradigm for Drug Discovery.

Epidemiological results revealed that there is an inverse correlation between high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and risks of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Mounting evidence supports that HDLs are atheroprotective, therefore, many therapeutic approaches have been developed to increase HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) levels. Nevertheless, HDL-raising therapies, such as cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) inhibitors, failed to ameliorate cardiovascular outcomes in clinical trials, thereby casting doubt on the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by increasing HDL-C levels. Therefore, HDL-targeted interventional studies were shifted to increasing the number of HDL particles capable of promoting ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1)-mediated cholesterol efflux. One such approach was the development of reconstituted HDL (rHDL) particles that promote ABCA1-mediated cholesterol efflux from lipid-enriched macrophages. Here, we explore the manipulation of rHDL nanoparticles as a strategy for the treatment of CVD. In addition, we discuss technological capabilities and the challenge of relating preclinical in vivo mice research to clinical studies. Finally, by drawing lessons from developing rHDL nanoparticles, we also incorporate the viabilities and advantages of the development of a molecular imaging probe with HDL nanoparticles when applied to ASCVD, as well as gaps in technology and knowledge required for putting the HDL-targeted therapeutics into full gear.

As new school year begins, leaders continue to define role of MH services

As a new school year kicks into full gear, leaders continue to grapple with the issue of how best to optimize school safety and create environments most conducive to learning. The answers they come up with could offer numerous opportunities for community mental health organizations, provided that they are prepared to meet the challenge.

Validity &amp; Reliability Of A New Hockey-Specific Test In Elite Ice Hockey Players

A valid and reliable method of assessing hockey-specific physiological performance is warranted as elite hockey players compete for scholarships and professional contracts. The Hockey-Specific Test (HST) is an on-ice, position-specific assessment that integrates competition specific, multi-planar movement patterns and is generalizable to hockey players at the highest level of competition. Generalizability in the use of published on-ice tests is problematic due to small sample sizes and the use of recreational youth and non-elite players. More importantly, they don’t include hockey-specific movement patterns (e.g., turns, deceleration, skating backward). PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the validity and reliability of the new assessment. METHODS: 54 male players (National Hockey League = 16; American Hockey League = 23; Under 17 USA National Team = 15) gave informed consent and minor assent to participate in both the HST and a 30-second Wingate Test (WAnT) with a resistance of 0.075 kg/kg body weight. The HST consists of 6 on-ice trials interspersed with 30-seconds active rest. All players wore full gear and carried a stick. Measurements included 15 m peak acceleration (m/s2), 166 m total trial speed (m/s), percentage of age-predicted maximum heart rate (APMHR%), and post-exercise blood lactate (BLA post) as markers of maximal effort and physiological capacities. RESULTS: A strong correlation exists between WAnT peak power and HST trial speed (r = .765, p < 0.001) and 15 m acceleration (r = .716, p < 0.001) in elite players, demonstrating construct validity. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) for all participants verified within and between trial reliability for 15 m acceleration, F (50) = 0.67, p < 0.001 and trial speed, F (50) = 0.85, p < 0.001. Multinomial logistic regression for predicting WAnT peak power (w) from results of the HST = 27.98 - (18.05 x trial 1 time) + (11.04 x weight) + (25.69 x age). Adjusted peak power, APMHR%, and BLApost were 1023±108, SEE = 26±6; 89.3±3.6 and 91.2±4.5; 10.6±2.0 and 11.2±1.7 for the WAnT and HST, respectively. These values coincide with a test that sufficiently taxes the glycolytic energy pathway. CONCLUSION: The HST appears to be a valid and reliable test for determination of physiological performance in elite hockey players.

Diagnosing Africa’s medical brain drain

Dressed in full medical gear and clutching a folder, Folu Songonuga, a physiotherapist, walked briskly across the lobby in the offices of Activa Rehabilitation Services in Orange, New Jersey, United States. An elderly man, evidently in pain, had just been wheeled into an inner room, and Dr. Songonuga was on his way to tend to the patient.