Post Run Research Articles

Efficacy of Modified Magnolia champaca Bark Powder in Sequestration of Divalent Ions from Aqueous Matrices

Noxious effluents let out from large cum small- scale industries has led to acute adverse environmental impact over a time period. In spite of various types of pollutants present in the discharges, heavy metals have been proven to be lethal to all living organisms, whilst exceeding the tolerance levels. In this regard, their confiscation has become inevitable by adoption of varied suitable methodologies. The current inquest is engrossed on probing the efficiency of an eco-derived material, Magnolia champaca Barks (MCB) to trap Zn(II) / Cd(II) ions from laboratory aqueous medium. This ecofriendly material is acid treated (TMCB), so as to improve its surface nature, evidently favoured by microscopic image study. Fourier Transformation Infra-Red and Scanning Electron Microscopy / Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis spectra are recorded for sorbent characterization. The factors which influence the sorptive effectiveness of TMCB include particle sizes, initial concentrations of the sorbate molecules, agitation time frames, dosages, pH values and temperatures. The concentrations of divalent ions in the pre and post run samples are assessed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Maximum chelation of 98% Zn(II) and 96% Cd(II) had occurred under aligned parametric conditions, with variations in dosage, concentration and contact time interval. The aforementioned observations support the promising nature of the identified bark to adsorb toxic metal species.

Design, Development and Commissioning of the Boldrewood Towing Tank – A Decade of Endeavour

The process of design, build and eventual commissioning of the towing tank on the Boldrewood Innovation Campus is described. The design brief required a facility that would have a capability to test models at a commercial scale but that would be effective as teaching environment for the next generation of Naval Architects as well as providing a flexible space for future fundamental research. Each of these provided their own challenges but the eventual solution of a 138 m long, 3.5 m deep, 6 m wide facility has more than met the initial aspirations. Equipped with 12 independent 0.5 m wavemaking flaps at the West end, a passive beach at the East end, a deployable side beach along the South wall for post run wave absorption and a monocoque Aluminium alloy carriage, the Boldrewood towing tank has now been successfully operating for more than a year. The carriage position and speed are controlled by a twin winch arrangement using a laser positioning system and low embodied energy composite cables. The carriage can reach a maximum speed of 10 m/s with controllable acceleration rates and can have up to four constant speed phases per run. Initial commissioning results and comparisons with benchmark data for the KCS hull confirm the accuracy and repeatability of the facility. In particular, the position and speed of the carriage are known to a high level of precision. To date research and consultancy work has spanned the performance of high speed vessels, uncrewed underwater and surface vessels, wave energy and tidal current systems, floating platforms for wind turbines, performance sport work for sailing, kayaking, rowing and swimming, open water propeller tests as well as conventional displacement vessel testing for self-propulsion and resistance. All ship science and maritime engineering students use the facility as part of their taught modules in every year of their programme as well as for individual, MSc and group projects as appropriate. It has also made a strong impact on the many thousands of visitors a year to the campus for science and engineering open days.

Electrochemical fabrication and characterizations of Ag/AgCl pseudo-reference electrode: a preliminary study

In this work Ag/AgCl planar pseudo-reference electrodes (pREs) were fabricated and studied. The pRE was derived from typical copper-cladded flame retardant 4 (FR4) board, with layers of Ni, Au, and Ag electrochemically deposited sequentially. Lastly, the AgCl layer was obtained through electro-chlorination process. The morphology and Open Circuit Potential (OCP) of the samples were obtained from characterizations. It was revealed that the Au layer consisted of finer grains compare to that of Ag having larger granular structure. There was also morphological difference between as-prepared AgCl and post OCP run AgCl, where the later show signs of degradation. Based on the potential-transient curve of electro-chlorination, chlorination process took place on the surface of Ag, subsequently diffused into the bulk layer. Sample chlorinated for 1 min shows better stability in OCP test where the potential exhibit minimum changes. The duration of the sample being stable during electrochemical process was 10 minutes.

Ultramarathon induces metabolite changes associated with the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases- in silico and in vivo analysis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): National Science Centre (NCN) and Internal source of Medical University of Warsaw. Introduction Regular physical exercise is analogous to improved cardiovascular health and increased longevity. However, if in excess it can act as a double edged sword. Acute bouts of extreme physical activity trigger complex molecular responses reflected by changes in inflammatory markers and metabolic pathways that are believed to yield detrimental effects on the cardiovascular system (CVS)[1]. Purpose We aimed to assess the effects of high-intensity and long-lasting exercise prototype (100km run) on the metabolomic changes in a unique population of high-level long-term ultra-marathon runners. Methods Plasma samples were collected from ultramarathon runners (n=22) with 2-time points: before and after the run (Completion (100 km) or exhaustion (52 - 91 km, median 74 km)). For untargeted metabolomic analysis we used ultra-high resolution Fourier-Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry with an electrospray ion source in direct injection. Mass spectra were analyzed by T-Rex2D algorithm in the MetaboScape5.0. Identified compounds were ontologically analyzed using MetaboAnalystR. MetscapeCytoscape plugin was used for metabolite-gene interaction analysis and gene lists were obtained from Biomart and DisGeNet. Results Mann-Whitney test (FDR<0.05) identified 1601 up and 1030 downregulated metabolites with a at least 2 fold of difference after high-intensity run. Enrichment analysis showed that the top pathways affected by analyzed metabolites were the TCA cycle (FDR=0.0442), metabolism of; Sphingolipids (p=0.00774), Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate (p=0.0249) and Butanoate (p=0.0352). Top disease phenotypes associated with differentially regulated metabolites were critical illness (major trauma, severe septic shock, or cardiogenic shock) (p=0.00154) and multiple CVS-related diseases (Fig1). Top after the run up-regulated metabolites identified in the study included heart failure associated acetylcarnitines[2] CAR(14:2) (log2FC=11.57; AUC=0.97), Dodecanoylcarnitine (2.00;0.960), 9-Decenoylcarnitine (1.78;0.95), CAR(DC8:0) (14.99;0.94), but also 2-Carboxy-5,7-dimethyl-4-octanolide (8.04;0.98), Methylmalonic acid (9.33;0.96) and cardiotoxic Cyclophosphamide (16.29;0.940)[3]. Top down-regulated metabolites after the run included potentially cardio-protective Gamma Glutamylglutamic acid (log2FC=-1.81; AUC=0.85), Fructose 1,6-bisphosphate (-2.42;0.88)[4], Oleamide (-1.82;0.86) and gamma-Glutamylglycine (-7.98;0.85). Interaction network analysis focused on genes associated with CVS identified atherosclerosis/ obesity-related Phospholipase A2 Group IB (PLA2G1B) as potentially the most affected gene by analyzed metabolites (Fig2). Conclusion Results show a twofold post run increase in metabolites that are both potential markers for acute exercise and that are strongly associated with CV diseases. This calls for consideration of the detrimental effects of excessive exercise and implementation of monitoring in amateur athletes.

Abstract 423: Ultramarathon Induces Metabolite Changes Associated With Pathophysiology Of Cardiovascular Diseases- In Silico And In Vivo Analysis

Regular physical exercise increase longevity, however acute intensive/longterm exercise can trigger the CV pathophysiological processes. Ultramarathon runners' plasma (n=22) with 2time points: before and after the run: Completion (100km) or exhaustion (median74km) was used for analysis. For untargeted metabolomic analysis; ultrahigh resolution MassSpectrometry with electrospray ion source in direct injection used and analyzed by T-Rex2D algorithm. Identified compounds analyzed using MetaboAnalystR/MetscapeCytoscape plugin was used for metabolite-gene interaction analysis, identifying 1601 up and 1030 downregulated metabolites with min 2 fold difference after ultramarathon run Enrichment analysis showed that TCA cycle (FDR=0.0442), metabolism of; Sphingolipids (p=0.008), Glyoxylate and dicarboxylate (p=0.03) and Butanoate (p=0.04) were the top metabolites. After the run top upregulated metabolites were related to heart failure associated metabolites; acetylcarnitines2 CAR(14:2) (AUC=0.97) Dodecanoylcarnitine (2.00;0.960), 9-Decenoylcarnitine (1.78;0.95), CAR(DC8:0) (14.99;0.94), 2Carboxy5,7dimethyl4octanolide (8.04;0.98), Methylmalonic acid (9.33;0.96) and cardiotoxic Cyclophosphamide (16.29;0.940). Top downregulated metabolites after the run included potentially cardioprotective Gamma Glutamylglutamic acid (log2FC=-1.81;AUC=0.85), Fructose 1,6bisphosphate (-2.42;0.88)4, Oleamide (-1.82;0.86) and gammaGlutamylglycine (-7.98;0.85).Interaction network analysis showed genes associated with atherosclerosis/obesity-related PhospholipaseA2,IB (PLA2G1B) as potentially the most affected gene by analyzed metabolites. Twofold post run increase in metabolites showed they are both potential markers for acute exercise and are strongly associated with CV diseases. This calls for consideration of the detrimental effects of excessive exercise and implementation of monitoring in amateur athletes.

Exercise-induced Haematological and Blood Lactate Changes in Whippets Training for Lure Coursing.

Whippets are traditionally trained to compete in lure coursing. While in humans and horses, training is routinely monitored by special tests, this is not carried out in the training of whippets. The aim of this study was to check if laboratory tests designed for racehorses could be useful in monitoring whippets training for lure coursing. Blood samples were taken from 14 whippets at several time points: before exercise (including warm-up), immediately after, 15 min after and 30 min after exercise sessions of straight 400 m runs (T) and coursing (C). Routine haematological values and lactate concentrations (LA) were measured. White blood cell count, red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit increased significantly in both types of exertion, and no differences between the types were observed. The LA measured immediately after the run were increased, but there was no significant difference between the types of session (T and C). After both types of activity, LA decreased within 30 min post run by 9-11 mmol/L. Lactate concentrations were significantly higher 30 min after the T sessions than after the C sessions. The results confirmed that typical exercise-induced changes occurred in whippets training for lure coursing; however, the scale of changes was different to that in horses. The sampling scheme used in racehorses can be applied to whippets and can be useful as a laboratory tool for monitoring their training.

Use of planar covariation in lower limb kinematics to characterize adaptations of running after cycling in elite triathletes.

To characterize alterations of lower limb intersegmental coordination during the acute phase of running after cycling among highly trained triathletes using an analysis of planar covariation. Nine highly trained triathletes completed a control run (CR) and a run after transitioning from cycling exercise (transition run, or TR condition) on a motorized treadmill at a self-selected pace. Sagittal plane kinematics were recorded using a 3D Vicon motion capture system. Intersegmental coordination of the thigh, shank and foot segments of the right lower limb and run loop planarity were calculated during running before cycling and at four different times after the end of cycling. PCA showed a significant within-subject phase shift of the run loop planarity (F = 6.66, P = 0.01). Post hoc analysis showed significance median differences increase for u 3t parameter between CRSS vs. TR30 (P = 0.01), TRt1/2 (P = 0.01) and TRMRT (P = 0.01). No difference for u 3t parameter existed between CRSS vs. TRSS. Prior variable-cadence, moderate intensity cycling has a significant effect on run loop planarity and therefore intersegmental coordination during the acute transition phase among highly trained triathletes. However, alterations to lower limb coordination are corrected by the 3rd minute after the beginning of the post cycle run. We suggest that planar covariation can be used as a more sensitive measure of cycling-induced variations in running to characterize adaptation in elite and importantly, developing athletes.

Acute Effects of Long Distance Running on Plantar Foot Pressure Distribution

Twenty-six healthy men and women participated in this study in which 14 were long distance runners and remaining were control subjects. Following the initial assessment of foot pressure distribution, the runners were asked to complete the regular training program. Immediately after the run, foot pressure distribution was again assessed using the Zebris FDM-Treadmill. The parameters were analysed and compared with the pre-training data. The same parameters were also assessed for the control group at rest. Paired t-test was used to compare the foot pressure distribution before and after the run. Independent t-test was used to compare the same parameters between runners and control group. No significant changes were observed in runners post run whereas the control group showed significant changes in the foot pressure distribution of right forefoot and backfoot when compared to long distance runners at rest. The findings of the study suggest that the foot pressure distribution is not affected acutely after the long distance running. The future studies could analyse the plantar pressure measurement throughout the training programs to detect the time and nature of the deviations linked to long distance run, which would help in injury prevention.

Abstract 1974: Immune gene expression signatures associated clinical benefit from nivolumab and ipilimumab for previously treated patients with stage IV squamous cell lung cancer: An immune biomarker analysis of phase III SWOG LungMAP S1400I trial

Abstract Background: In the Phase III randomized trial (SWOG Lung-MAP S1400I non match trial), adding ipilimumab (I) to nivolumab (N) did not improve survival of patients with advanced, pretreated, immune checkpoint inhibitor naive lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The I+N combination demonstrated superiority in patients with a tumor mutation burden (TMB) ≥10 mt/MB and PD-L1 expression <1% suggesting that a subset of patients may benefit from the addition of I. We leveraged specimens from S1400I to explore the immune signatures associated with outcome across both arms (I+N versus N) and investigate the potential superior benefit from I+N in SCC. Methods: RNA extracted from baseline FFPE samples from 66/252 patients enrolled in the S1400I trial was received from the SWOG bank with 28 samples considered inadequate due to low input RNA. 38 samples were run on the ncounter platform using the PanCancer Immune Profiling panel using the manufacturer’s instructions with the addition of Human Reference RNA control. Data were processed and normalized using nSolver. All samples passed the post run QC with no batch effect. Using a log-rank test on dichotomized normalized data, we performed time to event analysis to identify genes that correlated with overall survival (OS) and PFS (Progression Free Survival) for all 38 samples and for each arm (23 N and 15 I+N). We ran a Cox model using significant genes identified independently and in association with TMB≥10 and PD-L1 ≥5 thresholds identified in the clinical studies. TIMER and nSolver advanced analysis were used to infer immune cells that correlated to clinical outcomes. Results: We observed that BLNK, CD163, FCGR2A associated with increased OS (p<0.01), IRF1 and BLNK associated with increased PFS (p<0.01). FADD and MAPK11 associated with poor OS (p<0.01). Cox model analysis confirmed that FADD and MAPK11 were associated with negative clinical outcomes (p<0.05) while CD163 was associated with positive clinical outcome. Incorporating TMB and PD-L1 into the Cox model validated that MAP kinase activity resulted in a negative clinical outcome while CD163 correlated with positive clinical outcomes (p<0.05). Focusing on immune signatures within the I+N arm, we observed higher CD45+ immune cell scores including exhausted CD8+ T cells and neutrophils in responders versus non-responders (p<0.05). Conclusion: Despite a small dataset, this analysis shows a potential advantage in PFS and OS with increased presence of immune cells including exhausted CD8+ T cells and genes associated with myeloid cells. Validation of these findings is warranted and may refine patient populations that would benefit from this combination strategy. Acknowledgments: Scientific and financial support: U10CA180888, U10CA180819, U24CA224285, U24CA224316, PACT, PPP and FNIH Citation Format: Dzifa Y. Duose, Jiexin Zhang, Mary Redman, Baili Zhang, Ethan Cerami, James Lindsay, Joyce Yu, Roshni Biswas, Stephen Van Nostrand, Radim Moravec, Rajyalakshmi Luthra, Gheath Al-Atrash, Karen Kelly, Roy Herbst, Ignacio Wistuba, Scott Gettinger, Lyudmila Bazhenova, J. Jack Lee, Jianjun Zhang, Cara Haymaker. Immune gene expression signatures associated clinical benefit from nivolumab and ipilimumab for previously treated patients with stage IV squamous cell lung cancer: An immune biomarker analysis of phase III SWOG LungMAP S1400I trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2022; 2022 Apr 8-13. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2022;82(12_Suppl):Abstract nr 1974.

Resting-State Functional Connectivity in the Dorsal Attention Network Relates to Behavioral Performance in Spatial Attention Tasks and May Show Task-Related Adaptation.

Between-subject variability in cognitive performance has been related to inter-individual differences in functional brain networks. Targeting the dorsal attention network (DAN) we questioned (i) whether resting-state functional connectivity (FC) within the DAN can predict individual performance in spatial attention tasks and (ii) whether there is short-term adaptation of DAN-FC in response to task engagement. Twenty-seven participants first underwent resting-state fMRI (PRE run), they subsequently performed different tasks of spatial attention [including visual search (VS)] and immediately afterwards received another rs-fMRI (POST run). Intra- and inter-hemispheric FC between core hubs of the DAN, bilateral intraparietal sulcus (IPS) and frontal eye field (FEF), was analyzed and compared between PRE and POST. Furthermore, we investigated rs-fMRI-behavior correlations between the DAN-FC in PRE/POST and task performance parameters. The absolute DAN-FC did not change from PRE to POST. However, different significant rs-fMRI-behavior correlations were revealed for intra-/inter-hemispheric connections in the PRE and POST run. The stronger the FC between left FEF and IPS before task engagement, the better was the learning effect (improvement of reaction times) in VS (r = 0.521, p = 0.024). And the faster the VS (mean RT), the stronger was the FC between right FEF and IPS after task engagement (r = −0.502, p = 0.032). To conclude, DAN-FC relates to the individual performance in spatial attention tasks supporting the view of functional brain networks as priors for cognitive ability. Despite a high inter- and intra-individual stability of DAN-FC, the change of FC-behavior correlations after task performance possibly indicates task-related adaptation of the DAN, underlining that behavioral experiences may shape intrinsic brain activity. However, spontaneous state fluctuations of the DAN-FC over time cannot be fully ruled out as an alternative explanation.

Coblation-assisted excision of hypopharyngeal venous malformation: a case report

BackgroundAdult hypopharyngeal venous malformations are rare. Unlike hemangiomas, venous malformations require surgical excision wherever feasible. We describe the case of a hypopharyngeal venous malformation and use of coblation to achieve complete excision.Case presentationA 28-year-old male presented to the emergency department with sudden-onset hematemesis, and melena for 3 days. Examination revealed a broad-based reddish polypoidal lesion (mulberry like) arising from the left aryepiglottic fold and medial wall of the pyriform sinus. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance scan and angiogram of the neck was done, which revealed an intensely enhancing vascular lesion. He underwent a selective embolization of the feeder vessels achieving 80% reduction in the post run blush. We excised the lesion in toto using coblation considering its superior hemostatic control and maneuverability.ConclusionThe use of coblation is a relatively safe and easy technique to learn and perform in management of vascular tumor of hypopharynx and upper airway. When appropriately performed, it provides a bloodless field and causes minimal damage to surrounding tissue. However, knowledge of external approaches is mandatory for management of complications.

Strenuous 12-h run elevates circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress, inflammation and intestinal permeability in middle-aged amateur runners: A preliminary study.

Given the solid evidence that prolonged strenuous exercise is a cause of metabolic stress, this study sought to determine whether a 12-h run would affect total oxidant status (TOS), total oxidant capacity (TOC), total antioxidant status (TAS), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the biomarkers of intestinal permeability (protein fatty acid-binding proteins (I-FABP) and zonulin) in middle-aged male subjects. Ten amateur long-distance runners (aged 52.0 ± 6.2 years, body height 176.9 ± 4.9 cm, body mass 73.9 ± 6.0 kg) were enrolled in the study. The venous blood samples were collected 1 hour before and right after the run and were analyzed for the levels of TAS, TOS/TOC, hs-CRP, I-FABP and zonulin. The post-run concentrations of TOS/TOC were significantly elevated (p < 0.001), but TAS changes were not significant. Pearson’s correlation coefficients calculated for the post run values of TAS and TOS/TOC were statistically significant and negative (r = -0.750, p < 0.05). Significant increases in the concentrations of hs-CRP (p < 0.001), I-FABP (p < 0.05) and zonulin (p < 0.01) were noted. The results indicate that a strenuous 12-h run disturbs the prooxidant-antioxidant balance in middle-aged men, as well as promoting inflammation and impairing intestinal permeability.

Earnings Management and Long-run Post-issue Performance of IPOs in India

The controversies surrounding accounting figures bring forth the downgraded quality of financial statements in India. Opportunistic management of earnings at the cost of stakeholders’ interest requires prompt regulatory measure as they may become grave in high profile corporate events like mergers and public issues. Focusing on one of the most important mega events of initial public offerings (IPOs) the present study evaluates the accounting figure of IPOs that came out during April 2010 to March 2013. The study measures pre and post issue earnings management for a time span of 11 years from April 2008 to March 2019 and post issue long run earnings and stock performance using Modified Jones Model (1995) for a time span of seven years including issue year and six post issue years. The study provides evidence of earnings management by Indian IPO firms and post issue earnings and stock underperformance due to reversal of discretionary current accruals of issue year. The study emphasizes on better monitoring and regulatory environment and precise definition of accounting choices to control managed accounts to avoid frequent fraud incidents.

Blood Flow Restriction Training During A Dynamic Warm-Up And Its Effects On Various Sprint Times

PURPOSE: To examine the effects of blood flow restriction (BFR) during a dynamic warm-up on a 25, 50, and 100-meter run time, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and heart rate (HR) in recreational athletes. METHODS: Fourteen participants (22.3 ± 1.8 years) volunteered to participate in this cross-over study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the BFR or control group during their first trial, then completed the other trial seven days (± 1 day) later. During the BFR training intervention, the cuffs were placed on the proximal thigh at the level of the gluteal fold and were inflated to 80% of the participants’ limb occlusion pressure (LOP), which was assessed prior to participation. Participants completed a five-minute dynamic warm-up wearing the blood flow restriction cuffs, and the same dynamic warm-up was completed during the control intervention without the use of the cuffs. After each warm-up, a three-minute revascularization period was provided before participants ran a 100-meter sprint at maximal effort, in which 25, 50, and 100-meter times were recorded. Heart rate was measured throughout the entirety of the study, and RPE was measured immediately after the sprint for both trials. Time measures, RPE scores, and heart rate were compared using a paired samples t-test (α < .05). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between control and BFR sprint times, post warm-up HR, or post run HR. There was a significant difference between the control and BFR RPE scores (3.14 ± .66 vs. 4.79 ± 1.42, p < .001). CONCLUSION: There is currently minimal evidence investigating the acute effects of BFR. Based on our results, there were no significant differences in sprint times between the control and BFR trials. RPE scores during the BFR trial were significantly higher than the control, indicating that participants felt the intensity of the BFR trial was more difficult although the times did not vary. Although not statistically different, average heart rates in the BFR trial were lowered by up to nine beats per minute compared with the control. This may be attributed to the perceived difficulty of the BFR trial as participants possibly could not exert themselves as much as when completing the control trial. These results do not support acute use of BFR to increase short-term performance, but more research should be performed.

Associations Between 24-Hour Dietary Intake And Biomechanical Changes During A Long Run: An Exploratory Study

Both nutrition and biomechanics play important roles for running and athletic performance. However, to date they have usually been studied separately and there is minimal literature evaluating effects of nutritional status or interventions on biomechanical outcomes. PURPOSE: This exploratory study evaluated relationships between nutritional status prior to a long hilly run and changes in running mechanics following the run. METHODS: Eight trail runners (5 M/3 F; weekly mileage: 27.6 ± 8.5 miles) ran a 10-mile hilly run which matched the elevation profile of a popular local trail run. 3D kinematics and ground reaction forces were collected during five-minute level ground running sections prior to and following the run. Changes in spatial temporal parameters, ground reaction forces, and leg stiffness variables from pre to post run were computed for each participant's left leg using Visual3D. Pre-run 24-hour dietary recalls were analyzed for total caloric intake (Tkcal) and percent calories from carbohydrate (%CHO), protein (%PRO), and fat (%FAT). Pearson's correlations were used to asses associations between each nutritional variable and changes in biomechanical variables. RESULTS: There were significant associations between %PRO and changes in peak ground reaction force and changes in contact time such that runners with higher %PRO displayed smaller changes in biomechanics (Figure 1). Similar associations were observed between Tkcal and %FAT and changes in vertical center of mass displacement. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests nutritional status prior to a long run may affect the changes in biomechanics a runner experiences during the run. These biomechanical effects have implications for both performance and injury, and highlight the importance of protein for long distance runners. Additional research is required to evaluate whether manipulating nutrition can be used to manage biomechanical changes associated with long duration running.

“By the Aid of His Indians”: Native Negotiations of Settler Colonialism in Marin County, California, 1840–70

As archaeology turns to the study of sustained colonialism, researchers are reassessing sites occupied by Native people from the mid-nineteenth century onward. In California, this was a particularly crucial time, with many Indigenous people creating social and economic ties with newcomers in order to maintain connections to their ancestral homelands. One such locale was Toms Point, a landform on Tomales Bay, where Coast Miwok people worked at a trading post run by an American entrepreneur. This article explores the material evidence for their engagement with a broad array of social and economic connections, including the California coastal trade, the salvage of a local shipwreck, and persistent Indigenous exchange networks.

Fatigue Induced Changes in Muscle Strength and Gait Following Two Different Intensity, Energy Expenditure Matched Runs.

PurposeTo investigate changes in hip and knee strength, kinematics, and running variability following two energy expenditure matched training runs; a medium intensity continuous run (MICR) and a high intensity interval training session (HIIT).MethodsTwenty (10 Females, 10 Males) healthy master class runners were recruited. Each participant completed the HIIT consisting of six repetitions of 800 m with a 1:1 work: rest ratio. The MICR duration was set to match energy expenditure of the HIIT session. Hip and knee muscular strength were examined pre and post both HIIT and MICR. Kinematics and running variability for hip and knee, along with spatiotemporal parameters were assessed at start and end of each run-type. Changes in variables were examined using both 2 × 2 ANOVAs with repeated measures and on an individual level when the change in a variable exceeded the minimum detectable change (MDC).ResultsAll strength measures exhibited significant reductions at the hip and knee (P < 0.05) with time for both run-types; 12% following HIIT, 10.6% post MICR. Hip frontal plane kinematics increased post run for both maximum angle (P < 0.001) and range of motion (P = 0.003). Runners exhibited increased running variability for nearly all variables, with the HIIT having a greater effect. Individual assessment revealed that not all runners were effected post run and that following HIIT more runners had reduced muscular strength, altered kinematics and increased running variability.ConclusionRunners exhibited fatigue induced changes following typical training runs, which could potentially present risk of injury development. Group and individual assessment revealed different findings where the use of MDC is recommended over that of P-values.

Increased Gene Expression of RUNX2 and SOX9 in Mesenchymal Circulating Progenitors Is Associated with Autophagy during Physical Activity.

Lack of physical exercise is considered an important risk factor for chronic diseases. On the contrary, physical exercise reduces the morbidity rates of obesity, diabetes, bone disease, and hypertension. In order to gain novel molecular and cellular clues, we analyzed the effects of physical exercise on differentiation of mesenchymal circulating progenitor cells (M-CPCs) obtained from runners. We also investigated autophagy and telomerase-related gene expression to evaluate the involvement of specific cellular functions in the differentiation process. We performed cellular and molecular analyses in M-CPCs, obtained by a depletion method, of 22 subjects before (PRE RUN) and after (POST RUN) a half marathon performance. In order to prove our findings, we performed also in vitro analyses by testing the effects of runners' sera on a human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem (hBM-MSC) cell line. PCR array analyses of PRE RUN versus POST RUN M-CPC total RNAs put in evidence several genes which appeared to be modulated by physical activity. Our results showed that physical exercise promotes differentiation. Osteogenesis-related genes as RUNX2, MSX1, and SPP1 appeared to be upregulated after the run; data showed also increased levels of BMP2 and BMP6 expressions. SOX9, COL2A1, and COMP gene enhanced expression suggested the induction of chondrocytic differentiation as well. The expression of telomerase-associated genes and of two autophagy-related genes, ATG3 and ULK1, was also affected and correlated positively with MSC differentiation. These data highlight an attractive cellular scenario, outlining the role of autophagic response to physical exercise and suggesting new insights into the benefits of physical exercise in counteracting chronic degenerative conditions.

Physical Exercise Modulates miR-21-5p, miR-129-5p, miR-378-5p, and miR-188-5p Expression in Progenitor Cells Promoting Osteogenesis.

Physical exercise is known to promote beneficial effects on overall health, counteracting risks related to degenerative diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), short non-coding RNAs affecting the expression of a cell’s transcriptome, can be modulated by different stimuli. Yet, the molecular effects on osteogenic differentiation triggered by miRNAs upon physical exercise are not completely understood. In this study, we recruited 20 male amateur runners participating in a half marathon. Runners’ sera, collected before (PRE RUN) and after (POST RUN) the run, were added to cultured human mesenchymal stromal cells. We then investigated their effects on the modulation of selected miRNAs and the consequential effects on osteogenic differentiation. Our results showed an increased expression of miRNAs promoting osteogenic differentiation (miR-21-5p, miR-129-5p, and miR-378-5p) and a reduced expression of miRNAs involved in the adipogenic differentiation of progenitor cells (miR-188-5p). In addition, we observed the downregulation of PTEN and SMAD7 expression along with increased AKT/pAKT and SMAD4 protein levels in MSCs treated with POST RUN sera. The consequent upregulation of RUNX2 expression was also proven, highlighting the molecular mechanisms by which miR-21-5p promotes osteogenic differentiation. In conclusion, our work proposes novel data, which demonstrate how miRNAs may regulate the osteogenic commitment of progenitor cells in response to physical exercise.

Dividend Initiations, Information Content and Free Cash Flow - The Impact of the 2003 Dividend Tax Cut

We examine the operating performance subsequent to dividend initiations by comparing firms with similar pre-event operating performance and growth opportunities. We find strong (weak) evidence of information content for dividends initiated by firms subsequent (prior) to the 2003 tax cut in the U.S. We also utilize Cox-proportional hazard regressions and find support for information content in the post-tax cut period. Further, we show that abnormal operating performances are positively related to post announcement long run abnormal returns for both the pre- and post-tax periods, indicating that the information content of dividend initiations regarding future earnings is reflected in the long-term reaction.