The effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation training on abdominal strength, endurance, and selected anthropometric measures

We studied the effects of self-administered neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on changes in strength, endurance, selected anthropometric measures, and subject's perceived shape and satisfaction of the abdominal wall. Twenty-four adults (experimental group) stimulated their abdominals 5 days per week (20-40 minutes per session) for 8 weeks and refrained from engaging in any additional exercise during the study. A control group (N=16) refrained from exercising the abdominals or engaging in any other exercise training during the study. Subjects were tested at the beginning, mid-point, and end of the study. Isometric strength of the abdominal muscles was tested using a isokinetic dynamometer, endurance was measured using the ACSM curl-up test, abdominal circumference was measured using a steel tape measure, and body shape and satisfaction were assessed via questionnaire. The stimulation group had a 58% increase in abdominal strength, whereas the control group did not change. The stimulation group also had a 100% increase in abdominal endurance versus a 28% increase in the control group. Waist circumference decreased by of 3.5 cm in the stimulation group compared to no significant change in the control group. All 24 subjects in the stimulation group felt that their midsections were more "toned" and "firmed" and 13/24 (54%) felt that their posture had improved as a result of the stimulation. None of the control group subjects reported changes in these parameters. There were no significant differences in body weight, BMI, or skinfold thickness over the course of the study in either group. NMES, as used in the current study, resulted in significant improvements in the muscular strength and endurance of the abdominal region, as well as subject's perceived shape and satisfaction of the mid-section. Key PointsElectrical muscle stimulation (EMS) was effective in increasing muscle strength and enduranceAll subjects perceived their abdominal muscles to be firmer and more toned as a result of EMSAbdominal and waist girth was also significantly reduced, despite no changes in body weight or subcutaneous fat.

Correlation of sperm penetration assay score with polyspermy rate in in-vitro fertilization

BACKGROUND: The sperm penetration assay (SPA) is used to predict the fertilizing capacity of sperm. Thus, some programs rely on SPA scores to formulate insemination plans in conjunction with in-vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if a relationship exists between SPA scores and polyspermy rates during conventional IVF cycles. METHODS: A total of 1350 consecutive IVF patients using conventional IVF insemination were evaluated in the study. Oocytes were inseminated three hours post-retrieval by the addition of 150,000 to 300,000 progressively motile sperm. Approximately 18 hours after insemination, the oocytes were evaluated for fertilization by the visualization of pronuclei. The presence of three or more pronuclei was indicative of polyspermy. Polyspermy rates, fertilization success, embryo quality, and pregnancy rates were analyzed retrospectively to evaluate their relationship with SPA score, count, motility, number of progressively motile sperm inseminated, oocyte pre-insemination incubation time, patient age, and diagnosis. RESULTS: A significant positive relationship was observed between SPA score and polyspermy rate (rs = 0.10, p < 0.05). Patients with a normal SPA score had significantly higher polyspermy rates than those with abnormal SPA scores (6.3% +/- 1.5% vs. 2.0% +/- 0.7%, p < 0.05). Fertilization percentage was significantly lower in the group with severely abnormal SPA scores versus all other SPA groups (57.5% +/- 2.1% vs. 70.2% +/- 1.3%, p < 0.005). Although embryo quality was not affected, both clinical pregnancy and implantation rates improved slightly as SPA score increased. In addition, there was a decrease in the rate of spontaneous abortion as SPA score increased. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate SPA score is positively correlated with polyspermy rates and IVF fertilization percentage. Additionally, there is a slight increase in clinical pregnancy rates, and embryo implantation rates with increased SPA. Furthermore, there is a slight decrease in spontaneous abortions rates related to increased SPA.

Renal cell carcinoma vertebral body metastasis extending into the azygos venous system causing superior vena cava obstruction

We describe a case of superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction caused by extension of tumour thrombus from a vertebral body metastasis through the azygos system to the SVC. The primary tumour was a renal cell carcinoma.

Introduction to competition between continuous cultures of Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Dunaliella tertiolecta

When the diatom, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and the microalga, Dunaliella tertiolecta, are cultured together in a chemostat at dilution factors of approximately 0.5 day-1, the diatom develops the higher population density. At dilution factors above 1.2 day-1 the inability of the diatom to assimilate nutrient as fast as it flows into the chemostat results in the microalga generating the larger population. This change in population densities is accompanied by an increase in the chlorophyll content of the diatom and a decrease in the chlorophyll content of the microalga. Two species of phytoplankton can coexist when they compete for nutrient in a chemostat providing they do not otherwise interact. When the species do interact coexistence in a stable steady state is possible providing intraspecies interactions exceed the interactions between the species. Both species adjust their consumption to minimise the concentration of nutrient in the chemostat and their growth is modified to match the dilution factor of the flow.

Comparison of four media types during 3-day human IVF embryo culture

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of human tubal fluid (HTF), G1.2, Sage Cleavage and Life Global media for IVF outcome during 3-day culture of human embryos. A three-phase auto-controlled study was conducted in which IVF outcome was compared between (1) HTF and G1.2, (2) HTF and Cleavage, and (3) Cleavage and Life Global. In phase 1, no differences in embryo quality were observed between HTF and G1.2. However, embryos derived from intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) displayed significantly improved quality when grown in HTF versus G1.2. No differences in pregnancy and implantation rates were observed in cases where embryos transferred were grown exclusively in HTF or G1.2 media. In phase 2, embryo quality was significantly improved for embryos cultured in Cleavage versus HTF media (P < 0.001). However, pregnancy, implantation and spontaneous abortion rates were similar between the two media. In phase 3, there were no differences in embryo quality, pregnancy, implantation, and spontaneous abortion rates between Cleavage and Life Global media. Overall, the data indicate that Life Global and Cleavage media yield similar results in a 3-day IVF culture programme. Cleavage medium is superior to HTF, as evidenced by significantly improved embryo quality (P < 0.001). Meanwhile, HTF medium is superior to G1.2 for ICSI cases.

Corporate real estate and facilities management process and controls: The direct and implied ramifications of section 404 of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002

This paper introduces section 404 of the Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002 to corporate real estate (CRE) executives and identifies some of the effects that this new legislation has on the management of CRE operations with respect to financial reporting controls. While section 404’s reach includes all financial reporting, this paper focuses on capital projects and describes one method for establishing necessary financial reporting controls through a Management by Projects approach.

Consistency of the talk test for exercise prescription

INTRODUCTION/PURPOSE

The Talk Test has been shown to be well correlated with the ventilatory threshold, with accepted guidelines for exercise prescription, and with the ischemic threshold. As such, it appears to be a valuable although quite simple method of exercise prescription. In this study, we evaluate the consistency of the Talk Test by comparing responses during different modes of exercise.

METHODS

Healthy volunteers (N = 16) performed incremental exercise, on both treadmill and cycle ergometer. Trials were performed with respiratory gas exchange and while performing the Talk Test. Comparisons were made regarding the correspondence of the last positive, equivocal, and first negative stages of the Talk Test with ventilatory threshold.

RESULTS

The %VO2peak, %VO2 reserve, %HRpeak, and %HR reserve at ventilatory threshold on treadmill versus cycle ergometer (77%, 75%. 89%, and 84% vs 67%, 64%, 82%, and 74%) were not significantly different than the equivocal stage of the Talk Test (83%, 82%, 86%, and 80% vs 73%, 70%, 87%, and 81%). The VO2 at ventilatory threshold and the last positive, equivocal and negative stages of the Talk Test were well correlated during treadmill and cycle ergometer exercise.

CONCLUSIONS

The results support the hypothesis that the Talk Test approximates ventilatory threshold on both treadmill and cycle. At the point where speech first became difficult, exercise intensity was almost exactly equivalent to ventilatory threshold. When speech was not comfortable, exercise intensity was consistently above ventilatory threshold. These results suggest that the Talk Test may be a highly consistent method of exercise prescription.

Abnormal cognitive function in treated congenital hypopituitarism

AIMS

To assess cognitive function in school age children with congenital pituitary hormone deficiency (PHD).

METHODS

Ten children with PHD (aged 6.0-15.6 years, mean 11.5 years) and sibling controls (aged 8.7-14.9 years, mean 12.1 years) were assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-III UK).

RESULTS

The patients' full scale IQ scores were all below average (mean 75, 95% CI 70-80), but were not significantly different to those of sibling controls (mean 82, 95% CI 75-89). There was no difference in verbal IQ between patients and siblings, but performance IQ was significantly reduced (mean 75, 95% CI 68-82 in patients; mean 88, 95% CI 80-96 in sibling controls). The reduced performance IQ reflected a poorer performance in tasks assessing perceptual organisational skills.

CONCLUSIONS

Data suggest that children with PHD have an IQ that is below average when compared to the population norm and a reduced performance IQ when compared to sibling controls. This may reflect abnormal brain development or could be linked to the impact of hypoglycaemia or low thyroxine concentrations in early life. This information is of value when counselling parents and planning a child's care and education, although further, more extensive studies of patients and siblings are required.

What new knowledge would help policymakers better balance investments for optimal health outcomes?

OBJECTIVE

Review the limitations in cross-sectoral health outcomes research and suggest a future research agenda. DATA SOURCES, STUDY DESIGN, DATA COLLECTION: Literature review and workshop discussion.

PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

The research evidence that would aid public and private policy makers in answering the question the title poses is quite limited.

CONCLUSIONS

Much more evidence from diverse disciplines is needed, and key areas are suggested. Criteria for progress by 2010 are proposed.

Prevalence of sensitisation to cellulase and xylanase in bakery workers

AIMS

To assess the prevalence of sensitisation to a range of exogenous fungal enzymes used in bakeries, and determine the relation between sensitisation and work related symptoms.

METHODS

Serum samples (n = 135) from a previous cross sectional study investigating the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and sensitisation to dust components, were reanalysed for specific IgE to the mixed enzymes cellulase, hemicellulase, and xylanase.

RESULTS

Eight (6%) of sera tested had detectable specific IgE to mixed enzymes (excluding fungal alpha-amylase) and 16 (12%) to fungal alpha-amylase. A significant increase (p = 0.03) in nasal symptoms was found in those workers sensitised to enzymes (including alpha-amylase and the mixed enzymes, but with or without sensitisation to wheat flour) when compared to those sensitised to wheat flour alone. Both groups had significantly greater levels of nasal symptoms in comparison to those with no evidence of sensitisation.

CONCLUSIONS

The association between specific IgE to mixed enzymes, and an increased prevalence of nasal symptoms in individuals sensitised to enzymes, highlights the importance of measuring sensitisation to the full range of exogenous enzymes used in the baking industry, as well as to wheat flour.

Neuroendocrine control of pulsatile GnRH secretion during the ovarian cycle: evidence from the ewe

This article reviews the neuroendocrine control of episodic GnRH secretion during the ovine oestrous cycle. There is general agreement that endogenous opioid peptides (EOPs) mediate the negative feedback action of progesterone on GnRH pulse frequency during the luteal phase of the ovarian cycle and recent preliminary data have implicated the dynorphin-kappa-receptor system in this effect of progesterone. Progesterone also acutely inhibits GnRH pulse frequency via a non-EOP mechanism, as naloxone does not block the rapid effects of this steroid. The effects of bicuculline, 3alpha-hydroxy-5alpha-pregnan-20-one and RU486 consistently indicated that the gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABA-A) receptor is also not involved in the acute actions of progesterone. Thus, the neural system mediating this effect remains to be determined. Oestradiol has several actions on episodic GnRH secretion. The most well characterized action is inhibition of GnRH pulse amplitude, which is probably mediated by noradrenergic neurones. Oestradiol also increases the response to progesterone negative feedback, alters GnRH pulse shape and increases GnRH pulse frequency. The first two of these actions may involve EOPs, whereas the mechanisms underlying GnRH pulse frequency are currently unknown. Finally, there is also evidence that EOPs play a physiological role in synchronizing the firing of the GnRH neurones responsible for episodic release. Specifically, the effects of naloxone on the GnRH pulse shape lead to the hypothesis that EOP tone contributes to the termination of each GnRH pulse and prevents random firing of these GnRH neurones between pulses. Thus, it appears that EOPs play an important role in controlling several different aspects of pulsatile GnRH release during the ovine oestrous cycle.

Computed tomography-detected abnormalities following conventional abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair

PURPOSE

To determine how time since the operation influences vascular abnormalities following conventional infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair.

METHODS

In 47 patients computed tomography was performed 1 to 12 years following the aneurysm repair. Aortic diameters at different levels were measured and other abnormalities recorded.

RESULTS

Significant correlation was found between time since operation and diameter of the suprarenal aorta (R=0.51, P<0.001) but not with aortic neck diameter (R=-0.10, P=0.48) or diameter of the prosthetic graft (R=0.07, P=0.66). However, measured diameters of graft and aortic neck showed a significant positive correlation (R=0.40, P=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

Dilatation of the suprarenal aorta has a different pattern from aortic neck dilatation. The latter showed correlation with the diameter of the prosthetic graft. This may be of interest for future design of endovascular stent-grafts.

Apollo: a sequence annotation editor

The well-established inaccuracy of purely computational methods for annotating genome sequences necessitates an interactive tool to allow biological experts to refine these approximations by viewing and independently evaluating the data supporting each annotation. Apollo was developed to meet this need, enabling curators to inspect genome annotations closely and edit them. FlyBase biologists successfully used Apollo to annotate the Drosophila melanogaster genome and it is increasingly being used as a starting point for the development of customized annotation editing tools for other genome projects.