Targeted Infection Control Practices in Japanese Hospitals for Multidrug-Resistant Organisms: Guidance From the Public Health Center.

Introduction The study conducted by the Kawaguchi City Public Health Center (PHC) in 2023 on hospital infection control (IC) programs revealed that hospitals can improve their IC programs if the PHC provides training sessions (TSs) that have numerical effects. In this study, we expected that we could help hospitals develop their IC practices by providing targeted guidance. This study aimed to clarify targeted guidance on IC practices and TS programs to develop hospitals'hospitals' IC programs on multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) by examining hospitals'hospitals' IC programs in reference to the study conducted in 2023 and other case reports. Methods In June 2022, the Kawaguchi City PHC conducted TSs for 19 hospitals and eight affiliated (AFs) clinics with beds, providing guidelines and practices on infection control (IC) for MDROs. After the TSs, we sent a questionnaire to these hospitals and affiliated clinics. The questionnaire inquired about current and planned IC policies, hand hygiene compliance programs (HHCPs), the usefulness of the TSs conducted by the PHC, and IC programs that the facilities intended to implement or develop in the future. This study examined the relationship between the perceived usefulness of the information provided and the IC programs planned for development, referencing a study conducted in 2023 and other case reports. Results Seventeen hospitals and six AFs with beds responded to the survey, yielding an 85.2% response rate. IC policies for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were prepared by 21 hospitals (91.3%), whereas only five hospitals (21.7%) had prepared IC policies for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Regarding HHCPs, an increase in the availability of alcohol-based hand sanitizer was identified by 17 hospitals (73.9%), while 13 hospitals (56.5%) reported using posters or symbols, 12 hospitals (52.2%) reported using TS and hand sanitizers, and nine hospitals (39.1%) assessed HH compliance and provided feedback. Furthermore, nine hospitals (39.1%) identified HHCPs and Environmental Cleaning (EC) for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) as useful information. There was a statistically significant association between TSs on HHCPs and the development of new HHCPs (p = 0.027). Additionally, information on EC for CPE was significantly associated with the development of staff cohorting strategies (p = 0.007). However, TS programs were not significantly connected to EC, nor were TSs to be developed. Conclusion The PHC should advise hospitals to assess if their HHCPs effectively contribute to improving HH compliance. It is essential for the PHC to furnish hospitals with resources and information that aid in the development of EC training. Additionally, the PHC should support the creation of specific and effective TS programs focused on EC or TS development. Conducting surveys to identify barriers to implementing staff cohorting strategies is also recommended. We propose that TS programs should include quantifiable data on HHCPs and EC, such as.

Reliability of caretakers' ratings of captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and finless porpoises' (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis sp.) behavioral style for welfare monitoring.

Qualitative ratings are increasingly used to assess animal welfare. We investigated the associations between daily caretakers' ratings of individuals' behavioral style, behavior during free time, participation during training sessions, and environmental variables in captive Yangtze finless porpoises, East-Asian finless porpoises, and bottlenose dolphins. Associations between caretakers' ratings and behavior were found, including social swimming, fast swimming, play, interaction with humans, and agonistic and socio-sexual interactions. Ratings were also associated with participation during training sessions and food intake. Social separation, transport to a new pool, high visitors' density, and holding of a sick conspecific were associated with ratings indicating a deteriorated human-animal relationship, a lower interest/fear of the environment, and/or a higher social cohesion depending on the group. Through principal component analyses, new variables that represented both caretakers' ratings and behavior and that could be used for an easier interpretation of the data for welfare monitoring within each group were extracted. Caretaker ratings and behavior should be used as a complement to previously validated indicators to detect changes in welfare state and understand the potential causes of these changes.

Potential of a Non-Contrast-Enhanced Abbreviated MRI Screening Protocol (NC-AMRI) in High-Risk Patients under Surveillance for HCC.

PURPOSE: To evaluate NC-AMRI for the detection of HCC in high-risk patients. METHODS: Patients who underwent yearly contrast-enhanced MRI (i.e., full MRI protocol) of the liver were included retrospectively. For all patients, the sequences that constitute the NC-AMRI protocol, namely diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), T2-weighted (T2W) imaging with fat saturation, and T1-weighted (T1W) in-phase and opposed-phase imaging, were extracted, anonymized, and uploaded to a separate research server and reviewed independently by three radiologists with different levels of experience. Reader I and III held a mutual training session. Levels of suspicion of HCC per patient were compared and the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) using the Mann-Whitney U test were calculated. The reference standard was a final diagnosis based on full liver MRI and clinical follow-up information. RESULTS: Two-hundred-and-fifteen patients were included, 36 (16.7%) had HCC and 179 (83.3%) did not. The level of agreement between readers was reasonable to good and concordant with the level of expertise and participation in a mutual training session. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis showed relatively high AUC values (range 0.89-0.94). Double reading showed increased sensitivity of 97.2% and specificity of 87.2% compared with individual results (sensitivity 80.1%-91.7%-97.2%; specificity 91.1%-72.1%-82.1%). Only one HCC (2.8%) was missed by all readers. CONCLUSION: NC-AMRI presents a good potential surveillance imaging tool for the detection of HCC in high-risk patients. The best results are achieved with two observers after a mutual training session.

Influence of Swimming Training Session on Selected Saliva Components in Youth Swimmers.

Exercise may induce many changes in biochemical parameters of the saliva. Thanks to non-invasive access, saliva can be used as a diagnostic material in physical activity monitoring. The aim of the study was comparison of selected salivary components in swimmers before and after training session. 40 male subjects aged 12-15, out of whom 30 were competitive swimmers and 10 control were involved in the study. Salivary samples were collected from all subjects in the morning, and in the afternoon; from the swimmers, they were also collected before and after the workout. Salivary flow rate-V, pH, total protein-P, alpha-amylase-Amy, salivary peroxidase-SPO, cortisol-C, total antioxidant status-TAS, sialic acid (free-FSA, bound-GSA, total-TSA), calcium-Ca, magnesium-Mg were measured. The swimmers assessed the workout intensity of training session using the RPE Foster's scale. The circadian rhythm pattern of some salivary components and differences after training were found. In swimmers after the morning exercise significant increase of P (0.83 ± 0.27 vs. 1.10 ± 0.58 g/L), Amy (64.91 ± 70.86 vs. 87.07 ± 92.46IU/L), Ca (3.83 ± 1.33 vs. 4.99 ± 2.24 mg/L), Mg (0.52 ± 0.32 vs. 0.73 ± 0.34 mg/L), TAS (0.64 ± 0.27 vs. 0.72 ± 0.26 mmol/L) and decrease V (0.47 ± 0.37 vs. 0.36 ± 0.22 mg/min), C (5.86 ± 5.00 vs. 3.54 ± 5.07 µg/ml) were found. After the afternoon training significant increase of pH (7.13 ± 0.33 vs. 7.27 ± 0.24), Amy (111.53 ± 120.13 vs. 130.91 ± 161.14IU/L), Ca (3.72 ± 1.34 vs. 4.61 ± 1.58 mg/L), Mg (0.48 ± 0.28 vs. 0.60 ± 0.39 mg/L), TSA (5.64 ± 3.78 vs. 6.10 ± 3.08 mg/L), GSA (3.00 ± 3.06 vs. 3.38 ± 2.26 mg/L), and decrease of V (0.63 ± 0.63 vs. 0.49 ± 0.39 ml/min) were noticed. Before training in the morning in the swimmers significantly higher of V (0.47 ± 0.37 vs. 0.26 ± 0.15 mg/min), TAS (0.64 ± 0.27 vs. 0.40 ± 0.16 mmol/L), and lower pH (7.01 ± 0.46 vs. 7.53 ± 0.33), P (0.83 ± 0.27 vs. 1.86 ± 1.28 g/L), Amy (64.91 ± 70.86 vs. 146.56 ± 114.45IU/L) compared to the control were found. In the afternoon in swimmers before training session significantly lower pH (7.13 ± 0.33 vs. 7.53 ± 0.49) and Amy (111.53 ± 120.13 vs. 170.98 ± 107.72IU/L) in comparison to the control were noticed. The RPE scores were negatively correlated with V (rho = -0.500, p = 0.05 and pH (rho = -0.382, p = 0.03) measured after the morning session and after the afternoon training with V (rho = -0.570, p = 0.01) and Ca (rho = -0.401, p = 0.08). The levels of salivary flow rate, alpha amylase, cortisol, calcium, magnesium were associated with swimming training session, and showed circadian variation without a significant effect on their responses to exercise.

Implementing joint training sessions of general practitioners and specialists aimed at improving clinical coordination in Colombia: Contributions from participatory action research.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the contribution of participatory action research (PAR) in designing and implementing joint training sessions as a means to improve clinical coordination in a public health care network in Bogotá, Colombia. METHODS: A qualitative, descriptive-interpretative study using semi-structured individual interviews and focus groups with 40 professionals (GPs, specialists, members of the local steering committee (LSC) and network middle managers) involved in designing and implementing joint training sessions to improve cross-level clinical coordination. The intervention consisted of two forms of joint training sessions for GPs and specialists, implemented through two PAR cycles. RESULTS: The PAR approach in designing and implementing joint training sessions led to greater awareness of clinical coordination problems and helped adapting sessions to the local health care context. Study participants highlighted the role of LSC leadership during the PAR process and the importance of ensuring the necessary resources for adopting the intervention. Limited institutional support and differences between joint training sessions affected doctors' participation and reduced the time available to conduct the sessions. The use of a reflexive method was essential in enhancing doctors' participation, along with session duration, the facilitator's role and session content. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides evidence regarding the contribution of a PAR process to designing and implementing joint training sessions for improving clinical coordination. The findings can inform similar approaches in other health systems.

Analysis of Intensities Using Inertial Motion Devices in Female Soccer: Do You Train like You Compete?

Intensity research in female soccer is limited. This study aimed to investigate whether female professional soccer players train with external and internal intensities similar to those recorded in real competition. The specific players' position, the game situation and training task type were analyzed in a total of 18 female players (26.25 ± 3.89 years). The empirical, descriptive and associative study was structured into two parts. Part 1: characterizing the training sessions (n = 13) and official matches (n = 3) using the Integral Analysis System of Training Tasks. The association between sports planning variables was evaluated using adjusted standardized residuals from contingency tables, Chi-Square and Fisher tests, as well as the Phi and Cramer's V coefficients. The main findings show that the coach and/or physical trainer predominantly planned training sessions using small-sided games, which integrate physical fitness and tactical-technical behaviors of the game and imply a medium-high subjective external intensity (20.63 ± 5.79 points). The subjective external intensity of the matches was very high (30.00 ± 0.00 points). Part 2: quantifying the external and internal intensity through the inertial motion devices and heart rate monitors. Differences in the intensities according to the type of session (training session and match), specific position of the players, game situation and type of the training task were assessed through different statistical tests. By specific position (Kruskal-Wallis H and one-factor ANOVA tests), defenders performed fewer accelerations/min and decelerations/min, while they recorded higher heart rates in training sessions and official matches. In contrast, the wingbacks performed higher accelerations/min and decelerations/min in training sessions and official matches. The wingers had the lowest heart rate in official matches. Regarding the game situation (Kruskal-Wallis H test) measured during training sessions, the unopposed tasks recorded higher accelerations/min and decelerations/min, while the small-sided games and full games recorded higher values in the rest of the intensities (both subjective and objective). With regard to the type of training task (Kruskal-Wallis H test), the simple application exercises recorded higher accelerations/min and decelerations/min. Distance in meters/min was greater in the complex application exercises. High-intensity activity/min and player load/min were higher in the simple specific game. In addition, modified sport and real game recorded higher subjective external intensity*min, sprints/min and heart rate. Furthermore, training sessions differed statistically (Mann-Whitney U test) from official matches in terms of subjective intensity and the objective external and internal intensity variables weighted by minutes. For all these reasons, female players do not train (training sessions) as they compete (official matches). The use of inertial motion devices has made it possible to quantify intensities during training sessions and real competition in soccer.

Temperature and creatine kinase changes during a 10d taper period in sprinters.

Objective.The aim of this prospective cohort study, performed during a 10 d training camp, was to analyze the effect of a series of successive speed-power training sessions on the concurrent circadian changes in resting leg skin temperature and blood creatine kinase (CK) levels and to determine the correlation between them.Approach. Seventeen elite sprinters, aged 22-31 years, were examined. Every morning and evening, capillary blood samples were drawn to assay CK levels. Lower limb skin temperature was measured simultaneously, and thermal images were taken using an infrared camera.Main results. From the first day of the training camp, the base temperature levels began to drop to obtain a significant reduction from the 6th day (male) and from the 8th day (female) to the end of the camp. Simultaneously, CK levels increased in the male group from 8th to the end of the camp, but it did not change significantly in females. Regarding the circadian rhythm, the CK levels always rose during the day and declined during the night. The temperature decreased during the day and increased during the night until the 6th day. After that, the temperature changed oppositely till the end of camp, i.e. it increased during the day and decreased during the night. This could suggest that the training microcycle should last about a week because after this time there may be a disturbance in the temperature circadian rhythm and a significant CK accumulationSignificance. Multi-day speed-power training induced a progressive reduction in resting skin temperature and an elevation in CK levels. It also altered the circadian rhythm of the body skin temperature, which may indicate that after about 6 d of regular exercise, physiological deregulation may occur.

Headache History-Taking in an Emergency Department: Impact Evaluation of a Training Session.

INTRODUCTION: Headache represents about 25% of the total neurological consultations at the emergency department (ED). Up to 80% of these consultations are represented by primary headaches, in which an accurate and directed history-taking may help reach the specific diagnosis avoiding unnecessary complementary tests and reducing diagnostic latencies. METHODS: We carried out a training session on headache management at the ED, focusing on history-taking and primary headaches' diagnoses and management. We retrospectively compared the number of variables included in the medical reports and the percentage of patients who were diagnosed and/or treated for a primary headache between two months before and two months after the training session. RESULTS: A total of 369 medical histories were analyzed for this study (196 before and 173 after the training session). The number of essential variables regarding pain characteristics included in the medical reports showed a post-intervention increment from 4.34 ± 1.224 to 4.67 ± 1.079 (P = .007) and the number of total items registered also increased from 6.87 ± 1.982 to 7.53 ± 1.686 (P = 0.001). The percentage of patients that were given a specific diagnosis for primary headache showed an increment of 11.8% (P = .002) in the post-intervention group. CONCLUSION: Educational interventions can improve history-taking in headache patients in the ED. This fact grants them as potential efficient measures to optimize patient management at Emergency Room.

Training sessions with tackles impair upper-limb neuromuscular function in elite rugby union.

The aim of this study was to investigate the response to non-tackle and tackle field-based training on upper- and lower-limb neuromuscular function in elite rugby union players. Nine elite senior elite rugby union players (mean age = 21 ± 2 years; height = 184 ± 7 cm; body mass 91.0 ± 9 kg) were evaluated before and immediately following 17 training sessions. A total of 306 assessments were performed. Data on neuromuscular function of plyometric push-up and countermovement jump were calculated from force signals using inverse dynamics. The change from pre- to post-session was investigated across non-tackle and tackle training using a linear mixed model. Considering upper-limb neuromuscular function, peak concentric power [P = 0.024; ES = 0.33 95%CI (0.04, 0.62)] was significantly lower after tackle compared to non-tackle training. In addition, peak countermovement jump eccentric power was significantly lower after non-tackle compared to tackle training [P = 0.044; ES = -0.4 95%CI (-0.69, -0.1)] in lower-limb neuromuscular function. Overall, the results indicated that the type of training influences upper- and lower-limb neuromuscular function differently immediately after training. Indeed, due to physical contact, the upper-body neuromuscular function increased during tackle training. In contrast, lower-body neuromuscular function emerged only in non-tackle training, due to the greater distance covered during this type of training session. Coaches and practitioners should plan adequate weekly training sessions according to this information.

Effectiveness of basic training session regarding the awareness of Ebola virus disease among nurses of public tertiary care hospitals of Lahore.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of basic training session regarding the awareness of ebola virus disease among nurses of public tertiary care hospitals. METHODS: The quasi-experimental study was conducted in Lahore, Pakistan, from November to December 2015, and comprised nurses working at three public tertiary care hospitals. Baseline and post intervention data was collected through a questionnaire, and was compared using SPSS 20 . RESULTS: The sample comprised 100 nurses. The mean baseline knowledge score was 3.93±2.519 which indicated poor knowledge. The post-intervention mean score was 13.18±1.192 and the difference was significant (p<0.05).. CONCLUSIONS: The basic training session regarding awareness of ebola virus disease was highly effective.

Multicentric evaluation of the adherence to Peristeen® transanal irrigation system in children.

BACKGROUND: Since 2009 in France, the Peristeen® transanal irrigation (TAI) device has represented an alternative treatment of faecal incontinence (FI). OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to assess the mid-term adherence to TAI in paediatric patients. The secondary objective was to identify factors determining TAI continuation. METHODS: This observational study conducted in 5 French paediatric centres prospectively reviewed from March to May 2012 all children educated in TAI for at least 9months. RESULTS: We included 149 children (mean [SD] age 10.6 [4.1] years) educated in TAI. Children mainly had neurogenic disorders (52.3%) or congenital malformations (30.9%). The main symptoms motivating TAI initiation were recurring faecaloma (59.7%) and daily FI (65.1%). At last follow-up (mean 14 [7.4] months), 129 (86.6%) children continued the TAI procedure, independent of pathology or age. The main motivation was resolution of FI and/or constipation (77.3%). In total, 107 (82.9%) children fulfilled the initial therapeutic contract established with their healthcare professional before TAI initiation was met. Twenty children had stopped the TAI when they answered the questionnaire, at a mean duration of 16 (8.4) months. The reasons were mainly "lack of motivation" (45%), "poor tolerance" (35%), "difficulties" performing the procedure (35%) and "inefficacy" (30%). Factors related to continuation were performing at least one TAI procedure under a nurse's supervision during the initial training and prescribing TAI at a daily frequency (P=0.014 and P=0.04). Continuing constipation treatment after the training session was a factor in discontinuation (P=0.024). CONCLUSION: This study reports a very high mid-term adherence to TAI in a paediatric cohort, provided that the training is pragmatic, personalized and repeated.

The Third Biennial 2018 OMERACT First-time Participant Program: A Qualitative and Quantitative Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the expanded/refined first-time participant training program. METHODS: We conducted a refined new participant program at OMERACT 2018 on days 1-4, in which first-time participants provided feedback with online surveys and a nominal group on Day 4. RESULTS: Twenty first-time participants attended the introductory session and 8-12 attended followup sessions. A high proportion valued the newbie session (100%), rating it overall (91%), content-wise (62%), for presentation quality (82%), and value for the money (82%) as outstanding or good. The nominal group technique identified opportunities for further improvement of breakouts/voting. CONCLUSION: The expanded new participant training program is valued by attendees.

Combining Factors That Individually Enhance Memory in Lymnaea.

When applied individually, thermal stress (1 hour at 30 °C) and (-)epicatechin (a flavonol found in green tea, e.g.) each enhance long-term memory formation following operant conditioning of Lymnaea aerial respiratory behavior. Snails demonstrate enhanced long-term memory formation when trained in epicatechin-treated pond water or when placed in 30 °C pond water for 1 hour, 1 hour prior to training in pond water. We ask here whether the combined application of epicatechin + thermal stress enhances long-term memory retention length beyond the maximal lengths of the individual factors alone. We report that the applied combination of epicatechin + thermal stress has a synergistic memory-enhancing effect; that is, when the two are applied in combination, memory persists longer than when either is applied alone. We then ask whether quercetin, a heat shock protein blocker, will affect the memory enhancement produced by the combined treatment of thermal stress and epicatechin. We report that quercetin does not decrease the memory enhancement of epicatechin, but it does decrease the memory enhancement by thermal stress; and it also decreases the memory persistence of snails exposed to both treatments in combination.

Long-term swimming training modifies acute immune cell response to a high-intensity session.

PURPOSE: Long-term training influence on athletes' immune cell response to acute exercise has been poorly studied, despite the complexity of both chronic and acute adaptations induced by training. The purpose of the study is to study the influence of a 4-month swimming training cycle on the immune cell response to a high-intensity training session, during 24 h of recovery, considering sex, maturity, and age group. METHODS: Forty-three swimmers (16 females, 14.4 ± 1.1 years; 27 males, 16.2 ± 2.0) performed a standardized high-intensity session, after the main competition of the first (M1), and second (M2) macrocycles. Blood samples were collected before (Pre), immediately after (Post), 2 h after (Post2h) and 24 h after (Post24h) exercise. Haemogram and lymphocytes subsets were assessed by an automatic cell counter and by flow cytometry, respectively. Subjects were grouped according to sex, competitive age groups, or pubertal Tanner stages. Results express the percentage of relative differences from Pre to Post, Post2h and Post24h. Upper respiratory symptoms (URS) and training load were quantified. RESULTS: At M2, we observed smaller increases of leukocytes (M1: 14.0 ± 36.3/M2: 2.33 ± 23.0%) and neutrophils (M1: 57.1 ± 71.6/M2: 38.9 ± 49.9%) at Post; and less efficient recoveries of total lymphocytes (M1: - 22.0 ± 20.1/M2: - 30.0 ± 18.6%) and CD19+ (M1: 4.09 ± 31.1/M2: - 19.1 ± 24.4%) at Post2h. At Post2h, the increment of CD4+/CD8+ was smaller in youth (M1: 21.5 ± 16.0/M2: 9.23 ± 21.4%), and bigger in seniors (M1: 3.68 ± 9.21/M2: 23.2 ± 15.0%); and at Post24h late pubertal swimmers' CD16+56+ recovered less efficiently (M1: - 0.66 ± 34.6/M2: - 20.5 ± 34.2%). CONCLUSIONS: The training cycle induced an attenuated immune change immediately after exercise and a less efficient recovery of total lymphocytes, involving an accentuated CD19+ decrease. The concomitant higher URS frequency suggests a potential immune depression and a longer interval of susceptibility to infection.

The OMERACT First-time Participant Program: Fresh Eye from the New Guys.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience of the first-time participant (newbie) training program at the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) 2016 meeting. METHODS: We conducted new participant sessions at OMERACT 2016, including a 2-h introductory session on Day 1 followed by 1-h evening followup sessions on days 1-4. Pre- and post-meeting surveys assessed participants' levels of comfort with the principles of the OMERACT Filter 2.0 (the essential tools for OMERACT methodology) and the different types of OMERACT sessions, and whether participants felt welcome. In addition, on the final day, a nominal group technique was used to elicit problematic components of the meeting and to develop solutions to those problems. RESULTS: Of the 43 new attendees, 38 participated in the introductory session and 14-18 attended the followup sessions. Comparing Day 1 (preintroductory session) to days 1-3 (post), a similar proportion understood different types of sessions extremely well [45% (pre) versus 47%, 44%, and 36% (post), respectively], and a higher proportion understood principles of the OMERACT filter extremely well [22% (pre) versus 55%, 44%, and 40% (post), respectively]. Most reported feeling welcome (86.7%) and felt they contributed to breakout sessions (93.3%) on the evening of Day 1; results were sustained on days 2-3. The most commonly reported "best" experience included the OMERACT culture and the most common reported experience needing improvement included facilitation issues during breakouts. CONCLUSION: The first-time participants came to OMERACT 2016 with a high baseline level of understanding. They rapidly attained a high comfort level with participation and provided concrete and innovative solutions to the most commonly reported experiences needing improvement.

Immune cell changes in response to a swimming training session during a 24-h recovery period.

Understanding the impact of training sessions on the immune response is crucial for the adequate periodization of training, to prevent both a negative influence on health and a performance impairment of the athlete. This study evaluated acute systemic immune cell changes in response to an actual swimming session, during a 24-h recovery period, controlling for sex, menstrual cycle phases, maturity, and age group. Competitive swimmers (30 females, 15 ± 1.3 years old; and 35 males, 16.5 ± 2.1 years old) performed a high-intensity training session. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after, 2 h after, and 24 h after exercise. Standard procedures for the assessment of leukogram by automated counting (Coulter LH 750, Beckman) and lymphocytes subsets by flow cytometry (FACS Calibur BD, Biosciences) were used. Subjects were grouped according to competitive age groups and pubertal Tanner stages. Menstrual cycle phase was monitored. The training session induced neutrophilia, lymphopenia, and a low eosinophil count, lasting for at least 2 h, independent of sex and maturity. At 24 h postexercise, the acquired immunity of juniors (15-17 years old), expressed by total lymphocytes and total T lymphocytes (CD3(+)), was not fully recovered. This should be accounted for when planning a weekly training program. The observed lymphopenia suggests a lower immune surveillance at the end of the session that may depress the immunity of athletes, highlighting the need for extra care when athletes are exposed to aggressive environmental agents such as swimming pools.

The consolidation of a motor skill in young adults with ADHD: Shorter practice can be better.

Practice on a given sequence of movements can lead to robust procedural memory (skill). In young adults, in addition to gains in performance accrued during practice, speed and accuracy can further improve overnight; the latter, delayed, 'offline', gains are thought to emerge when procedural memory consolidation processes are completed. A recent study suggested that female college students with ADHD show an atypical procedural memory consolidation phase, specifically, gaining speed but losing accuracy, overnight. Here, to test if this accuracy loss reflected a cost of overlong training in adults with ADHD, we compared the performance of female college students with (N=16) and without (N=16) ADHD, both groups given a shorter training protocol (80 rather than the standard 160 task repetitions). Speed and accuracy were recorded before training, immediately after, and at 24-h and 2 weeks post-training. The shortened practice session resulted in as robust within-session gains and additional overnight gains in speed at no costs in accuracy, in both groups. Moreover, individuals with ADHD showed as robust speed gains and retention as in the longer training session, but the costs in accuracy incurred in the latter were eliminated. The shortening of practice sessions may benefit motor skill acquisition in ADHD.

The OMERACT First-time Participant ("Newbie") Program: Initial Assessment and Lessons Learned.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience of a first-time participant ("newbie") training program at the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology 12 meeting in 2014. METHODS: We conducted newbie sessions at OMERACT 12, including a 2-hour introductory session on Day 1, followed by 1-h evening followup sessions on days 1-4 of OMERACT 12. Pre- and postmeeting surveys assessed participants' level of comfort with the principles of the OMERACT Filters 1.0 (truth, discrimination, feasibility), and Filter 2.0 (the essential tools for OMERACT methodology), the different types of OMERACT sessions, and whether participants felt welcome. RESULTS: In all, 25 new attendees participated in the introductory session and 10-16 attended followup sessions. Fewer participants reported being somewhat or extremely uncomfortable with the meeting, comparing Day 1 (preintroductory session) to days 1-4 (post): (1) with different OMERACT sessions: 56% (pre) versus 6%, 0%, 8%, and 6% (post days 1-4, respectively); and (2) with principles of the OMERACT filter, 64% (pre) versus 7%, 0%, 8%, and 0% (post), respectively. Most reported feeling welcome (100%) and that they were able to contribute substantively to breakout sessions (87%) on Day 1 evening; results were sustained on days 2-4. CONCLUSION: First-time participant training sessions increased the comfort level of the participants with the OMERACT meeting structure and filter, and increased the ability of the new attendees to feel they could contribute to the OMERACT process.