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Purpose: To describe training loads during an Ironman training program based on intensity zones and observe training–performance relationships. Methods: Nine triathletes completed a program with the same periodization model aiming at participation in the same Ironman event. Before and during the study, subjects performed ramp-protocol tests, running, and cycling to determine aerobic (AeT) and anaerobic thresholds (AnT) through gas-exchange analysis. For swimming, subjects performed a graded lactate test to determine AeT and AnT. Training was subsequently controlled by heart rate (HR) during each training session over 18 wk. Training and the competition were both quantified based on the cumulative time spent in 3 intensity zones: zone 1 (low intensity; AnT). Results: Most of training time was spent in zone 1 (68% ± 14%), whereas the Ironman competition was primarily performed in zone 2 (59% ± 22%). Significant inverse correlations were found between both total training time and training time in zone 1 vs performance time in competition (r = –.69 and –.92, respectively). In contrast, there was a moderate positive correlation between total training time in zone 2 and performance time in competition (r = .53) and a strong positive correlation between percentage of total training time in zone 2 and performance time in competition (r = .94). Conclusions: While athletes perform with HR mainly in zone 2, better performances are associated with more training time spent in zone 1. A high amount of cycling training in zone 2 may contribute to poorer overall performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To quantify the impact of training-intensity distribution on 10K performance in recreational athletes. Methods: 30 endurance runners were randomly assigned to a training program emphasizing low-intensity, sub-ventilatory-threshold (VT), polarized endurance-training distribution (PET) or a moderately high-intensity (between-thresholds) endurance-training program (BThET). Before the study, the subjects performed a maximal exercise test to determine VT and respiratory-compensation threshold (RCT), which allowed training to be controlled based on heart rate during each training session over the 10-wk intervention period. Subjects performed a 10-km race on the same course before and after the intervention period. Training was quantified based on the cumulative time spent in 3 intensity zones: zone 1 (low intensity, RCT). The contribution of total training time in each zone was controlled to have more low-intensity training in PET (±77/3/20), whereas for BThET the distribution was higher in zone 2 and lower in zone 1 (±46/35/19). Results: Both groups significantly improved their 10K time (39min18s ± 4min54s vs 37min19s ± 4min42s, P < .0001 for PET; 39min24s ± 3min54s vs 38min0s ± 4min24s, P < .001 for BThET). Improvements were 5.0% vs 3.6%, ~41 s difference at post-training-intervention. This difference was not significant. However, a subset analysis comparing the 12 runners who actually performed the most PET (n = 6) and BThET (n = 16) distributions showed greater improvement in PET by 1.29 standardized Cohen effect-size units (90% CI 0.31–2.27, P = .038). Conclusions: Polarized training can stimulate greater training effects than between-thresholds training in recreational runners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to examine risk/protective factors to criminality in an adolescent population. Retrospective chart review was utilized to gather data on psychiatric history, substance use, and criminality among adolescent patients within a psychiatric outpatient clinic at a university school of medicine. An earlier age of psychiatric diagnosis and comorbid substance use was found to be a marked risk factor for criminality, whereas female gender and education were shown to be protective factors. These findings can aid in intervention strategies targeted at adolescents who are most at risk for criminality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Probiotics are often used in critically ill patients to prevent antibiotic-associated complications, including Clostridium difficile colitis. However, clinical evidence of their efficacy is lacking. The objective of this study is to assess the impact of prophylactic probiotic administration on bowel function, gut microbial diversity, and nutritional markers in adult burn patients. A retrospective cohort study was done on 108 burn patients aged 18 to 89. Patients were given >1 million colony-forming units per day of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus. Testing for C. difficile was used as a surrogate marker for the presence of diarrhea. Serum C-reactive protein and prealbumin values were measured. Additionally, the gut microbial diversity of eight patients was tracked via 16S quantitative PCR before and throughout the course of a standard probiotic regimen. Patients receiving oral probiotics had more reported diarrhea in the first and second weeks of treatment. In the second week, C-reactive protein levels were increased, while serum prealbumin levels were lower in patients receiving probiotics, suggesting potential malabsorption. Additionally, there was no difference in C. difficile infection, sepsis rates, emesis, or gastric residuals, indicating an absence of therapeutic benefit for probiotic administration in burn patients. Furthermore, it was determined that no discernible benefit to gut microbial diversity was conferred by probiotic therapy. Prophylactic probiotics in burn patients are not associated with improvements in patient outcomes and may in fact be associated with an increased incidence of diarrhea and malabsorption. Additional research is needed before routine use in burn patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs) are associated with high morbidity and mortality and are increasing in incidence. Proper identification of the microbial causes of NSTIs is a crucial step in diagnosis and treatment, but the majority of data collected are culture based, which is biased against fastidious organisms, including obligate anaerobes. The goal of this study was to address this gap in knowledge by characterizing NSTI microbial communities through molecular diagnostics. We performed 16S rRNA sequencing on human NSTI samples and identified five genera most commonly found in NSTIs (Prevotella, Bacteroides, Peptoniphilus, Porphyromonas, and Enterococcus). We found that a >70% contribution of obligate anaerobes to the bacterial population distribution was associated with NSTI mortality, and that NSTI samples, from both survivors and non‐survivors, had an increased relative abundance of gram negative bacteria compared to those of abscess patients. Based on our data, we conclude that obligate anaerobes are abundant in NSTIs and a high relative abundance of anaerobes is associated with a worse outcome. We recommend increasing anaerobe antibiotic coverage during the treatment of NSTIs even when anaerobes are not found by traditional clinical microbiology methods, and especially when there is a clinical suspicion for anaerobe involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The authors' institution—a safety net, university, and tertiary-care hospital located in West Texas—has a high number of hospital admissions for complicated thyrotoxicosis. It was hypothesized that unfavorable socioeconomic conditions result in increased risk of poor outcomes in hyperthyroid patients, and increased rates of hospitalization for thyrotoxicosis in West Texas. The primary aim of this study was to identify factors associated with admission for complicated thyrotoxicosis in patients living in the Panhandle and Llano Estacado of Texas. Method: A retrospective chart review of patients aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of thyrotoxicosis evaluated at the authors' institution from January 2011 to January 2017. Patients were divided into two groups: a hospitalized group, consisting of patients who required hospitalization for complicated thyrotoxicosis, and an outpatient group. Demographics, clinical, and biochemical data were reviewed to identify factors associated with hospitalization for complicated thyrotoxicosis. Results: The hospitalized group consisted of 80 patients, and the outpatient group consisted of 294 patients. Thyrotoxicosis accounted for 0.05% of all-cause hospital admissions during the study period. Patients with thyrotoxicosis and a lack of health insurance had 12 times higher odds of being hospitalized for complicated thyrotoxicosis compared to patients with commercial insurance. Conversely, the odds of hospitalization for complicated thyrotoxicosis were reduced by 63% in patients with a higher median income, and by 33% in those with college or university studies versus high school studies. Thirty-two percent of patients hospitalized for complicated thyrotoxicosis presented with thyroid storm, and this accounted for 7% of the studied cohort. Conclusion: Socioeconomic conditions are the main factors associated with the odds of being admitted to a hospital in West Texas for complicated thyrotoxicosis, including thyroid storm. Patients without healthcare insurance have higher odds of admission, while patients with higher education and living in areas of higher income have lower odds of hospital admission due to thyrotoxicosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal obesity in pregnancy has been linked to a spectrum of adverse developmental changes. Involvement of eCBs in obesity is well characterized. However, information regarding eCB physiology in obesity associated with pregnancy is sparse. This study evaluated fetomaternal hepatic, systemic, and placental eCB molecular changes in response to maternal consumption of a HFD. From β9 mo before conception, nonpregnant baboons (Papio spp.) were fed a diet of either 45 (HFD; n β 11) or 12% fat or a control diet (CTR; n β 11), and dietary intervention continued through pregnancy. Maternal and fetal venous plasma samples were evaluated using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to quantify AEA and 2-AG. Placental, maternal and fetal hepatic tissues were analyzed using RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. mRNA and protein expression of endocannabinoid receptors (CB1R and CB2R), FAAH, DAGL, MAGL, and COX-2 were determined. Statistical analyses were performed with the nonparametric Scheirer-Ray-Hare extension of the Kruskal-Wallis test to analyze the effects of diet (HFD vs. CTR), fetal sex (male vs. female), and the diet × sex interaction. Fetal weight was influenced by fetal sex but not by maternal diet. The increase in maternal weight in animals fed the HFD vs. the CTR diet approached significance (P β 0.055). Maternal circulating 2-AG concentrations increased, and fetal circulating concentrations decreased in the HFD group, independently of fetal sex. CB1R receptor expression was detected in syncytiotrophoblasts (HFD) and the fetal endothelium (CTR and HFD). Placental CB2R protein expression was higher in males and lower in female fetuses in the HFD group. Fetal hepatic CB2R, FAAH, COX-2 (for both fetal sexes), and DAGLα (in male fetuses) protein expression decreased in the HFD group compared with the CTR group. We conclude that consumption of a HFD during pregnancy results in fetal systemic 2-AG and hepatic eCB deficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study of substance use among women in West Texas under the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services System (USPPSS). The study used data regarding the factors linked with substance use and criminality in the region. The study revealed the prevalence of alcohol used among demographics and age distributions, and the positive association between immediate and extended family use of alcohol or drugs.

Background: Achieving fat-loss outcomes by ingesting multi-ingredient mixtures may be further enhanced during exercise. This study tested the acute thermogenic effectiveness of a commercially available multi-ingredient product (Shred-Matrix®), containing Green Tea Extract, Yerba Maté, Guarana Seed Extract, Anhydrous caffeine, Saw palmetto, Fo-Ti, Eleuthero root, Cayenne Pepper, and Yohimbine HCI, on fatty acid oxidation (FAO), perception of hunger, mood state and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) at rest and during 30 min of submaximal exercise. Methods: Following institutional ethical approval, twelve healthy recreationally active participants, five females and seven males, were randomized to perform two separate experimental ergometry cycling trials, and to ingest 1.5 g (3 × capsules) of either a multi-ingredient supplement (SHRED) or placebo (PL). Participants rested for 3 h, before performing a 30-min cycling exercise corresponding to their individually-determined intensity based on their maximal fat oxidation (Fatmax). Fatty acid oxidation (FAO) was determined at rest, 3 h before exercise (Pre1), immediately before exercise (Pre2) and during exercise (Post), using expired gasses and indirect calorimetry. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was measured every 3 min during the 30-min exercise. Additionally both mood state and perception of hunger were assessed at Pre1, Pre2 and Post exercise. A repeated measures ANOVA design and Cohen's d effect sizes were used to analyze potential differences between times and treatment conditions. Results: FAO increased in SHRED from Pre1 to Pre2 [0.56 ± 0.26 to 0.96 ± 0.37, (p = 0.003, d =1.34)] but not in PL [0.67 ± 0.25 to 0.74 ± 0.19, (p = 0.334) d = 0.49], with no differences were found between conditions (p = 0.12, d = 0.49). However, Cohen's d = 0.77 revealed moderate effect size in favor of SHRED from Pre to Post exercise. RPE values were lower in SHRED compared to Pl (p< 0.001). Mood state and perception of hunger were not different between conditions, with no interaction effects. However, a trend was shown towards improved satiety in SHRED compared with PL, [F(1,11) = 3.58, p = 0.085]. Conclusions: The multi-ingredient product's potential enhancement of FAO during exercise, satiety, and RPE reduction suggests an acute effectiveness of SHRED in improving the exercise-related fat loss benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of a 4-week lower body injury prevention program on knee muscle torque–angle relationship were examined in soccer players. Twenty men were randomly allocated to either a control (n = 10) or training group (n = 10). The training group underwent three training sessions per week, comprising 3 sets of 8 repetitions of one open-chain exercise (Nordic curl) and two closed-chain exercises—forward lunges on a Bosu® balance trainer and eccentric single leg dead lifts. Maximal peak knee flexion torque was measured at 35°, 45°, 60°, 80°, 90°, and 100° pre- and post-intervention. Significant improvements were observed only at 80° (p= .001;d= .94) along with a nonsignificant trend at 35° (p= .081;d= .43). As these modifications might protect athletes against muscle and joint injuries, the use of both stable-open and unstable-closed kinetic chain exercises emphasizing eccentric hamstring and knee stabilization actions should be integrated into injury prevention programs in team sports athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Conclusion Acute ingestion of SHRED increases FAO significantly at rest, and appears to have a moderate effect size on FAO during exercise compared with PL. Enhancing the ability to utilize fatty acids at rest and during exercise is a known important factor for weight loss and endurance performance outcomes. [Extracted from the article]

The goal of this study was to determine the accuracy of the Scale of Perceived Exertion (RPE) OMNI RES 0-10 and the Linear Velocity (V) to predict the 1RM value in two resistance training exercises: Bench Press (BP) and Parallel Squat (PS), in a group of young baseball players. 32 young men baseball players (15.6+0.7 yr) performed a progressive test (PRT) in BP and PS with incremental load until reach the maximum load that can be mobilized (1 RM). The RPE OMNI-RES 0-10 Scale was used to assess the effort's perception experimented at the end of the PRT set and a rotating encoder was used to get the average lineal velocity reached with each load. Two lineal regression analyses where made to predict the 1 RM percentages and calculate the 1 RM. 1) One between theV (as independent variable) and % 1 RM (as dependent variable) 2) The other one between the RPE (as independent variable) and % 1 RM (as dependent variable). The averaged 1 RM achieved were 66.8±12.8 and 153.8±22.6 for BP and PS respectively. The 1 RM prediction models were statistically significant (p < 0.01) for either velocity(r = 0.97 SEE% 12.2 and r = 0.93 SEE 14.6%) or RPE(r = 0.90SEE% 6.4% and r = 0.97 SEE% 6.7%) for BP or PS respectively. The regression equation developed for each model were: 1 RM BP = 100 × kg/(1.050 + (-0.517)v) and 1 MR BP = 100 × kg/(0.266 + 0.075(RPE)); 1 RM PS = 100 × kg / ((1.094 + (-0.388) v) and 1 RM PS = 100 × kg / (0.572 + 0.043(RPE)).The covaried analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between the regression RPE-%1RM regression line developed for BP and PS, but not for the two BP or PS v-%1 RM regression. For both exercises (BP and PS), we can estimate the 1 RM value from the velocity or the RPE determined during or at the end of a short set of only 1 to 3 rep with a submaximal load mobilized with the maximal possible velocity. These equations allow a continuous control of the strength evolutions during the training process, although when the V is utilized as the predictive variable we can assign the same equation for BP or PS, but when you uses the RPE we have to develop a specific equation for each different exercise. Furthermore, from the SEE% the RPE equation shows a more accurate value than the V equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This data paper aims to provide data on the effect of the process settings on the fouling of an electrodialysis pilot installation treating a sodium chloride solution (0.1 M and 0.2 M) in the presence of humic acid (1 g/L). This data was used by "Colloidal fouling in electrodialysis: a neural differential equations model" [1] to construct a predictive model and provides interpretive insights into this dataset. 22 electrodialysis fouling experiments were performed where the electrical resistance over the electrodialysis stack was monitored while varying the crossflow velocity (2.0 cm/s - 3.5 cm/s) in the compartments, the current applied (1.41 A - 1.91 A) to the stack and the salt concentration in the incoming stream. The active cycle was maintained for a maximum of 1.5 h after which the polarity was reversed to remove the fouling layer. Additional data is gathered such as the temperature, pH, flow rate, conductivity, pressure in the different compartments of the electrodialysis stack. The data is processed to remove the effect of temperature fluctuations and some filtering is performed. To maximise the reuse potential of this dataset, both raw and processed data are provided along with a detailed description of the pilot installation and sensor locations. The data generated can be useful for researchers and industry working on electrodialysis fouling and the modelling thereof. The availability of conductivity and pH in all compartments is useful to investigate secondary effects of humic acid fouling such as the eventual decrease in membrane permselectivity or water splitting effects introduced by the fouling layer., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships which have, or could be perceived to have, influenced the work reported in this article., (© 2020 Published by Elsevier Inc.)