Significant Main Effect Research Articles

Sex‐ and age‐related differences in kinetics and tibial accelerations during military‐relevant movement tasks in U.S. Army trainees

AbstractLower extremity injuries are prevalent in military trainees, especially in female and older trainees. Modifiable factors that lead to higher injury risk in these subgroups are not clear. The purpose of this study was to identify whether external loading variables during military‐relevant tasks differ by age and sex in U.S. Army trainees. Data was collected on 915 trainees in the first week of Basic Combat Training. Participants performed running and ruck marching (walking with 18.1 kg pack) on a treadmill, as well as double‐/single‐leg drop landings. Variables included: vertical force loading rates, vertical stiffness, first peak vertical forces, peak vertical and resultant tibial accelerations. Comparisons were made between sexes and age groups (young, ≤19 years; middle, 20–24 years; older, ≥25 years). Significant main effects of sex were found, with females showing higher vertical loading rates during ruck marching, and peak tibial accelerations during running and ruck marching (p ≤ 0.03). Males showed higher vertical stiffness during running and peak vertical tibial accelerations during drop landings (p < 0.01). A main effect of age was found for vertical loading rates during running (p = 0.03), however no significant pairwise differences were found between age groups. These findings suggest that higher external loading may contribute to higher overall injury rates in female trainees. Further, higher stiffness during running may contribute to specific injuries, such as Achilles Tendinopathy, that are more prevalent in males. The lack of differences between age groups suggests that other factors contribute more to higher injury rates in older trainees.

Optimizing indicated cognitive behavioral therapy to prevent child anxiety and depression: A cluster-randomized factorial trial

Identifying effective components can lead to interventions that are less resource-intensive and better suited for real-world needs. In this 2×2×2 cluster-randomized factorial trial (clinicaltrials.gov NCT04263558), we investigated the effects of three components of an indicated, transdiagnostic CBT intervention for children: 1) Intervention Delivery Format (child group format versus a blended format with group sessions and automated web-based sessions), 2) Parental Involvement in the intervention (group-based versus psychoeducational brochure), and 3) a Measurement Feedback System (MFS; on versus off). The intervention was delivered at schools in a group-based format. The participants (N = 701 children) were school children (age 8–12 years) with elevated symptoms of anxiety or depression, and their parents. The main outcomes were self-reported (N = 633) and parent-reported (N = 725) symptoms of child anxiety and depression post-intervention. The secondary outcome was children's user satisfaction with the intervention. We did not find significant main or interaction effects of Delivery Format, Parental Involvement, or MFS on children's symptom levels. There were no significant effects on children's user satisfaction. Results were compatible with retaining the least resource intensive combination (i.e., blended format, parental brochure, no MFS) in an optimized intervention.

Soil Ecoenzymatic Stoichiometry Reveals Microbial Metabolic Limitations in Apple Orchards with Cover Crop and Organic Fertilizer Incorporation

Understanding the stoichiometry of extracellular enzymes in soil, particularly in relation to nutrient acquisition (e.g., carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus), provides valuable insights into microorganisms’ resource requirements. This study investigates the metabolic constraints of soil microorganisms in response to different growth stages of apple trees under various soil management practices. A 14-year long-term experiment with a split-plot design was conducted, where the main plots received different cover crop treatments (bare vs. cover crop), and subplots were subjected to four fertilizer treatments (CK, M, NPK, MNPK). The significant main and interactive effects of cover crops, fertilizer treatment, and growth period on soil nutrients were observed (p < 0.001). Both cover crop and fertilizer treatments significantly increased the soil organic matter content, with implications for orchard resilience to drought. However, the cover factor alone did not notably influence soil carbon–nitrogen ratios or microbial communities. Microbial carbon limitations were driven by soil water dynamics and microbial biomass, while microbial phosphorus limitations were closely linked to total nitrogen levels. The results underscore the combination of cover crops and MNPK fertilizer-enhanced soil nutrient levels and enzyme activities, mitigating microbial carbon and phosphorus limitations. These findings suggest practical strategies for optimizing fertilization practices to improve soil fertility and address nutrient constraints in orchard ecosystems.

Perceived Acceptability of Child Maltreatment as a Moderator of the Association Between Experiences of Child Maltreatment and Post-Traumatic Symptoms: A Cross-Cultural Study.

Despite the well-documented link between child maltreatment (CM) and mental health, evidence suggests substantial variability in the post-traumatic sequelae of CM across cultures. The perceived acceptability of CM in one's community might moderate the association between CM and mental health, but little research has been conducted on it so far. This study examined how the perceived acceptability of CM may influence the relationship between CM experiences and post-traumatic symptoms in individuals from four different continents and if the pattern of associations is the same across countries. We recruited a sample of 478 adults from Cameroon (n = 111), Canada (n = 137), Japan (n = 108), and Germany (n = 122). We administered online questionnaires and performed multiple group moderation analyses for total CM, neglect, physical abuse, emotional maltreatment, sexual abuse, and exposure to domestic violence (DV). A significant positive main effect of CM on post-traumatic symptoms was found in the overall sample and in Cameroon; in Germany, only neglect and emotional maltreatment were positively associated to post-traumatic symptoms. Moderation effects were identified; the perceived acceptability of neglect in Cameroon and Germany and of exposure to DV in Cameroon had a dampening effect on the relationship between CM experiences and post-traumatic symptoms. Our findings confirm that CM experiences entail long-term post-traumatic sequelae that can vary across cultures and CM subtypes and further our understanding of this issue by showing that the perceived acceptability of CM may be an understudied moderator.

Low dose exogenous melatonin plus evening dim light and time in bed scheduling advances circadian phase irrespective of measured or estimated dim light melatonin onset time: preliminary findings.

The purpose of the present study was to preliminarily evaluate whether knowing the dim light melatonin onset (DLMO) time is advantageous when treating delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD) with low dose melatonin treatment plus behavioral interventions (i.e., evening dim light and time in bed (TIB) scheduling). In this randomized, controlled, double-blind trial, 40 adults with DSWPD were randomly assigned to 4 weeks of 0.5 mg timed to be administered either 3 hours before the DLMO (measured DLMO group, n = 20) or 5 hours before sleep onset time per actigraphy (estimated DLMO group, n = 20), in conjunction with behavioral interventions. The primary outcome was change in the DLMO (measured in-home). Secondary outcomes included sleep parameters per diary and actigraphy (sleep onset and offset times and total sleep time), Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI), PROMIS-Sleep Disturbance (SD), PROMIS-Sleep Related Impairment (SRI), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Mixed effects models tested for group differences in these outcome. After applying the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons (significant p-value set at ˂ .004), there were significant main effects for visit on all outcomes except PSQI and total sleep time per wrist actigraphy and diary. There were no group by visit interactions for any of the outcomes (p > .004). Scheduled low dose melatonin plus behavioral interventions may improve many circadian and sleep parameters regardless of whether melatonin administration is scheduled based on estimated or measured DLMO. A larger-scale trial is needed to confirm these preliminary findings. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT03715465; Name: The Clinical Utility of Measuring the Circadian Clock in Treatment of Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03715465.

Mechanical differences between three block jump approaches in NCAA DII college volleyball players

The purpose of the study was to examine the kinematics and kinetics differences between three common block approaches used in volleyball games: (1) shuffle block, (2) chicken wing block, and (3) swing block, from a fixed distance of 1.8 m. Ten female collegiate volleyball players from NCAA DII participated in the study. They performed, in a randomized order, a total of 18 blocks equally distributed among the three block types. Noraxon MyoResearch 3 software was used to analyze the block approaches. The statistical analysis was performed by running a Repeated Measurement ANOVA on Jamovi statistical software 2.3.24. The results showed that there was a significant main effect for time to take off, jump height, max knee flexion angles, peak power, relative peak power, net impulse, reactive strength index, max rate of force development, peak force, and relative peak force between the three types of blocks (p < .05). While max valgus knee angles and max flexion hip angles did not show any effect (p > .5). To cover a distance of 1.8m, it was clear that shuffle block was the weakest option for good block performances, while chicken wing and swing blocks were similar in many aspects. Both chicken wing and swing blocks can be used to elevate the block effectiveness of volleyball players compared to shuffle block.

Effects of narratives and information valence in digital headlines on user responses

ABSTRACT The way headlines are framed and presented can influence how audiences respond, even when the substance of the headline remains the same. This study scraped big data of digital headlines and associated user response metrics from three leading video-and-news-sharing platforms in China, and then conducted a comprehensive quantitative content analysis. Through path analysis, significant main and interaction effects were discovered, highlighting the role of narrative (as opposed to numerical) evidence and the negative affect inherent in headlines on viewing. Furthermore, viewing mediated the effects of narratives and information valence on deep responses, such as liking, sharing, and commenting. The study also revealed that information valence moderated the mediating effects of viewing on the relationships between narrative and deep responses. These effects remained significant even after controlling for headline word length, source influence, and discrepancies between publication and scraping dates. Based on these findings, a new concept, the ‘Negative Narrative Effect' (NNE), is introduced, and the implications for data journalism are discussed.

Effects of acute and multi-day low-dose sodium bicarbonate intake on high-intensity endurance exercise performance in male recreational cyclists.

This study aimed to compare the effects of acute and multi-day low-dose sodium bicarbonate (SB)intake on high-intensity endurance exercise performance. In a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design, twelve recreational male cyclists (age: 31.17 ± 4.91years; O2peak: 47.98 ± 7.68ml·kg-1·min-1) completed three endurance performance tests following acute SB (ASB, 0.2g·kg-1 SB), multi-day SB (MSB, 0.2g·kg-1·day-1 SB for four days), and placebo (PLA) intake. The high-intensity endurance performance was assessed with a cycling exercise test, wherein participants cycled on a bicycle ergometer at 95% of the predetermined anaerobic threshold for 30min, followed by a time-to-exhaustion test at 110% of the anaerobic threshold. Data were analyzed using one-way and two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Significant main effects of supplementation protocol were evident in pre-exercise bicarbonate concentrations (F = 27.93; p < 0.01; partial eta squared (η2) = 0.72; false discovery rate (FDR)-adjusted p value = 0.001). Prior to performance test, blood bicarbonate concentrations were significantly higher in MSB (25.78 ± 1.63mmol·L-1[95% CI 26.55-28.44] (p < 0.001; FDR-adjusted p value = 0.001)) and ASB (27.49 ± 1.49mmol·L-1 [95% CI 24.75-26.81] (p < 0.001; FDR-adjusted p value = 0.007)) compared to PLA (23.75 ± 1.40mmol·L-1 [95% CI 22.86 to 24.64]). Time-to-exhaustion increased in MSB (54.27 ± 9.20min [95% CI 48.43-60.12]) compared to PLA (49.75 ± 10.80min [95% CI 42.89-56.62]) (p = 0.048); however, this increase in MSB did not reach the significance threshold of 1% FDR (FDR-adjusted p value = 0.040). No significant difference was noted in exhaustion times between ASB (51.15 ± 8.39min [95% CI 45.82-56.48]) and PLA (p > 0.05). Both acute and multi-day administration of low-dose SB improves buffering system in cyclists; nevertheless, neither intervention demonstrates sufficient efficacy in enhancing high-intensity endurance performance.

Associations of conservatism and jumping to conclusions biases with aberrant salience and default mode network.

While conservatism bias refers to the human need for more evidence for decision-making than rational thinking expects, the jumping to conclusions (JTC) bias refers to the need for less evidence among individuals with schizophrenia/delusion compared to healthy people. Although the hippocampus-midbrain-striatal aberrant salience system and the salience, default mode (DMN), and frontoparietal networks ("triple networks") are implicated in delusion/schizophrenia pathophysiology, the associations between conservatism/JTC and these systems/networks are unclear. Thirty-seven patients with schizophrenia and 33 healthy controls performed the beads task, with large and small numbers of bead draws to decision (DTD) indicating conservatism and JTC, respectively. We performed independent component analysis (ICA) of resting functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. For systems/networks above, we investigated interactions between diagnosis and DTD, and main effects of DTD. We similarly applied ICA to structural and diffusion MRI to explore the associations between DTD and gray/white matter. We identified a significant main effect of DTD with functional connectivity between the striatum and DMN, which was negatively correlated with delusion severity in patients, indicating that the greater the anti-correlation between these networks, the stronger the JTC and delusion. We further observed the main effects of DTD on a gray matter network resembling the DMN, and a white matter network connecting the functional and gray matter networks (all P < 0.05, family-wise error [FWE] correction). Function and gray/white matter showed no significant interactions. Our results support the novel association of conservatism and JTC biases with aberrant salience and default brain mode.

Genetic variation in endocannabinoid signaling: Anxiety, depression, and threat- and reward-related brain functioning during the transition into adolescence

BackgroundThe endocannabinoid system modulates neural activity throughout the lifespan. In adults, neuroimaging studies link a common genetic variant in fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH C385A)—an enzyme that regulates endocannabinoid signaling—to reduced risk of anxiety and depression, and altered threat- and reward-related neural activity. However, limited research has investigated these associations during the transition into adolescence, a period of substantial neurodevelopment and increased psychopathology risk. MethodsThis study included FAAH genotype and longitudinal neuroimaging and neurobehavioral data from 4811 youth (46% female; 9–11 years at Baseline, 11–13 years at Year 2) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSM Study. Linear mixed models examined the effects of FAAH and the FAAH x time interaction on anxiety and depressive symptoms, amygdala reactivity to threatening faces, and nucleus accumbens (NAcc) response to happy faces during the emotional n-back task. ResultsA significant main effect of FAAH on depressive symptoms was observed, such that depressive symptoms were lower across both timepoints in those with the AA genotype compared to both AC and CC genotypes (p’s<0.05). There were no significant FAAH x time interactions for anxiety, depression, or neural responses (p’s>0.05). Additionally, there were no main effects of FAAH on anxiety or neural responses (p’s>0.05). ConclusionsOur findings add to emerging evidence linking the FAAH C385A variant to lower risk of psychopathology, and extend these findings to a developmental sample. In particular, we found lower depressive symptoms in FAAH AA genotypes compared to AC and CC genotypes. Future research is needed to characterize the role of the FAAH variant and the eCB system more broadly in neurodevelopment and psychiatric risk.

Insulin requirements during pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes treated with insulin pump.

Insulin requirement in women with Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) changes throughout pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine the total change in insulin requirements and the effect of gestational weight gain (GWG) and pre-gestational BMI on insulin requirements during pregnancy in women with T1DM treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and continuous glucose monitoring. This historical cohort study included all consecutive women with T1DM who were monitored during pregnancy at the high-risk pregnancy clinic at a tertiary medical center during April 2011-April 2019. One Way Repeated Measures ANOVA with Bonferroni adjustment was conducted to compare the effects of gestational age on insulin requirements and a Two Way Repeated Measures ANOVA was employed to test for the interaction between gestational age intervals and maternal BMI and GWG. Data regarding insulin requirements of 185 pregnancies were included in the analyses. There was a significant effect of gestational age on total insulin (Wilks' Lambda=0.34, F(6,14)=4.52, p=0.009), basal insulin (Wilks' Lambda=0.41, F(6,14)=3.30, p=0.031) and bolus insulin (Wilks' Lambda=0.43, F(6,14)=3.02, p=0.041). Total insulin/kg requirements increased by 5.5% from 13-20weeks to 20-26weeks, 19% from 20-26weeks to 26-33weeks, and 17.4% from 26 to 33weeks to delivery (p for trend=0.009). Overall, insulin requirements increased by 42.1% from conception to delivery (p<0.01). There was no significant main effect of maternal BMI or GWG on insulin requirements. There is a significant increase in insulin requirements per kg during pregnancy in women with T1DM who were treated with an insulin pump.

Characteristics of ADHD Symptoms and EEG Theta/Beta Ratio in Children With Sleep Disordered Breathing.

Objectives. This study aimed to explore parent-reported symptoms of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep electroencephalogram (EEG) theta/beta ratio (TBR) characteristics in children with sleep disordered breathing (SDB). Methods. The parents of children (aged 6-11 years) with SDB (n = 103) and healthy controls (n = 28) completed the SNAP-IV questionnaire, and children underwent overnight polysomnography. Children with SDB were grouped according to obstructive apnea/hypopnea index: primary snoring, mild, and moderate-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) groups. The TBR in non-rapid eye movement (NREM) periods in three sleep cycles was analyzed. Results. Children with SDB showed worse ADHD symptoms compared with the healthy control. There was no intergroup difference in TBR. The time-related decline in TBR observed in the control, primary snoring and mild OSA groups, which was not observed in the moderate-severe OSA group. Overnight transcutaneous oxygen saturation was negatively associated with the hyperactivity/impulsivity score of ADHD symptom. The global TBR during the NREM period in the first sleep cycle was positively correlated with inattention score. Conclusion. Children with SDB showed more ADHD inattention symptoms than the healthy control. Although we found no difference in TBR among groups, we found significant main effect for NREM period. There existed a relationship between hypoxia, TBR, and scores of ADHD symptoms. Hence, it was speculated that TBR can reflect the nocturnal electrophysiological manifestations in children with SDB, which may be related to daytime ADHD symptoms.

Persistent MRI Findings Unique to Blast and Repetitive Mild TBI: Analysis of the CENC/LIMBIC Cohort Injury Characteristics.

MRI represents one of the clinical tools at the forefront of research efforts aimed at identifying diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Both volumetric and diffusion MRI findings in mild TBI (mTBI) are mixed, making the findings difficult to interpret. As such, additional research is needed to continue to elucidate the relationship between the clinical features of mTBI and quantitative MRI measurements. Volumetric and diffusion imaging data in a sample of 976 veterans and service members from the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium and now the Long-Term Impact of Military-Relevant Brain Injury Consortium observational study of the late effects of mTBI in combat with and without a history of mTBI were examined. A series of regression models with link functions appropriate for the model outcome were used to evaluate the relationships among imaging measures and clinical features of mTBI. Each model included acquisition site, participant sex, and age as covariates. Separate regression models were fit for each region of interest where said region was a predictor. After controlling for multiple comparisons, no significant main effect was noted for comparisons between veterans and service members with and without a history of mTBI. However, blast-related mTBI were associated with volumetric reductions of several subregions of the corpus callosum compared to non-blast-related mTBI. Several volumetric (i.e., hippocampal subfields, etc.) and diffusion (i.e., corona radiata, superior longitudinal fasciculus, etc.) MRI findings were noted to be associated with an increased number of repetitive mTBIs versus. In deployment-related mTBI, significant findings in this cohort were only observed when considering mTBI sub-groups (blast mechanism and total number/dose). Simply comparing healthy controls and those with a positive mTBI history is likely an oversimplification that may lead to non-significant findings, even in consortium analyses.

Children’s empathy moderates the association between perceived interparental conflict and child health

Interparental conflict is known to negatively impact child well-being, including behavioral and physiological well-being. Children’s empathy - that is, vicariously experiencing others’ emotions - may increase children’s sensitivity to and the biological repercussions of interparental conflict. Although empathy represents a valued trait and is an important part of socioemotional development, its influence on children’s physical health is unknown. This study examined whether empathy moderates the association between perceived interparental conflict and both child systemic inflammation and parent-rated overall child health in a sample of children between the ages of seven to nine. Children and their parents participating in the long-term evaluation of the Family Foundations program, a randomized trial of a perinatal preventative intervention, provided data approximately eight years following enrollment into the program. We collected peripheral blood samples via dried blood spots, anthropometric measurements, and child and parent psychosocial questionnaires. Results indicated significant positive main effects of child empathy on both C-reactive protein (CRP; B = 0.26, SE = 0.11, p =.026) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6; B = 0.20, SE = 0.10, p =.045) levels. Further, child affective empathy moderated the associations between perceived interparental conflict and both CRP (B = 0.39, SE = 0.19, p =.050) and parent-reported child health (B = 0.30, SE = 0.13, p =.021), such that greater empathy strengthened the negative associations between interparental conflict and child health. Overall, findings suggests that there may be a biological cost of being more empathic in high-conflict environments and highlight the need for tools to help more empathic children appropriately manage vicarious emotions.

Predicting phosphorus accumulation and proposing conditions needed for an algal-based phosphorus uptake process

ABSTRACT Algal-based waste stabilisation ponds (WSP) are a common wastewater treatment system for small communities but have poor phosphorus removal. Under certain conditions algae in WSPs will perform ‘luxury uptake’ increasing their phosphorus content to over 3% (gP/gSS) by storing polyphosphate. For the first time in the literature this paper presents a systematic study which determines the conditions needed to maximise phosphorus accumulation within WSP biomass taking into account the interactions between key variables. The key variables of temperature, phosphorus concentration, light intensity, mixing intensity, organic load, and pH were evaluated in 40 batch factorial experiments using a WSP algal culture. All six variables examined had significant main effects or interactions on the phosphorus content of the biomass. These were incorporated into a regression equation which was successfully validated against independent data sets from the literature. The conditions required to maximise the phosphorus content of the biomass were predicted for both summer (high light and high temperature) and winter (low light and low temperature) scenarios. The required conditions were revealed to be high phosphorus concentration, high mixing intensity, no supplementary CO2 addition, and low organic load. Interestingly, these conditions were consistent for both summer and winter suggesting that year-round treatment is possible. Practical methods of achieving these conditions were proposed. While further work will be needed to evaluate the effect of growth and potential influence of algal species, the findings presented provide a vital step towards developing a new phosphorus removal treatment process based on an enhanced understanding of environmental biotechnology.

The Effect of Incremental Scaffolds in Experimentation on Cognitive Load

Experimentation provides a suitable way for students to gain an understanding of scientific inquiry since it is one of its main methods to develop scientific knowledge. However, it is assumed that experimentation can lead to cognitive overload when students experience little support during experimentation, which, in turn, might hinder effective learning. Extraneous cognitive load describes the load caused by inefficient instructional designs such as unguided problem-solving or the way information is presented and thus can be influenced by appropriate instructions. In order to prevent students from cognitive overload and assist them during experimentation, they can be provided with incremental scaffolds, which are sequential written solution instructions. The present study investigates the extent to which the use of incremental scaffolds affects learners’ cognitive load during experimentation in biology classes. The students in the Incremental Scaffolds Group (IncrS; n = 54) used incremental scaffolds in two self-conducted experiments while students of the No-Incremental Scaffolds Group (No-IncrS; n = 74) experimented openly without such a support. Both groups were provided with a pre-structured researcher protocol including the steps of experimentation and received the same lessons. Extraneous cognitive load was assessed after both experiments using a self-developed questionnaire consisting of two items. These were designed to assess how cognitive load was affected by the learning materials. The findings only revealed a significant main effect of time between the two conducted experiments, but no significant interaction effect with the treatment. Consequently, the results show that repeated experimentation reduces cognitive load during experimentation, regardless of the provision of incremental scaffolds. The positive effects of incremental scaffolds, thus possibly also concerning cognitive load, are assumed to occur only after multiple applications; hence, they might need to be applied more frequently and regularly to really become practiced. Two sessions of experimenting with incremental scaffolds seem to be insufficient for providing learners with substantial support, as students may need more time to fully adjust to utilizing the incremental scaffolds. Furthermore, a brief reflection phase on the use of incremental scaffolds at the end of each lesson in which they were used appears to be helpful. If incremental scaffolds can free up working memory, it may also be useful to consider the relation between incremental scaffolds, cognitive load, and knowledge acquisition.

Collegiate student-athletes concussion knowledge and attitudes: what a difference a decade Makes.

The purpose of this study was to assess changes in concussion knowledge and attitudes amongst incoming intercollegiate student-athletes over the course of a decade (2010-2012 vs 2021-2023). There were 592 student-athletes from 2 cohorts (2010-2012, 2021-2023) who completed the Rosenbaum Concussion Knowledge and Attitudes Survey (ROCKaS) questionnaire which is comprised of a concussion knowledge index (CKI, 0-24) and attitude index (CAI, 15-75) with higher scores reflecting better performance. A three factor ANOVA (Group, Sex, Concussion History) compared performance on the CKI and CAI. Individual questions were compared between groups with a Chi-Square analysis. For the CKI, there was a significant main effect for Group (2010-2012: 18.5 ± 2.6, 2021-2023: 19.4 ± 2.5, p < 0.001, . For the CAI, there was also a significant main effect for group (2010-2012: 52.9 ± 6.0, 2021-2023: 62.2 ± 6.5, p < 0.001, . The results of this study show a modest increase in concussion knowledge; however, large improvements in concussion attitudes were observed between groups. These results suggest a continued improvement in student-athlete concussion awareness and provide specific areas to continue addressing persistent misconceptions.

Comparing the effects of different circular vection stimuli on upright stance

BackgroundUpright quiet stance is maintained through the complex integration of sensory information from the visual, vestibular, and somatosensory systems [1]. Virtual reality (VR) is a well-established tool that has been used to study sensory contributions to balance and induce visual perturbations. Previous assessments of virtual environments have suggested that VR can be used to create various visual stimuli that affect balance [2]; however, there is limited work examining which dynamic visual stimulus, in the form of circular vection (CV), is the most effective at inducing whole body lean. Research questionTherefore, this study assessed the effects of two visual stimuli using VR to better understand their effects on postural control. Methods33 healthy young adults between the ages of 18–40, free of neurological impairments, stood quietly on a force plate for 30 s while wearing a head-mounted display. Participants were exposed to a field of random white dots (DOTS) or a black and white striped tunnel (TUNNEL) that rotated in the roll plane at 60°/s clockwise or counterclockwise. Amplitude was calculated from head orientation data recorded from a head-mounted display, and centre of pressure (COP). ResultsIndependent of visual stimuli, postural lean was in the same direction as the stimulus. The DOTS stimulus increased Head orientation and COP position compared to the TUNNEL stimulus. There was no significant main effect or interaction with direction for Head or COP data. SignificanceWhen comparing the effect of stimulus design on postural sway, a DOTS stimulus was most effective at inducing direction-modulated postural sway This study builds on our understanding of the VR-related destabilizing effects on postural control and shows evidence that a DOTS stimulus has a stronger effect than a TUNNEL stimulus. Overall, it is important to consider the design of visual stimuli when examining VR effects on upright stance.

T Lymphocyte Interferon-gamma Response to Anaplasmataceae-related Major Surface Proteins and Ankyrin A in Fibromyalgia.

The aetiology of fibromyalgia is unknown; its symptoms may be related to a T-lymphocyte-mediated response to infectious organisms. First, to test the hypothesis that fibromyalgia is associated with increased interferon (IFN)-γ-secreting T-lymphocytes after stimulation with Anaplasmataceae-related major surface proteins (MSFs) and the macromolecular translocation type IV secretion system effector ankyrin repeat domain-containing protein A (AnkA). Second, to ascertain the relationship in fibromyalgia between (i) the IFN-γ-secreting T-lymphocyte response to stimulation with Anaplasmataceae-related MSFs and AnkA, and (ii) co-infection by Borrelia and Yersinia spp., and antinuclear antibodies. Using a case-control design, patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology revised criteria for fibromyalgia, and controls, underwent the following blinded assessments: (i) enzyme- linked immune absorbent spot (ELISpot) IFN-γ release assay of T-lymphocyte reactivity to Anaplasmataceae-related MSFs and AnkA; (ii) ELISpot IFN-γ release assays of T-lymphocyte reactivity to three Borrelia antigens, namely Borrelia burgdorferi full antigen (B31); peptide mix (from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia afzelii, Borrelia garinii); and Borrelia burgdorferi lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1; (iii) immunoglobulin (Ig) A assay by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) of antibodies to Yersinia spp.; (iv) IgG (ELISA) antibodies to Yersinia spp.; (v) serum antinuclear antibodies (immunofluorescence). The groups were age- and sex-matched. The mean (standard error) value of IFN-γ release for the fibromyalgia group was 1.52 (0.26), compared with 1.00 (0.22) for the controls. Generalised linear modelling (p<0.001) of IFN-γ release in the fibromyalgia patients showed significant main effects of all three indices of Borrelia infection and of antinuclear antibodies. Anaplasmataceae may play an aetiological role in fibromyalgia.

Will Music Give Me Power? Effects of Listening to Music during Active and Passive Rest Intervals on Power Output during Resistance Exercise.

The study aimed to evaluate the impact of listening to preferred music during active/passive rest on power output and heart rate in barbell squats (BS) and bench presses (BP). Fifteen participants (13 males and 2 females), moderately resistance trained, were engaged in four randomized experimental sessions with varying rest intervals (active/passive) and music presence (listening or not). Each session involved three sets of three repetitions of BS and BP at a 50% one-repetition maximum. ANOVA showed a significant main effect of the set for BP relative mean and peak power output (p < 0.001; both). The post hoc comparisons indicated a significantly higher BP relative mean and peak power output in set_2 (p < 0.001; effect size [ES] = 0.12 and p < 0.001; ES = 0.10) and set_3 (p < 0.001; ES = 0.11 and p = 0.001; ES = 0.16) in comparison to set_1. Moreover, a main effect of the set indicating a decrease in BS relative peak power output across sets was observed (p = 0.024) with no significant differences between sets. A significantly higher mean heart rate during active rest in comparison to passive rest was observed (p = 0.032; ES = 0.69). The results revealed no significant effect of listening to music on relative power output and heart rate during BS and BP.