A pilot study on quantification of training load: The use of HRV in training practice.

Recent laboratory studies have suggested that heart rate variability (HRV) may be an appropriate criterion for training load (TL) quantification. The aim of this study was to validate a novel HRV index that may be used to assess TL in field conditions. Eleven well-trained long-distance male runners performed four exercises of different duration and intensity. TL was evaluated using Foster and Banister methods. In addition, HRV measurements were performed 5 minutes before exercise and 5 and 30 minutes after exercise. We calculated HRV index (TLHRV) based on the ratio between HRV decrease during exercise and HRV increase during recovery. HRV decrease during exercise was strongly correlated with exercise intensity (R = -0.70; p < 0.01) but not with exercise duration or training volume. TLHRV index was correlated with Foster (R = 0.61; p = 0.01) and Banister (R = 0.57; p = 0.01) methods. This study confirms that HRV changes during exercise and recovery phase are affected by both intensity and physiological impact of the exercise. Since the TLHRV formula takes into account the disturbance and the return to homeostatic balance induced by exercise, this new method provides an objective and rational TL index. However, some simplification of the protocol measurement could be envisaged for field use.

The transtheoretical model and obesity: a bibliometric study

The Transtheoretical Model of behaviour change is currently one of the most promising models in terms of understanding and promoting behaviour change related to the acquisition of healthy living habits. By means of a bibliographic search of papers adopting a TTM approach to obesity, the present bibliometric study enables the scientific output in this field to be evaluated. The results obtained reveal a growing interest in applying this model to both the treatment of obesity and its prevention. Otherwise, author and journal outputs fit the models proposed by Lotka and Bradford, respectively.

Customer expectation study in product development process and its role in strategy formulation

Tämä työ on tehty kansainväliselle metsäteollisuusyritykselle. Työn lähtökohtana oli tarve tutkia yrityksen mahdollisuuksia laajentaa toimintaansa uudelle markkinasegmentille, eläinruokapakkausmarkkinoille. Johtuen maailmanlaajuisesta eläinruoankulutuksen kasvusta, eläinruokapakkaukset ovat yritykselle mielenkiintoinen uusi markkina-alue. Onnistunut markkinoilletulo vaatii asiakastarpeiden ja -odotusten huomioimista tuotekehitys- ja markkinastrategian muodostamisessa. Tämän työn tavoitteena oli selvittää asiakkaiden odotuksia eläinruokapakkauksille, sekä mallintaa alalla vallitsevia ostoprosesseja. Asiakastarvetutkimus suunniteltiin perustuen kirjallisuuteen ja alustaviin markkina- ja asiakasanalyyseihin. Alustavat analyysit ovat tarpeellisia lähtötilanteen ja trendien selvittämiseksi. Itse tutkimus toteutettiin semi-konstruktoituna teemahaastatteluna. Haastateltavat edustivat USA:n ja Euroopan johtavia eläinruokavalmistajia ja pakkausten jatkojalostajia. Työn tuloksena saatiin yksityiskohtaista tietoa asiakkaiden odotuksista eläinruokapakkauksille, paperin ominaisuuksille ja paperitoimittajille. Lisäksi mallinnettiin ostoprosesseja paperitoimittajien, pakkausten jalostajien ja eläinruokavalmistajien välillä. Tulosten perusteella on analysoitu yrityksen mahdollisuuksia menestyä uudella markkinasegmentillä. Lisäksi työssä annettiin ehdotuksia tuotekehitys- ja markkinastrategian muodostamiseen.

The swiss transplant cohort study: lessons from the first 6 years.

Prospective cohort studies significantly contribute to answering specific research questions in a defined population. Since 2008, the Swiss Transplant Cohort Study (STCS) systematically enrolled >95 % of all transplant recipients in Switzerland, collecting predefined data at determined time points. Designed as an open cohort, the STCS has included >3900 patients to date, with a median follow-up of 2.96 years (IQR 1.44-4.73). This review highlights some relevant findings in the field of transplant-associated infections gained by the STCS so far. Three key general aspects have crystallized: (i) Well-run cohort studies are a powerful tool to conduct genetic studies, which are crucially dependent on a meticulously described phenotype. (ii) Long-term real-life observations are adding a distinct layer of information that cannot be obtained during randomized studies. (iii) The systemic collection of data, close interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous analysis of some key outcome data such as infectious diseases endpoints can improve patient care.

Full-Body MRI in Patients With an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: Primary Results of a Randomized Study.

BACKGROUND: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with conventional implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICD) is contraindicated. OBJECTIVES: This multicenter, randomized trial evaluated safety and efficacy of a novel ICD system specially designed for full-body MRI without restrictions on heart rate or pacing dependency. The primary safety objective was >90% freedom from MRI-related events composite endpoint within 30 days post-MRI. The primary efficacy endpoints were ventricular pacing capture threshold and ventricular sensing amplitude. METHODS: Subjects received either a single- or dual-chamber ICD. In a 2:1 randomization, subjects either underwent MRI at 1.5-T of the chest, cervical, and head regions to maximize radiofrequency exposure up to 2 W/kg specific absorption rate and gradient field exposure to 200 T/m/s per axis (MRI group, n = 175), or they underwent a 1-h waiting period without MRI (control group, n = 88). A subset of MRI patients underwent ventricular fibrillation induction testing post-MRI to characterize defibrillation function. RESULTS: In 42 centers, 275 patients were enrolled (76% male, age 60.4 ± 13.8 years). The safety endpoint was met with 100% freedom from the composite endpoint (p < 0.0001). Both efficacy endpoints were met with minimal differences in the proportion of MRI and control patients who demonstrated a ≤0.5 V increase in ventricular pacing capture threshold (100% MRI vs. 98.8% control, noninferiority p < 0.0001) or a ≤50% decrease in R-wave amplitude (99.3% MRI vs. 98.8% control, noninferiority p = 0.0001). A total of 34 ventricular tachyarrhythmia/ventricular fibrillation episodes (20 induced; 14 spontaneous) occurred in 24 subjects post-MRI, with no observed effect on sensing, detection, or treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first randomized clinical study of an ICD system designed for full-body MRI at 1.5-T. These data support that the system is safe and the MRI scan does not adversely affect electrical performance or efficacy. (Confirmatory Clinical Trial of the Evera MRI System for Conditionally-Safe MRI Access; NCT02117414).

Use of alternative and complementary therapies in labor and delivery care: a cross-sectional study of midwives" training in Catalan hospitals accredited as centers for normal birth

Background: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) during pregnancy is increasing. Scientific evidence for CAM and CAT in the field of obstetrics mainly covers pain relief in labor. Midwives are responsible for labor and delivery care: hence, their knowledge of CAM and CAT is important. The aims of this study are to describe the professional profile of midwives who provide care for natural childbirth in Catalan hospitals accredited as centers for normal birth, to assess midwives" level of training in CAT and their use of these therapies, and to identify specific resources for CAT in labor wards. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative method was used to assess the level of training and use of CAT by midwives working at 28 hospitals in Catalonia, Spain, accredited as public normal birth centers. Results: Just under a third of midwives (30.4%) trained in CAT after completion of basic training. They trained in an average of 5.97 therapies (SD 3.56). The number of CAT in which the midwives were trained correlated negatively with age (r = - 0.284; p < 0.001) and with their time working at the hospital in years (r = - 0.136; p = 0.036). Midwives trained in CAT considered that the following therapies were useful or very useful for pain relief during labor and delivery: relaxation techniques (64.3%), hydrotherapy (84.8%) and the application of compresses to the perineum (75.9%). The availability of resources for providing CAT during normal birth care varied widely from center to center. Conclusions: Age may influence attitudes towards training. It is important to increase the number of midwives trained in CAM for pain relief during childbirth, in order to promote the use of CAT and ensure efficiency and safety. CAT resources at accredited hospitals providing normal childbirth care should also be standardized.

Use of alternative and complementary therapies in labor and delivery care: a cross-sectional study of midwives" training in Catalan hospitals accredited as centers for normal birth

Background: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and complementary and alternative therapies (CAT) during pregnancy is increasing. Scientific evidence for CAM and CAT in the field of obstetrics mainly covers pain relief in labor. Midwives are responsible for labor and delivery care: hence, their knowledge of CAM and CAT is important. The aims of this study are to describe the professional profile of midwives who provide care for natural childbirth in Catalan hospitals accredited as centers for normal birth, to assess midwives" level of training in CAT and their use of these therapies, and to identify specific resources for CAT in labor wards. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional, quantitative method was used to assess the level of training and use of CAT by midwives working at 28 hospitals in Catalonia, Spain, accredited as public normal birth centers. Results: Just under a third of midwives (30.4%) trained in CAT after completion of basic training. They trained in an average of 5.97 therapies (SD 3.56). The number of CAT in which the midwives were trained correlated negatively with age (r = - 0.284; p < 0.001) and with their time working at the hospital in years (r = - 0.136; p = 0.036). Midwives trained in CAT considered that the following therapies were useful or very useful for pain relief during labor and delivery: relaxation techniques (64.3%), hydrotherapy (84.8%) and the application of compresses to the perineum (75.9%). The availability of resources for providing CAT during normal birth care varied widely from center to center. Conclusions: Age may influence attitudes towards training. It is important to increase the number of midwives trained in CAM for pain relief during childbirth, in order to promote the use of CAT and ensure efficiency and safety. CAT resources at accredited hospitals providing normal childbirth care should also be standardized.

Study of Johnsons Glacier (Livingston Island, Antarctica) by means of shallow ice cores and their tephra and by analysis of 137Cs content

With the aim of monitoring the dynamics of the Livingston Island ice cap, the Departament de Geodinàmica i Geofísica of the Universitat de Barcelona began ye a r ly surveys in the austral summer of 1994-95 on Johnsons Glacier. During this field campaign 10 shallow ice cores were sampled with a manual ve rtical ice-core drilling machine. The objectives were: i) to detect the tephra layer accumulated on the glacier surface, attributed to the 1970 Deception Island pyroclastic eruption, today interstratified; ii) to verify wheter this layer might serve as a reference level; iii) to measure the 1 3 7Cs radio-isotope concentration accumulated in the 1965 snow stratum; iv) to use the isochrone layer as a mean of verifying the age of the 1970 tephra layer; and, v) to calculate both the equilibrium line of the glacier and average mass balance over the last 28 years (1965-1993). The stratigr a p hy of the cores, their cumulative density curves and the isothermal ice temperatures recorded confi rm that Johnsons Glacier is a temperate glacier. Wi n d, solar radiation heating and liquid water are the main agents controlling the ve rtical and horizontal redistribution of the volcanic and cryoclastic particles that are sedimented and remain interstratified within the g l a c i e r. It is because of this redistribution that the 1970 tephra layer does not always serve as a ve ry good reference level. The position of the equilibrium line altitude (ELA) in 1993, obtained by the 1 3 7Cs spectrometric analysis, varies from about 200 m a.s.l. to 250 m a.s.l. This indicates a rising trend in the equilibrium line altitude from the beginning of the 1970s to the present day. The va rying slope orientation of Johnsons Glacier relative to the prevailing NE wind gives rise to large local differences in snow accumulation, which locally modifies the equilibrium line altitude. In the cores studied, 1 3 7Cs appears to be associated with the 1970 tephra laye r. This indicates an intense ablation episode throughout the sampled area (at least up to 330 m a.s.l), which probably occurred synchronically to the 1970 tephra deposition or later. A rough estimate of the specific mass balance reveals a considerable accumulation gradient related to the increase with altitude.

Study of B0(s)→K0Sh+h′− decays with first observation of B0s→K0SK±π∓ and B0s→K0Sπ+π

A search for charmless three-body decays of B 0 and B0s mesons with a K0S meson in the final state is performed using the pp collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb−1, collected at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV recorded by the LHCb experiment. Branching fractions of the B0(s)→K0Sh+h′− decay modes (h (′) = π, K), relative to the well measured B0→K0Sπ+π− decay, are obtained. First observation of the decay modes B0s→K0SK±π∓ and B0s→K0Sπ+π− and confirmation of the decay B0→K0SK±π∓ are reported. The following relative branching fraction measurements or limits are obtained $ B(B0→K0SK±π∓)B(B0→K0Sπ+π−)=0.128±0.017(stat.)±0.009(syst.),B(B0→K0SK+K−)B(B0→K0Sπ+π−)=0.385±0.031(stat.)±0.023(syst.),B(B0s→K0Sπ+π−)B(B0→K0Sπ+π−)=0.29±0.06(stat.)±0.03(syst.)±0.02(fs/fd),B(B0s→K0SK±π∓)B(B0→K0Sπ+π−)=1.48±0.12(stat.)±0.08(syst.)±0.12(fs/fd)B(B0s→K0SK+K−)B(B0→K0Sπ+π−)∈[0.004;0.068]at90%CL.

Study of D J meson decays to D +π-, D 0π+ and D ∗+π- final states in pp collisions

A study of D +π−, D 0π+ and D ∗+π− final states is performed using pp collision data, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.0 fb−1, collected at a centre-of-mass energy of 7 TeV with the LHCb detector. The D 1(2420)0 resonance is observed in the D ∗+π− final state and the D∗2(2460) resonance is observed in the D +π−, D 0π+ and D ∗+π− final states. For both resonances, their properties and spin-parity assignments are obtained. In addition, two natural parity and two unnatural parity resonances are observed in the mass region between 2500 and 2800 MeV. Further structures in the region around 3000 MeV are observed in all the D ∗+π−, D +π− and D 0π+ final states.

Lowering blood alcohol content levels to save lives: A European case study

Road safety has become an increasing concern in developed countries due to the significant amount of fatalities and the associated economic losses. Only in 2005 these losses rose to 200,000 million euros, a considerable sum ¿ approximately 2% of GDP ¿ that easily justifies any public intervention. One measure taken by governments to address this issue is to enact stricter policies and regulations. Since drunk driving is one of the greatest concerns among public authorities in this field, several European countries have lowered their illegal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) levels to 0.5 mg/ml during the last decade. This study is the first evaluation of the effectiveness of this transition using European panel-based data (CARE) for the period 1991-2003 with the differences-in-differences method in a fixed effects estimation that allows for any pattern of correlation (Cluster-Robust). The results reveal a positive impact on certain groups of road users and on the whole population when the policy is accompanied by enforcement interventions. Moreover, positive results appeared after a time lag of over two years. Finally, I state the importance of controlling for serial correlation in the evaluation of this type of policy.

Lowering blood alcohol content levels to save lives: A European case study

Road safety has become an increasing concern in developed countries due to the significant amount of fatalities and the associated economic losses. Only in 2005 these losses rose to 200,000 million euros, a considerable sum ¿ approximately 2% of GDP ¿ that easily justifies any public intervention. One measure taken by governments to address this issue is to enact stricter policies and regulations. Since drunk driving is one of the greatest concerns among public authorities in this field, several European countries have lowered their illegal Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) levels to 0.5 mg/ml during the last decade. This study is the first evaluation of the effectiveness of this transition using European panel-based data (CARE) for the period 1991-2003 with the differences-in-differences method in a fixed effects estimation that allows for any pattern of correlation (Cluster-Robust). The results reveal a positive impact on certain groups of road users and on the whole population when the policy is accompanied by enforcement interventions. Moreover, positive results appeared after a time lag of over two years. Finally, I state the importance of controlling for serial correlation in the evaluation of this type of policy.

Building legitimacy by criticising the pharmaceutical industry: a qualitative study among prescribers and local opinion leaders.

PRINCIPLES: The literature has described opinion leaders not only as marketing tools of the pharmaceutical industry, but also as educators promoting good clinical practice. This qualitative study addresses the distinction between the opinion-leader-as-marketing-tool and the opinion-leader-as-educator, as it is revealed in the discourses of physicians and experts, focusing on the prescription of antidepressants. We explore the relational dynamic between physicians, opinion leaders and the pharmaceutical industry in an area of French-speaking Switzerland. METHODS: Qualitative content analysis of 24 semistructured interviews with physicians and local experts in psychopharmacology, complemented by direct observation of educational events led by the experts, which were all sponsored by various pharmaceutical companies. RESULTS: Both physicians and experts were critical of the pharmaceutical industry and its use of opinion leaders. Local experts, in contrast, were perceived by the physicians as critical of the industry and, therefore, as a legitimate source of information. Local experts did not consider themselves opinion leaders and argued that they remained intellectually independent from the industry. Field observations confirmed that local experts criticised the industry at continuing medical education events. CONCLUSIONS: Local experts were vocal critics of the industry, which nevertheless sponsor their continuing education. This critical attitude enhanced their credibility in the eyes of the prescribing physicians. We discuss how the experts, despite their critical attitude, might still be beneficial to the industry's interests.

Oxidative potential of particles in different occupational environments: a pilot study

The oxidative potential (OP) of particulate matter has been proposed as a toxicologically relevant metric. This concept is already frequently used for hazard characterization of ambient particles but it is still seldom applied in the occupational field. The objective of this study was to assess the OP in two different types of workplaces and to investigate the relationship between the OP and the physicochemical characteristics of the collected particles. At a toll station, at the entrance of a tunnel ('Tunnel' site), and at three different mechanical yards ('Depot' sites), we assessed particle mass (PM4 and PM2.5 and size distribution), number and surface area, organic and elemental carbon, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), and four quinones as well as iron and copper concentration. The OP was determined directly on filters without extraction by using the dithiothreitol assay (DTT assay-OP(DTT)). The averaged mass concentration of respirable particles (PM4) at the Tunnel site was about twice the one at the Depot sites (173±103 and 90±36 µg m(-3), respectively), whereas the OP(DTT) was practically identical for all the sites (10.6±7.2 pmol DTT min(-1) μg(-1) at the Tunnel site; 10.4±4.6 pmol DTT min(-1) μg(-1) at the Depot sites). The OP(DTT) of PM4 was mostly present on the smallest PM2.5 fraction (OP(DTT) PM2.5: 10.2±8.1 pmol DTT min(-1) μg(-1); OP(DTT) PM4: 10.5±5.8 pmol DTT min(-1) μg(-1) for all sites), suggesting the presence of redox inactive components in the PM2.5-4 fraction. Although the reactivity was similar at the Tunnel and Depot sites irrespective of the metric chosen (OP(DTT) µg(-1) or OP(DTT) m(-3)), the chemicals associated with OP(DTT) were different between the two types of workplaces. The organic carbon, quinones, and/or metal content (Fe, Cu) were strongly associated with the DTT reactivity at the Tunnel site whereas only Fe and PAH were associated (positively and negatively, respectively) with this reactivity at the Depot sites. These results demonstrate the feasibility of measuring of the OP(DTT) in occupational environments and suggest that the particulate OP(DTT) is integrative of different physicochemical properties. This parameter could be a potentially useful exposure proxy for investigating particle exposure-related oxidative stress and its consequences. Further research is needed mostly to demonstrate the association of OP(DTT) with relevant oxidative endpoints in humans exposed to particles.

Radio continuum and near-infrared study of the MGRO J2019+37 region

MGRO J2019+37 is an unidentified extended source of very high energy gamma-rays originally reported by the Milagro Collaboration as the brightest TeV source in the Cygnus region. Its extended emission could be powered by either a single or several sources. The GeV pulsar AGL J2020.5+3653 , discovered by AGILE and associated with PSR J2021+3651 , could contribute to the emission from MGRO J2019+37 . Aims. Our aim is to identify radio and near-infrared sources in the field of the extended TeV source MGRO J2019+37 , and study potential counterparts to explain its emission. Methods. We surveyed a region of about 6 square degrees with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (GMRT) at the frequency 610 MHz. We also observed the central square degree of this survey in the near-infrared -band using the 3.5 m telescope in Calar Alto. Archival X-ray observations of some specific fields are included. VLBI observations of an interesting radio source were performed. We explored possible scenarios to produce the multi-TeV emission from MGRO J2019+37 and studied which of the sources could be the main particle accelerator. Results. We present a catalogue of 362 radio sources detected with the GMRT in the field of MGRO J2019+37 , and the results of a cross-correlation of this catalog with one obtained at near-infrared wavelengths, which contains ~3105 sources, as well as with available X-ray observations of the region. Some peculiar sources inside the ~1° uncertainty region of the TeV emission from MGRO J2019+37 are discussed in detail, including the pulsar PSR J2021+3651 and its pulsar wind nebula PWN G75.2+0.1 , two new radio-jet sources, the H II region Sh 2-104 containing two star clusters, and the radio source NVSS J202032+363158 . We also find that the hadronic scenario is the most likely in case of a single accelerator, and discuss the possible contribution from the sources mentioned above. Conclusions. Although the radio and GeV pulsar PSR J2021+3651 / AGL J2020.5+3653 and its associated pulsar wind nebula PWN G75.2+0.1 can contribute to the emission from MGRO J2019+37 , extrapolation of the GeV spectrum does not explain the detected multi-TeV flux. Other sources discussed here could contribute to the emission of the Milagro source.