Performance evaluation of Trichoderma reseei in tolerance and biodegradation of diuron herbicide in agar plate, liquid culture and solid-state fermentation.

The present study evaluated the performance of the fungus Trichoderma reesei to tolerate and biodegrade the herbicide diuron in its agrochemical presentation in agar plates, liquid culture, and solid-state fermentation. The tolerance of T. reesei to diuron was characterized through a non-competitive inhibition model of the fungal radial growth on the PDA agar plate and growth in liquid culture with glucose and ammonium nitrate, showing a higher tolerance to diuron on the PDA agar plate (inhibition constant 98.63 mg L-1) than in liquid culture (inhibition constant 39.4 mg L-1). Diuron biodegradation by T. reesei was characterized through model inhibition by the substrate on agar plate and liquid culture. In liquid culture, the fungus biotransformed diuron into 3,4-dichloroaniline using the amide group from the diuron structure as a carbon and nitrogen source, yielding 0.154 mg of biomass per mg of diuron. A mixture of barley straw and agrolite was used as the support and substrate for solid-state fermentation. The diuron removal percentage in solid-state fermentation was fitted by non-multiple linear regression to a parabolic surface response model and reached the higher removal (97.26%) with a specific aeration rate of 1.0 vkgm and inoculum of 2.6 × 108 spores g-1. The diuron removal in solid-state fermentation by sorption on barley straw and agrolite was discarded compared to the removal magnitude of the biosorption and biodegradation mechanisms of Trichoderma reesei. The findings in this work about the tolerance and capability of Trichoderma reesei to remove diuron in liquid and solid culture media demonstrate the potential of the fungus to be implemented in bioremediation technologies of herbicide-polluted sites.

Frequency of allergic reactions in egg allergic patients after receiving the yellow fever vaccine.

BACKGROUND: Immunization with live attenuated viral yellow fever vaccine (YFV) grants effective immunity in most cases, and is recommended and prioritized for residents and travelers of endemic countries. YFV is seldom administered to egg-allergic patients (EAP) since it is cultivated in embryonated chicken eggs and may contain residual egg proteins, being a problem for egg-allergic residents and travelers of endemic countries. OBJECTIVE: Describe the frequency of allergic reactions after YFV administration in confirmed EAP from an allergy outpatient center in Bogotá, Colombia. METHODS: An observational, retrospective, cross-sectional, and descriptive study was conducted from January 2017 to December 2019. EAP whose allergy was confirmed with a positive Skin Prick Test (SPT) and/or egg protein-specific IgE levels who hadn't received the YFV were included. Every patient had an SPT, severe EAP, and an additional Intradermal Test (IDT) done with the vaccine. If the vaccine SPT and IDT were negative, the YFV was administered as a single dose; if either were positive, the YFV was administered in graded doses. Statistical analysis was done in Stata16MP. RESULTS: Seventy one patients were included, 24 (33.8%) of those had a history of egg anaphylaxis. All patients had negative YFV SPTs, and two of the five YVF IDTs were positive. Two patients, with previous egg-anaphylaxis, presented allergic reactions to the vaccine. CONCLUSIONS: YFV did not trigger allergic reactions in EAP without history of egg-anaphylaxis. With further research, safe single-dose vaccination to this population could be considered; however, patients with previous egg-anaphylaxis should be evaluated by an allergist before vaccination.

Optimizing mechanical performance in the bench press: The combined influence of inter-set rest periods and proximity to failure.

This study examined the influence of inter-set rest periods of 1 (R1), 3 (R3) and 5 (R5) minutes on the number of repetitions completed before exceeding the minimum velocity thresholds of 0.45 m⋅s-1 (MVT0.45) and 0.35 m⋅s-1 (MVT0.35) during the bench press exercise. Twenty-three physically active individuals, 15 men and eight women, randomly completed six testing sessions consisting of four sets of the bench press exercise performed with maximal intent against 75% of the one-repetition maximum. Testing sessions differed in the length of inter-set rest periods (R1, R3, and R5) and MVT applied (MVT0.45 and MVT0.35). The number of repetitions was lower using shorter inter-set rest periods (R1 < R3 < R5), but R3 was more similar to R1 and R5 using MVT0.45 and MVT0.35, respectively. The fastest velocity of the set was reduced with the increment in the number of sets for the three protocols using MVT0.35 (greater reduction for shorter rest periods), but it was only reduced for R1 when using MVT0.45. The results suggest that, to maintain bench press mechanical performance, 5-min inter-set rest periods are necessary when sets are terminated close to failure (MVT0.35), while 3 min may suffice when sets are terminated farther from failure (MVT0.45).

Velocity Loss Is Not an Accurate Predictor of the Percentage of Completed Repetitions During the Prone Bench Pull Exercise.

ABSTRACT: Pérez-Castilla, A, Miras-Moreno, S, Janicijevic, D, and García-Ramos, A. Velocity loss is not an accurate predictor of the percentage of completed repetitions during the prone bench pull exercise. J Strength Cond Res 37(5): 1001-1008, 2023-The primary aim of this study was to explore the goodness of fit and accuracy of both general and individual relationships between the magnitude of velocity loss (%VL) and the percentage of performed repetitions with respect to the maximal number of repetitions that can be completed to failure (%Rep) during the Smith machine prone bench pull exercise. Fifteen male sports science students completed a preliminary session to determine the bench pull one-repetition maximum (1RM) and 2 identical experimental sessions separated by 48-72 hours. In each experimental session, subjects randomly performed single sets of repetitions to failure separated by 10 minutes against the 60% 1RM, 70% 1RM, and 80% 1RM during the Smith machine bench pull exercise. Individual %Rep-%VL relationships presented a greater goodness of fit than general %Rep-%VL relationships at the 60% 1RM ( R2 = 0.85-0.97 vs. 0.79-0.85), 70% 1RM ( R2 = 0.84-0.99 vs. 0.77-0.84), and 80% 1RM ( R2 = 0.84-1.00 vs. 0.74-0.80). However, the accuracy (absolute errors) in estimating the %Rep during the second testing session based on the %Rep-%VL equations obtained in the first testing session did not differ between the individual and general %Rep-%VL equations in 8 of 9 comparisons ( p ≥ 0.102). The absolute errors between the actual and predicted %REP were unacceptable (>10%) in 11 of 18 comparisons, and acceptable (5-10%) in 7 of 18 comparisons. These results highlight that the %Rep cannot be estimated with high degree of accuracy from VL recordings during the Smith machine bench pull exercise, regardless of whether individual or general Rep-%VL relationships are considered.

Two-point Method Applied in Field Conditions: A Feasible Approach to Assess the Load-Velocity Relationship Variables During the Bench Pull Exercise.

ABSTRACT: Miras-Moreno, S, García-Ramos, A, Jukic, I, and Pérez-Castilla, A. Two-point method applied in field conditions: a feasible approach to assess the load-velocity relationship variables during the bench pull exercise. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1367-1374, 2023-This study explored the between-session reliability and concurrent validity of the load-velocity (L-V) relationship variables obtained from different methods during the Smith machine bench pull exercise. In a counterbalanced order, 23 resistance-trained male subjects performed 2 sessions against 6 different loads in one week and 2 sessions against the lightest and heaviest loads in another week. The L-V relationship variables (load-axis intercept [ L0 ], velocity-axis intercept [ v0 ], and area under the L-V relationship line [ Aline ]) were obtained using the mean and peak velocity by the standard multiple-point (all 6 loads were used for the L-V modeling), modified multiple-point (the data point that most reduced the coefficient of determination was omitted from the L-V modeling), and 2-point (only 2 loads were used for the L-V modeling) methods. The reliability of the L-V relationship variables was acceptable for all methods (within-subjects coefficient of variation [CV] = 2.09-9.21%). The standard multiple-point and 2-point methods provided greater reliability for all L-V relationship variables compared with the modified multiple-point method (CV ratio ≥ 1.27), while the 2-point method provided similar (CV ratio = 1.04 for Aline ) or greater (CV ratio = 1.50 for L0 and 1.62 for v0 ) reliability than the standard multiple-point method. The concurrent validity of the modified multiple-point and 2-point methods was acceptable for the L-V relationship variables (effect size ≤ 0.62; r ≥ 0.76). These results suggest that the 2-point method is not only a valid procedure but also more reliable, simpler, faster, and less prone to fatigue than multiple-point methods for assessing maximal neuromuscular capacities through the L-V relationship.

Relationship Between the Number of Repetitions in Reserve and Lifting Velocity During the Prone Bench Pull Exercise: An Alternative Approach to Control Proximity-to-Failure.

ABSTRACT: Pérez-Castilla, A, Miras-Moreno, S, Weakley, J, and García-Ramos, A. Relationship between the number of repetitions in reserve and lifting velocity during the prone bench pull exercise: an alternative approach to control proximity-to-failure. J Strength Cond Res 37(8): 1551-1558, 2023-This study aimed to explore the goodness-of-fit and accuracy of both general and individual relationships between the number of repetitions in reserve (RIR) and the repetition velocity during the Smith machine prone bench pull exercise. Fifteen male sports science students completed 3 sessions separated by 48-72 hours. The first session was used to determine the bench pull 1 repetition maximum (1RM). The second and third sessions were identical and consisted of 3 single sets (60, 70, and 80% 1RM) of repetitions to momentary muscular failure separated by 10 minutes during the Smith machine prone bench pull exercise. General (i.e., pooling together the data from the 15 subjects) and individual RIR-velocity relationships were constructed from the data collected in the second session by pooling the data from the 3 loads (multiple-loads) or specifically for each load (load-specific). The 4 RIR-velocity relationship models were ranked by their goodness-of-fit as follows: individual load-specific ( r = 0.93) > individual multiple-loads ( r = 0.83) > general multiple-loads ( r = 0.65) > general load-specific ( r = 0.61). The accuracy when predicting the RIR in the third session based on the RIR-velocity equations obtained in the second session was acceptable and comparable for the 4 RIR-velocity relationship models (absolute errors ≤2 RIR). However, the 4 RIR-velocity relationship models significantly underestimated the RIR for ≥1 RIR and overestimated the RIR for 0 RIR. These results suggest that the 4 RIR-velocity relationship models are equally effective to quantify proximity-to-failure during the Smith machine prone bench pull exercise.

Differences in Various Strength Manifestations Between the Flat and Retracted Bench Press Variants: Are They Affected by Subjects' Experience or Strength Levels?

ABSTRACT: Piepoli, A, Miras-Moreno, S, Janicijevic, D, Martínez-Amat, A, and García-Ramos, A. Differences in various strength manifestations between the flat and retracted bench press variants: are they affected by subjects' experience or strength levels? J Strength Cond Res 37(12): 2339-2345, 2023. The objective of this study was to explore the effect of retracting the scapulae during the free-weight bench press (BP) exercise on various strength manifestations and perceptual variables. Twenty-eight recreationally trained male lifters (BP 1-repetition maximum [1RM] = 96.1 ± 20.8 kg) randomly performed in 2 different sessions: the flat BP (scapulae free to move during the movement) and retracted BP (shoulders retracted during the movement). Three strength manifestations were evaluated: (a) explosive strength -mean velocity (MV) achieved against 3 submaximal loads (40, 60, and 80%1RM); (b) maximal strength -1RM; and (c) endurance strength -number of repetitions completed to failure against the 70%1RM. Discomfort and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) values were also recorded immediately after completing each test. The upward displacement of the barbell was lower for the retracted BP compared with the flat BP at the 3 submaximal loads ( p ≤ 0.024), but no significant differences between the BP variants were observed for the MV at submaximal loads ( p ≥ 0.473), 1RM ( p = 0.147), number of repetitions completed to failure ( p = 0.447), RPE at submaximal loads ( p ≥ 0.363), or discomfort during any test ( p ≥ 0.611). Subjects always demonstrated a greater strength performance with the BP variant most used in their training programs, but the differences between the flat and retracted BP were not affected by subjects' maximal strength values ( p ≥ 0.162). These results suggest that retracting the scapulae during the BP exercise presents minor effects on different strength manifestations and perceptual measures of effort and discomfort.

Selective Effect of Different High-Intensity Running Protocols on Resistance Training Performance.

ABSTRACT: Pérez-Castilla, A, García-Pinillos, F, Miras-Moreno, S, Ramirez-Campillo, R, García-Ramos, A, and Ruiz-Alias, SA. Selective effect of different high-intensity running protocols on resistance training performance. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): e369-e375, 2023-This study aimed to explore the acute effect of 2 high-intensity running protocols (high-intensity interval training [HIIT] and sprint interval training [SIT]) on resistance training (RT) performance and their combined effect on the lower-body maximal neuromuscular capacities. Eighteen healthy subjects randomly completed 3 experimental protocols: only RT, HIIT + RT, and SIT + RT. Characteristics of the RT protocol include 3 back-squat sets of 10 repetitions or 20% velocity loss against 60% of 1 repetition maximum with 3 minutes of interset rest. Characteristics of the high-intensity running protocols include HIIT (4 intervals of 4 minutes at ∼110% of functional threshold power with 3 minutes of interinterval rest) and SIT (6 all-out sprints of 30 seconds with 4 minutes and 24 seconds of interinterval rest). The force-velocity relationship (maximal values of force [ F0 ], velocity [ v0 ], and power [P max ]) was evaluated at the beginning and at the end of each experimental protocol. The number of back-squat repetitions ( p = 0.006; effect size [ES] = -0.96), fastest velocity ( p = 0.003; ES = -0.63), and average velocity ( p = 0.001; ES = -0.73) were lower for the SIT + RT protocol compared with the RT protocol, but no significant differences were observed between the RT and HIIT + RT ( p ≥T0.057; ES ≤.-0.46, except -0.82 for the number of back-squat repetitions) and HIIT + RT and SIT + RT ( p ≥T0.091; ES .0-0.35) protocols. The 3 protocols induced comparable decreases in v0 and P max ( F(2,34) 2,0.96; p ≥ 0.393), but F0 tended to decrease after the SIT + RT protocol and to increase after the RT and HIIT + RT protocols ( F(2,34) = 4.37; p = 0.035). Compared with RT alone, the data suggest that SIT deteriorates RT quality and F0 capacity more than long-interval HIIT.

Effect of a High-Intensity Handball-Specific Fatigue Protocol Focused on the Leg Contralateral to the Throwing Arm on Interlimb Asymmetries.

ABSTRACT: Janicijevic, D, Pérez-Castilla, A, Miras-Moreno, S, Ortega-Becerra, M, Morenas-Aguilar, MD, Smajla, D, Sarabon, N, and García-Ramos, A. Effect of a high-intensity handball-specific fatigue protocol focused on the leg contralateral to the throwing arm on interlimb asymmetries. J Strength Cond Res 37(7): 1382-1389, 2023-This study aimed to elucidate which countermovement jump (CMJ) variant (unilateral or bilateral) is more sensitive to detect the decrement in kinetic CMJ-derived variables of the leg more actively involved in a handball-specific fatigue protocol. Seventeen female handball players (age: 20.6 ± 2.5 years) performed a fatigue protocol consisting of 8 repetitions of the following circuit separated by 10 seconds: 10 m sprint, 180° change of direction with the leg contralateral to the throwing arm, 10 m sprint with ball reception at 7 m, and handball throw preceded by a jump over a 40 cm hurdle with the leg contralateral to the throwing arm. Before and after the fatigue protocol, 6 unilateral CMJs (3 with each leg) and 3 bilateral CMJs were performed on a dual Kistler force platform (model 9260AA6). Bilateral CMJ height was reduced by 5.4% after the fatigue protocol (p < 0.001). However, the fatigue protocol did not promote any significant change in peak force, mean force, and propulsive impulse or in their asymmetry values (17 of 18 comparisons). The decrement of 6.1% during the unilateral CMJ in the propulsive impulse developed by the leg ipsilateral to the throwing arm (less involved in the fatigue protocol) was the only variable that reached statistical significance (p = 0.038). The pre-post fatigue changes in asymmetry values presented negligible correlations between both CMJ variants (rs = 0.01 to -0.19). These results suggest that neither unilateral nor bilateral CMJs are able to detect changes in interlimb asymmetries after a high-intensity handball-specific fatigue protocol.

Impact of tenofovir on SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe outcomes among people living with HIV: a propensity score-matched study.

BACKGROUND: Reports on the impact of some antiretrovirals against SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease severity are conflicting. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the effect of tenofovir as either tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine (TAF/FTC) or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) against SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated clinical outcomes among people living with HIV (PLWH). METHODS: We conducted a propensity score-matched analysis in the prospective PISCIS cohort of PLWH (n = 14 978) in Catalonia, Spain. We used adjusted Cox regression models to assess the association between tenofovir and SARS-CoV-2 outcomes. RESULTS: After propensity score-matching, SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis rates were similar in TAF/FTC versus ABC/3TC recipients (11.6% versus 12.5%, P = 0.256); lower among TDF/FTC versus ABC/3TC recipients (9.6% versus 12.8%, P = 0.021); and lower among TDF/FTC versus TAF/FTC recipients (9.6% versus 12.1%, P = 0.012). In well-adjusted logistic regression models, TAF/FTC was no longer associated with reduced SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.90; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.78-1.04] or hospitalization (aOR 0.93; 95% CI, 0.60-1.43). When compared with ABC/3TC, TDF/FTC was not associated with reduced SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis (aOR 0.79; 95% CI, 0.60-1.04) or hospitalization (aOR 0.51; 95% CI, 0.15-1.70). TDF/FTC was not associated with reduced SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis (aOR 0.79; 95% CI, 0.60-1.04) or associated hospitalization (aOR 0.33; 95% CI, 0.10-1.07) compared with TAF/FTC. CONCLUSIONS: TAF/FTC or TDF/FTC were not associated with reduced SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis rates or associated hospitalizations among PLWH. TDF/FTC users had baseline characteristics intrinsically associated with more benign SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes. Tenofovir exposure should not modify any preventive or therapeutic SARS-CoV-2 infection management.

New PCR-Based Assay for the Identification of Pectobacterium carotovorum Causing Potato Soft Rot.

Soft rot on potato tuber is a destructive disease caused by pathogenic bacterial species of the genera Pectobacterium and Dickeya. Accurate identification of the causal agent is necessary to ensure adequate disease management because different species may have distinct levels of aggressiveness and host range. One of the most important potato pathogens is Pectobacterium carotovorum, a highly heterogeneous species capable of infecting multiple hosts. The complexity of this species, until recently divided into several subspecies, has made it difficult to develop precise diagnostic tests. This study proposes a PCR assay based on the new pair of primers Pcar1F/R to facilitate the identification of potato isolates of P. carotovorum according to the most recent taxonomic description of this species. The new primers were designed on a variable segment of the 16S rRNA gene and the intergenic spacer region of available DNA sequences from classical and recently established species in the genus Pectobacterium. The results of the PCR analysis of genomic DNA from 32 Pectobacterium and Dickeya strains confirmed that the Pcar1F/R primers have sufficient nucleotide differences to discriminate between P. carotovorum and other Pectobacterium species associated with damage to potato crops, with the exception of Pectobacterium versatile, which improves the specificity of the currently available primers. The proposed assay was originally developed as a conventional PCR but was later adapted to the real-time PCR format for application in combination with the existing real-time PCR test for the potato-specific pathogen Pectobacterium parmentieri. This should be useful for the routine diagnosis of potato soft rot.

The Greatwall-Endosulfine Switch Accelerates Autophagic Flux during the Cell Divisions Leading to G1 Arrest and Entry into Quiescence in Fission Yeast.

Entry into quiescence in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is induced by nitrogen starvation. In the absence of nitrogen, proliferating fission yeast cells divide twice without cell growth and undergo cell cycle arrest in G1 before becoming G0 quiescent cells. Under these conditions, autophagy is induced to produce enough nitrogen for the two successive cell divisions that take place before the G1 arrest. In parallel to the induction of autophagy, the Greatwall-Endosulfine switch is activated upon nitrogen starvation to down-regulate protein phosphatase PP2A/B55 activity, which is essential for cell cycle arrest in G1 and implementation of the quiescent program. Here we show that, although inactivation of PP2A/B55 by the Greatwall-Endosulfine switch is not required to promote autophagy initiation, it increases autophagic flux at least in part by upregulating the expression of a number of autophagy-related genes.

Velocity Performance Feedback During the Free-Weight Bench Press Testing Procedure: An Effective Strategy to Increase the Reliability and One Repetition Maximum Accuracy Prediction.

ABSTRACT: Jiménez-Alonso, A, García-Ramos, A, Cepero, M, Miras-Moreno, S, Rojas, FJ, and Pérez-Castilla, A. Velocity performance feedback during the free-weight bench press testing procedure: An effective strategy to increase the reliability and one repetition maximum accuracy prediction. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1077-1083, 2022-This study aimed to determine whether the verbal provision of velocity performance feedback during the free-weight bench press (BP) exercise influences (a) the within-session reliability and magnitude of mean concentric velocity (MCV) values recorded against a range of submaximal loads and (b) the accuracy of the individualized load-velocity profile to estimate the BP 1 repetition maximum (1RM). Fifteen men (BP 1RM relative to body mass = 1.08 ± 0.22) performed an incremental loading test until reaching the 1RM on 2 separate sessions. Subjects received verbal velocity performance feedback in 1 session (knowledge of results [KR]), and no KR was provided in another session (Control). A linear velocity transducer was used to collect the MCV against 4 loads (40-55-70-85% 1RM), and the BP 1RM was estimated from the individualized load-velocity relationship modeled through the multiple-point (40-55-70-85% 1RM) and 2-point methods (40-85% 1RM). The KR condition provided a higher reliability (coefficient of variation [CV]: KR = 2.41%, Control = 3.54%; CV ratio = 1.47) and magnitude (p = 0.001; effect size [ES] = 0.78) of MCV for the 40% 1RM, but no significant differences in reliability (CV ratio ≤1.15) nor in the magnitude (p ≥ 0.058; ES range = 0.00-0.32) were observed for higher loads. The accuracy in the estimation of the 1RM was higher for the KR (absolute errors: multiple-point = 3.1 ± 2.3 kg; 2-point = 3.5 ± 2.1 kg) compared with the Control condition (absolute errors: 4.1 ± 1.9 kg for both multiple-point and 2-point methods). These results encourage the provision of verbal velocity performance feedback during BP testing procedures.

Effect of Augmented Feedback on Velocity Performance During Strength-Oriented and Power-Oriented Resistance Training Sessions.

ABSTRACT: Jiménez-Alonso, A, García-Ramos, A, Cepero, M, Miras-Moreno, S, Rojas, FJ, and Pérez-Castilla, A. Effect of augmented feedback on velocity performance during strength-oriented and power-oriented resistance training sessions. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1511-1517, 2022-This study examined the effects of providing instantaneous velocity feedback (knowledge of results [KR]) on velocity maintenance across multiple sets during strength-oriented and power-oriented resistance training (RT) sessions. Seventeen men completed 2 strength-oriented RT sessions (4 sets of 5 repetitions at 75% of 1 repetition maximum [1RM] during the back squat [SQ] and bench press [BP] exercises) in 1 week and 2 power-oriented RT sessions (4 sets of 5 repetitions at 30% of 1RM during the countermovement jump [CMJ] and BP throw [BPT] exercises) in another week. Subjects received verbal velocity performance feedback in 1 session (KR) and no KR was provided in another session. Greater velocities during the 4 sets of both strength-oriented (from 4.6 to 11.6%) and power-oriented (from 1.4 to 3.5%) RT sessions were observed. The increments in velocity performance during the KR condition were greater for the CMJ (2.25 ± 0.14 vs. 2.18 ± 0.17 m·s-1; 3.0%) than the BPT (2.33 ± 0.13 vs. 2.29 ± 0.16 m·s-1; 1.7%) and similarly for the SQ (0.59 ± 0.07 vs. 0.55 ± 0.06 m·s-1; 7.5%) and BP (0.47 ± 0.09 vs. 0.44 ± 0.07 m·s-1; 7.8%). The raw differences in the RT velocity for BPT were positively correlated with the raw differences in the RT velocity for SQ (r = 0.524; p = 0.031) and CMJ (r = 0.662; p = 0.004), but the remaining correlations did not reach a statistical significance (r ≤ 0.370; p ≥ 0.123). Although these results support the provision of velocity performance feedback to increase training quality regardless of the type of RT session, the positive effect of KR seems to be more accentuated during strength-oriented compared with power-oriented RT sessions.

AlpsNMR: an R package for signal processing of fully untargeted NMR-based metabolomics.

SUMMARY: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics is widely used to obtain metabolic fingerprints of biological systems. While targeted workflows require previous knowledge of metabolites, prior to statistical analysis, untargeted approaches remain a challenge. Computational tools dealing with fully untargeted NMR-based metabolomics are still scarce or not user-friendly. Therefore, we developed AlpsNMR (Automated spectraL Processing System for NMR), an R package that provides automated and efficient signal processing for untargeted NMR metabolomics. AlpsNMR includes spectra loading, metadata handling, automated outlier detection, spectra alignment and peak-picking, integration and normalization. The resulting output can be used for further statistical analysis. AlpsNMR proved effective in detecting metabolite changes in a test case. The tool allows less experienced users to easily implement this workflow from spectra to a ready-to-use dataset in their routines. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: The AlpsNMR R package and tutorial is freely available to download from http://github.com/sipss/AlpsNMR under the MIT license. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

Hepatitis C virus: Testing rate and attrition at linkage to specialized care, Catalonia, Spain 2011-2016.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening through primary care providers (PCP) might increase linkage to specialized care. This study aimed to calculate HCV testing rate and prevalence of anti-HCV according to socio-demographic factors in primary care in Catalonia, Spain, from 2011 to 2016, and to identify the rate and determinants of attrition at linkage to specialized care. Patient data from 274 primary care centres (3414 PCP) were analysed, including socio-demographic information, morbidity, laboratory tests and treatments (1-Jan-2011 to 31-Dec-2016). Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to examine HCV testing rate, HCV seroprevalence and rate of attrition at linkage to specialized care. In the study period, there were 839 072 people tested for HCV infection and 21 156 with first-time positive anti-HCV test results. Rate of HCV testing was 143.54/103 pop (95% CI: 143.26-143.83). Women had higher HCV testing rate (158.65/103 women [95% CI: 158.24-159.07]), compared to men (128.10/103 men [95% CI: 127.72-128.49]). The highest HCV testing rate was among people aged 25-34 (284.11/103 pop [CIs: 283.10-285.12]). The anti-HCV seroprevalence was 3.62/103 pop (CIs: 3.57-3.67). The highest prevalence was found among men (4.20/103 men [CIs: 4.12-4.27]), people aged 45-54 (7.19/103 pop [CIs: 7.01-7.37]), people aged 75-84 (7.26/103 pop [CIs: 6.99-7.53]), Spanish (3.68/103 [CIs: 3.61-3.75]), European and Northern Americans (5.64/103 [CIs: 5.33-5.96]) and Asians (9.78/103 [CIs: 9.21-10.35]). From those who had a positive anti-HCV result, 49.8% (N = 10 528) were not linked to specialized care. Appropriate clinical care pathways and referral systems need to be established to ensure optimal linkage to specialized care for people newly diagnosed with HCV in primary care.

Small hollow nanostructures as a new morphology to improve stability of LiMn2O4cathodes in Li-ion batteries.

Spinel LiMn2O4is a promising cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. However, bulk LiMn2O4commonly suffers from capacity fading due to the dissolution of Mn into the electrolyte during cycling. Moreover, bulk LiMn2O4exhibits a low Li+diffusion coefficient that limits the volume available to Li+storage. Herein, we report the synthesis of small hollow porous LiMn2O4nanostructures with a mean size of 51 nm exhibiting exposed (111) planes, assembled by nanoparticles of about 6 nm in size. The morphological features of these nanostructures ensure a large contact area between the material and the electrolyte, shorten the pathways for Li+diffusion and provide effective accommodation of the volume change during cycling. Therefore, these hollow nanostructures exhibit improved discharge capacity retention (nearly 82% after 200 cycles) and a greater Li+diffusion coefficient (3.46 × 10-7cm s-1) compared with that of bulk LiMn2O4.

Fifteen-Year Follow-Up of Stapedotomy Patients: Audiological Outcomes and Associated Factors in a Middle Income Country.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term (postoperative), medium-term (5 years), and long-term (10 and 15 years) audiometric results of patients who underwent stapedotomy and to determine specific factors associated with better postoperative outcomes. METHODS: This study is a retrospective case review of 486 ears with surgically confirmed stapes fixation who underwent microscopic small fenestra stapedotomy. Preoperative, postoperative, and medium- and long-term air conduction (AC), bone conduction (BC), and air-bone gap (ABG) were assessed. Postoperative factors associated with better postoperative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: At 10- and 15-year follow-ups, ABG, AC, and BC were significantly deteriorated but clinically preserved in comparison with postoperative results. According to a multiple quantile regression, younger age was associated with better postoperative results at 0.25 kHz (p = 0.003) and 4 kHz (p = 0.028) and a smaller preoperative ABG was associated with better audiometric results at 0.25 kHz (p = 0.048), 0.5 kHz (p = 0.001), and 4 kHz (p = 0.001). In addition, younger age (p = 0.001 for AC and p < 0.001 for BC) and preoperative AC PTA (p < 0.001 for AC) were significantly associated with better postoperative AC and BC PTA. CONCLUSIONS: Stapedotomy surgery provides short-, medium-, and long-term hearing benefits in our studied cohort. ABG, AC, and BC thresholds obtained after the surgery are clinically preserved in 5-, 10-, and 15-year follow-ups, with an age-expected BC deterioration. Smaller preoperative ABG and younger age were positive predictors for better postoperative ABG. Future research should address long-term subjective and quality of life outcomes.

Reduction of chronic malnutrition for infants in Bogotá, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: According to the 2015 National Survey of the Nutritional Situation in Colombia the prevalence of stunting in children under 5 years of age was 10.8%. In terms of region, Bogotá, presented the highest prevalence rate (13%), a figure that exceeded national records. With the collaboration of local and national government, and nongovernmental it was decided to develop a pilot study involving a public health intervention with residents of Bogotá under 1 year of age with nutritional classification by anthropometry compatible with stunting risk or stunting. METHODS: Pre-experimental, before and after study that sought to determine the magnitude of the change in nutritional status through a 10 months public health nutrition intervention in children under one-year-old residing in 3 prioritized territories of Bogotá. RESULTS: The intervention comprised 1126 children living in the following territories in Bogotá: Kennedy, San Cristóbal, and Engativá. A total of 43.3% children presented delay in height for age, and 56.7% presented risk of short stature. In the final measurement, data were obtained from 686 children, identifying that 17% of the children progressed from stunting to a stunting risk and that 4.5% recovered their growth trajectory, achieving an adequate length for their age. CONCLUSION: That children classified as at risk or stunting at the beginning of the intervention showed an increased probability of approaching or being in the appropriate growth trajectory according to the length-for-age indicator after the intervention.

Specific detection of fission yeast primary septum reveals septum and cleavage furrow ingression during early anaphase independent of mitosis completion.

It is widely accepted in eukaryotes that the cleavage furrow only initiates after mitosis completion. In fission yeast, cytokinesis requires the synthesis of a septum tightly coupled to cleavage furrow ingression. The current cytokinesis model establishes that simultaneous septation and furrow ingression only initiate after spindle breakage and mitosis exit. Thus, this model considers that although Cdk1 is inactivated at early-anaphase, septation onset requires the long elapsed time until mitosis completion and full activation of the Hippo-like SIN pathway. Here, we studied the precise timing of septation onset regarding mitosis by exploiting both the septum-specific detection with the fluorochrome calcofluor and the high-resolution electron microscopy during anaphase and telophase. Contrarily to the existing model, we found that both septum and cleavage furrow start to ingress at early anaphase B, long before spindle breakage, with a slow ingression rate during anaphase B, and greatly increasing after telophase onset. This shows that mitosis and cleavage furrow ingression are not concatenated but simultaneous events in fission yeast. We found that the timing of septation during early anaphase correlates with the cell size and is regulated by the corresponding levels of SIN Etd1 and Rho1. Cdk1 inactivation was directly required for timely septation in early anaphase. Strikingly the reduced SIN activity present after Cdk1 loss was enough to trigger septation by immediately inducing the medial recruitment of the SIN kinase complex Sid2-Mob1. On the other hand, septation onset did not depend on the SIN asymmetry establishment, which is considered a hallmark for SIN activation. These results recalibrate the timing of key cytokinetic events in fission yeast; and unveil a size-dependent control mechanism that synchronizes simultaneous nuclei separation with septum and cleavage furrow ingression to safeguard the proper chromosome segregation during cell division.