A practical guide to the use of psychotropic medications during pregnancy and lactation.

The use of psychotropic medications during the perinatal period is often met with fear and discomfort on the part of both clinicians and patients. There is a great deal of misinformation about the risks of medication use during pregnancy and lactation. The risk of untreated or undertreated mental illness during this time is an important consideration when making treatment recommendations. This paper serves as a practical guide for clinicians who may be treating patients with psychotropic medication during the perinatal period. A heuristic tool for making treatment decisions will be introduced, and coverage of specific psychiatric disorders and medication classes will be provided.

Risk of pre-eclampsia in women taking metformin: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: To perform meta-analyses of studies evaluating the risk of pre-eclampsia in high-risk insulin-resistant women taking metformin prior to, or during pregnancy. METHODS: A search was conducted of the Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus databases. Both randomized controlled trials and prospective observational cohort studies of metformin treatment vs. placebo/control or insulin either prior to or during pregnancy were selected. The main outcome measure was the incidence of pre-eclampsia in each treatment group. RESULTS: Overall, in five randomized controlled trials comparing metformin treatment (n = 611) with placebo/control (n = 609), no difference in the risk of pre-eclampsia was found [combined/pooled risk ratio (RR), 0.86 (95% CI 0.33-2.26); P = 0.76; I2  = 66%]. Meta-analysis of four cohort studies again showed no significant effect [RR, 1.21 (95% CI 0.56-2.61); P = 0.62; I2  = 30%]. A meta-analysis of eight randomized controlled trials comparing metformin (n = 838) with insulin (n = 836), however, showed a reduced risk of pre-eclampsia with metformin [RR, 0.68 (95% CI 0.48-0.95); P = 0.02; I2  = 0%]. No heterogeneity was present in the metformin vs. insulin analysis of randomized controlled trials, whereas high levels of heterogeneity were present in studies comparing metformin with placebo/control. Pre-eclampsia was a secondary outcome in most of the studies. The mean weight gain from time of enrolment to delivery was lower in the metformin group (P = 0.05, metformin vs. placebo; P = 0.004, metformin vs. insulin). CONCLUSIONS: In studies randomizing pregnant women to glucose-lowering therapy, metformin was associated with lower gestational weight gain and a lower risk of pre-eclampsia compared with insulin.

Tuning Nonlinear Mechanical Mode Coupling in GaAs Nanowires Using Cross-Section Morphology Control.

We investigate the nonlinear mechanical properties of GaAs nanowires with anisotropic cross-section. Fundamental and second order flexural modes are studied using laser interferometry with good agreement found between experiment and theory describing the nonlinear response under mechanical excitation. In particular, we demonstrate that the sign of the nonlinear coupling between orthogonal modes is dependent on the cross-section aspect ratio. The findings are of interest for applications such as amplitude to frequency conversion and vectorial force sensing.

Late cardiac effects of chemotherapy in breast cancer survivors treated with adjuvant doxorubicin: 10-year follow-up.

Doxorubicin (Dox), a mainstay of adjuvant breast cancer treatment, is associated with cardiac toxicity in the form of left ventricular dysfunction (LVD), LV diastolic dysfunction, or LV systolic dysfunction. Study objectives were to evaluate the prevalence of LVD in long-term breast cancer survivors treated with Dox and determine if brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) may help identify patients at risk for LVD. Patients who participated in prospective clinical trials of adjuvant Dox-based chemotherapy for breast cancer with a baseline left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction evaluation from 1999 to 2006 were retrospectively identified from the St Vincent's University Hospital database. Patients were invited to undergo transthoracic echocardiography, BNP analysis, and cardiovascular (CV) risk factor assessment. LVDD was defined as left atrial volume index >34 mL/m(2) and/or lateral wall E prime <10 m/s, and LVSD as LVEF <50 %. Of 212 patients identified, 154 participated, 19 patients had died (no cardiac deaths), and 39 declined. Mean age was 60.7 [55:67] years. A majority of the patients (128, 83 %) had low CV risk (0/1 risk factors), 21 (13.6 %) had 2 RFs, and 5 (3.2 %) ≥3 RFs. BMI was 27.2 ± 4.9 kg/m(2). Median Dox dose was 240 mg/m(2) [225-298]; 92 patients (59.7 %) received ≤240 mg/m(2) and 62 (40.3 %) > 240 mg/m(2). Baseline LVEF was 68.2 ± 8 %. At follow-up of 10.8 ± 2.2 years, LVEF was 64.4 ± 6 %. Three (1.9 %) subjects had LVEF <50 % and one (0.7 %) had LVDD. Dox >240 mg/m2 was associated with any LVEF drop. BNP levels at follow-up were 20.3 pg/ml [9.9-36.5] and 21.1 pg/ml [9.8-37.7] in those without LVD and 61.5 pg/ml [50-68.4] in those with LVD (p = 0.04). Long-term prospective data describing the impact of Dox on cardiotoxicity are sparse. At over 10 years of follow-up, decreases in LVEF are common, and dose related, but LVD as defined is infrequent (2.6 %). Monitoring with BNP for subclinical LVD needs further evaluation.

Tracing the stepwise oxygenation of the Proterozoic ocean.

Biogeochemical signatures preserved in ancient sedimentary rocks provide clues to the nature and timing of the oxygenation of the Earth's atmosphere. Geochemical data suggest that oxygenation proceeded in two broad steps near the beginning and end of the Proterozoic eon (2,500 to 542 million years ago). The oxidation state of the Proterozoic ocean between these two steps and the timing of deep-ocean oxygenation have important implications for the evolutionary course of life on Earth but remain poorly known. Here we present a new perspective on ocean oxygenation based on the authigenic accumulation of the redox-sensitive transition element molybdenum in sulphidic black shales. Accumulation of authigenic molybdenum from sea water is already seen in shales by 2,650 Myr ago; however, the small magnitudes of these enrichments reflect weak or transient sources of dissolved molybdenum before about 2,200 Myr ago, consistent with minimal oxidative weathering of the continents. Enrichments indicative of persistent and vigorous oxidative weathering appear in shales deposited at roughly 2,150 Myr ago, more than 200 million years after the initial rise in atmospheric oxygen. Subsequent expansion of sulphidic conditions after about 1,800 Myr ago (refs 8, 9) maintained a mid-Proterozoic molybdenum reservoir below 20 per cent of the modern inventory, which in turn may have acted as a nutrient feedback limiting the spatiotemporal distribution of euxinic (sulphidic) bottom waters and perhaps the evolutionary and ecological expansion of eukaryotic organisms. By 551 Myr ago, molybdenum contents reflect a greatly expanded oceanic reservoir due to oxygenation of the deep ocean and corresponding decrease in sulphidic conditions in the sediments and water column.

Vismodegib in the treatment of advanced BCC.

Basal-cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy, comprising over 80 per thousand of non-melanoma skin cancers. Surgical excision is adequate treatment for most BCC's. Options are however limited for the minority of patients presenting with locally advanced inoperable or metastatic BCC. The Hedgehog signalling pathway is a critical driver in the pathogenesis of both sporadic and hereditary BCC. On 31st January 2012, based on a phase II clinical trial the US Food and Drug Administration approved Vismodegib (Erivedge, Roche) a first-in-class, small-molecule oral Hedgehog-inhibitor for the treatment of locally advanced inoperable and metastatic BCC. We present our experience treating the first Irish patient with this agent.

Effects of modified LDL and HDL on retinal pigment epithelial cells: a role in diabetic retinopathy?

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Blood-retina barrier leakage in diabetes results in extravasation of plasma lipoproteins. Intra-retinal modified LDLs have been implicated in diabetic retinopathy (DR), but their effects on retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and the added effects of extravasated modified HDLs are unknown. METHODS: In human retinas from individuals with and without diabetes and DR, immunohistochemistry was used to detect ApoB, ApoA1 and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers. In cell culture, human RPE cells were treated with native LDL (N-LDL) or heavily-oxidised glycated LDL (HOG-LDL) with or without pretreatment with native HDL (N-HDL) or heavily-oxidised glycated HDL (HOG-HDL). Cell viability, oxidative stress, ER stress, apoptosis and autophagy were assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, dichlorofluorescein assay, western blotting, immunofluorescence and TUNEL assay. In separate experiments, RPE cells were treated with lipid oxidation products, 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC, 5-40 µmol/l) or 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE, 5-80 µmol/l), with or without pretreatment with N-HDL or HOG-HDL. RESULTS: ApoB, ApoA1 staining and RPE ER stress were increased in the presence of DR. HOG-LDL but not N-LDL significantly decreased RPE cell viability and increased reactive oxygen species generation, ER stress, apoptosis and autophagy. Similarly, 4-HNE and 7-KC decreased viability and induced ER stress. Pretreatment with N-HDL mitigated these effects, whereas HOG-HDL was less effective by most, but not all, measures. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: In DR, extravascular modified LDL may promote RPE injury through oxidative stress, ER stress, autophagy and apoptosis. N-HDL has protective effects, but HOG-HDL is less effective. Extravasation and modification of HDL may modulate the injurious effects of extravasated modified LDL on the retinal pigment epithelium.

Management of pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes is increasingly common, thus affecting more women of childbearing potential. Inadequate glycemic control complicates pregnancy and can result in significant morbidity and mortality. Fetal consequences include congenital malformations, recurrent miscarriages, growth anomalies and stillbirth. Maternal consequences include worsening of diabetes vascular complications, pre-eclampsia, eclampsia and increased likelihood of caesarian section. Hence, pregnancies should be carefully planned in advance and managed by a multi-disciplinary team of experienced diabetologists, diabetes educators, and maternal-fetal medicine specialists. Educating the patient is the cornerstone of care. Preventing unplanned pregnancies, particularly in the context of uncontrolled diabetes, excellent glycemic control in the months leading to discontinuation of birth control, recognition and stabilization of associated co-morbidities and diabetic complications are some of the measures shown to improve pregnancy outcome in diabetes. During pregnancy, glycemic targets are typically set lower than the non-pregnant state (i.e., fasting blood glucose <90 mg/dL [5.0 mmol/L] and peak, 1 h post-prandial <120 mg/dL [6.7 mmol/L]) with a target glycated hemoglobin close to or possibly lower than 6%. Several insulin analogues are now approved for use in pregnancy, facilitating insulin administration, while many patients elect insulin pump therapy (with or without the addition of continuous glucose monitor sensing). Stringent glucose control is maintained through labor, and insulin requirements decrease to pre-pregnancy levels after delivery. Women who choose to pursue breastfeeding should be encouraged to do so, and supported by minimizing mother/baby separation and providing access to a lactation specialist.

Investigating the origins of nanostructural variations in differential ethnic hair types using X-ray scattering techniques.

OBJECTIVE: Human hair is a major determinant of visual ethnic differentiation. Although hair types are celebrated as part of our ethnic diversity, the approach to hair care has made the assumption that hair types are structurally and chemically similar. Although this is clearly not the case at the macroscopic level, the intervention of many hair treatments is at the nanoscopic and molecular levels. The purpose of the work presented here is to identify the main nanoscopic and molecular hierarchical differences across five different ethnic hair types from hair fibres taken exclusively from the scalp. These are Afro (subdivided into elastic 'rubber' and softer non-elastic 'soft'), Chinese, European and Mullato (mixed race). METHODS: Small angle X-Ray scattering (SAXS) is a technique capable of resolving nanostructural variations in complex materials. Individual hair fibres from different ethnic hair types were used to investigate structural features found in common and also specific to each type. Simultaneous wide angle X-Ray scattering (WAXS) was used to analyse the submolecular level structure of the fibrous keratin present. The data sets from both techniques were analysed with principal component analysis (PCA) to identify underlying variables. RESULTS: Principal component analysis of both SAXS and WAXS data was shown to discriminate the scattering signal between different hair types. The X-ray scattering results show a common underlying keratin intermediate filament (KIF) structure. However, distinct differences were observed in the preferential orientation and intensity signal from the lipid component of the hair. In addition, differences were observed in the intensity distribution of the very low-angle sample-dependent diffuse scatter surrounding the 'beamstop.' CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the fibrous keratin scaffold remains consistent between ethnic hair types. The hierarchies made by these may be modulated by variation in the content of keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) and lipids that alter the interfacial structures and lead to macroscopic differences in hair morphology.

Effects of Different Surfaces on Metabolic Cost During Repetitive Jumping: A Pilot Study.

The purpose of this pilot study was to determine if there is a difference in metabolic cost when jumping on platforms of varying thickness, as well as whether a difference exists in metabolic cost between genders exists on the different platforms. Fourteen participants (seven males and seven females) completed three repetitive jumping trials on the DigiJump machine. Each trial was performed at a cadence of 120 jumps per minute and at a minimum height of 1/2″ per jump. Trials were completed on platforms of 1/2″, 3/8″, and 1/4″ thickness. Participants were instructed to jump as long as possible while maintaining the prescribed cadence or until fifteen minutes had elapsed. There were no differences observed in metabolic cost or exertion for all participants or between genders as indicated by oxygen consumption, respiratory exchange ratio, upper leg RPE, or lower leg RPE. There were also no differences for durations of exercise the participants were able to sustain on the machine. However, when comparing data between genders, a significant interaction was observed in total body RPE across the three platforms (p = .009) and in HR on the 1/2″ platform (p = .018). Results from this study indicate that metabolic cost is similar during repetitive jumping regardless of platform rigidity or gender. However, post-trial comments from participants did show preferences towards specific platforms, though this was not apparent in exercise duration.

A VO2max Protocol for Young, Apparently Healthy Adults.

The Bruce and Astrand treadmill protocols are commonly utilized when assessing maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max). However, the steep grade implemented in the protocols often leads to localized muscular fatigue, potentially causing participants prematurely to terminate the test prior to reaching their true VO2max. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a Novel VO2max protocol that may be better suited for young, apparently healthy populations. The Novel protocol starts at a higher speed and lower initial grade to limit lower extremity fatigue. Fifteen participants performed the Bruce, Astrand, and Novel protocols with the following maximal values recorded from each: VO2max, maximal ventilation (VEmax), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), heart rate (HR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and time to exhaustion (TTE). The Novel protocol displayed substantial agreement with both criterion protocols. Mean absolute percent error (MAPE) was less than 10% indicating that the Novel protocol is a valid measurement for VO2max values. Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the Novel protocol exhibited a low degree of bias, with tight limits of agreement when compared to the Bruce (bias ±95% LOA = 0.824 ± 3.163) and Astrand protocols (-0.153 ± 3.528) for VO2max. A paired samples t-test revealed no significant differences between Novel and criterion protocols for VO2max. Paired samples t-tests revealed that the Novel protocol had significantly lower TTE when compared to the Bruce and Astrand protocols and produced similar VO2max values to that of the Bruce and Astrand. The Novel protocol may be considered a valid and time-efficient protocol.

IJES Self-Study on Participants' Sex in Exercise Science: Sex-Data Gap and Corresponding Author Survey.

A sex-data gap exists between females and males within the sport and exercise science literature, and implications are far-reaching. The purpose of this work was to (a) heed recent calls and scrutinize data from within IJES to address the gap and (b) gain insight on self-identified sex of IJES corresponding authors. The present self-study included all published manuscripts from 2008 through 2021. A total of 851 publications were included, and 806 (94.7%) reported data on participant sex. There was a difference between publications that included only females (n = 132) versus only males (n = 215), and three publications reported data on sex according to non-binary identifications (0.4%). There was an overall difference between the number of female (n = 54,153; 35.9%) and male (n = 96,890; 64.1%) participants. To gain insight on self-identified sex of corresponding authors, we performed an IRB-approved research study. Among 761 unique corresponding authors, 168 individuals provided 157 usable responses-58 biological females (36.9%) and 99 biological males (63.1%). We fully support the prerogative of researchers to ethically conduct investigations and encourage open-mindedness and inclusion in future research. With data revealing an approximate one-third female (36%) and two-thirds male (64%) composition, and corresponding author feedback on self-identified sex being similar (36.9% and 63.1%, respectively), we propose a new concept that should be analyzed: is the sex-data gap representative of the composition of the field? We are not excusing the sex-data gap issue as if it cannot be addressed, and we urge others to join us in researching this line of inquiry.

Mechanisms of modified LDL-induced pericyte loss and retinal injury in diabetic retinopathy.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: In previous studies we have shown that extravasated, modified LDL is associated with pericyte loss, an early feature of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Here we sought to determine detailed mechanisms of this LDL-induced pericyte loss. METHODS: Human retinal capillary pericytes (HRCP) were exposed to 'highly-oxidised glycated' LDL (HOG-LDL) (a model of extravasated and modified LDL) and to 4-hydroxynonenal or 7-ketocholesterol (components of oxidised LDL), or to native LDL for 1 to 24 h with or without 1 h of pretreatment with inhibitors of the following: (1) the scavenger receptor (polyinosinic acid); (2) oxidative stress (N-acetyl cysteine); (3) endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (4-phenyl butyric acid); and (4) mitochondrial dysfunction (cyclosporin A). Oxidative stress, ER stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and autophagy were assessed using techniques including western blotting, immunofluorescence, RT-PCR, flow cytometry and TUNEL assay. To assess the relevance of the results in vivo, immunohistochemistry was used to detect the ER stress chaperon, 78 kDa glucose-regulated protein, and the ER sensor, activating transcription factor 6, in retinas from a mouse model of DR that mimics exposure of the retina to elevated glucose and elevated LDL levels, and in retinas from human participants with and without diabetes and DR. RESULTS: Compared with native LDL, HOG-LDL activated oxidative and ER stress in HRCP, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and autophagy. In a mouse model of diabetes and hyperlipidaemia (vs mouse models of either condition alone), retinal ER stress was enhanced. ER stress was also enhanced in diabetic human retina and correlated with the severity of DR. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Cell culture, animal, and human data suggest that oxidative stress and ER stress are induced by modified LDL, and are implicated in pericyte loss in DR.

Reduced soluble receptor for advanced glycation end-products (sRAGE) scavenger capacity precedes pre-eclampsia in Type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: Increased advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and their soluble receptors (sRAGE) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia (PE). However, this association has not been elucidated in pregnancies complicated by diabetes. We aimed to investigate the serum levels of these factors in pregnant women with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), a condition associated with a four-fold increase in PE. DESIGN: Prospective study in women with T1DM at 12.2 ± 1.9, 21.6 ± 1.5 and 31.5 ± 1.7 weeks of gestation [mean ± standard deviation (SD); no overlap] before PE onset. SETTING: Antenatal clinics. POPULATION: Pregnant women with T1DM (n = 118; 26 developed PE) and healthy nondiabetic pregnant controls (n = 21). METHODS: Maternal serum levels of sRAGE (total circulating pool), N(ε)-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML), hydroimidazolone (methylglyoxal-modified proteins) and total AGEs were measured by immunoassays. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum sRAGE and AGEs in pregnant women with T1DM who subsequently developed PE (DM PE+) versus those who remained normotensive (DM PE-). RESULTS: In DM PE+ versus DM PE-, sRAGE was significantly lower in the first and second trimesters, prior to the clinical manifestation of PE (P < 0.05). Further, reflecting the net sRAGE scavenger capacity, sRAGE:hydroimidazolone was significantly lower in the second trimester (P < 0.05) and sRAGE:AGE and sRAGE:CML tended to be lower in the first trimester (P < 0.1) in women with T1DM who subsequently developed PE versus those who did not. These conclusions persisted after adjusting for prandial status, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), duration of diabetes, parity and mean arterial pressure as covariates. CONCLUSIONS: In the early stages of pregnancy, lower circulating sRAGE levels, and the ratio of sRAGE to AGEs, may be associated with the subsequent development of PE in women with T1DM.

Effects of Varying Load Intensity on Skeletal Muscle Damage Between Two Isovolumic Resistance Exercise Bouts.

There are limited data comparing the efficacy of resistance loads within the hypertrophy range for promoting muscular growth, particularly when similar training volumes are utilized. The purpose of this study was to determine if two similar volume-loads, utilizing different intensities, would produce dissimilar muscular damage and inflammation. Eleven resistance-trained, college-aged males participated in this study. After testing 1RM barbell squats, participants completed two similar volume-load barbell squat sessions at two different resistance loads (67% and 85% of 1RM) on two separate visits. Venous blood samples were collected at baseline and one hour after completion of each exercise session. Plasma was isolated and analyzed for myoglobin and C-reactive protein (CRP) expression via ELISA. Plasma myoglobin expression was significantly elevated above baseline (BASE) values only after the 85% of 1RM (HHL) session (p =0.031), though the 67% (LHL) trial (p = 0.054; η2 = 0.647) was approaching significance (BASE: 1.42±.12 ng/mL; LHL: 4.65±1.13 ng/mL; HHL: 5.00±1.01 ng/mL). No changes in plasma CRP were observed. Despite attempts to equate volumes between resistances, mean total volume-load was significantly higher during the 67% of 1RM trial than during the 85% trial. Resistance loads at 85% of 1RM inflict significantly increased muscle damage over baseline values, even when significantly less total volume was lifted during the 85% trial. Individuals looking to maximize strength and hypertrophy during general training or during rehabilitation may benefit from these findings when determining the appropriate training load.

The role of lipid peroxidation products and oxidative stress in activation of the canonical wingless-type MMTV integration site (WNT) pathway in a rat model of diabetic retinopathy.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Our recent studies suggest that activation of the wingless-type MMTV integration site (WNT) pathway plays pathogenic roles in diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. Here we investigated the causative role of oxidative stress in retinal WNT pathway activation in an experimental model of diabetes. METHODS: Cultured retinal pigment epithelial cells and retinal capillary endothelial cells were treated with a lipid peroxidation product, 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE), and an antioxidant, N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC). In vivo, rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were treated by NAC for 8 weeks. Activation of the canonical WNT pathway was measured by TOPFLASH assay and by western blot analysis of WNT pathway components and a WNT target gene, Ctgf. Oxidative stress in the retina was evaluated by immunostaining of HNE and 3-nitrotyrosine. RESULTS: Levels of phosphorylated and total LDL receptor-related protein (LRP)6, and cytosolic ß-catenin, as well as transcriptional activity of T cell factor (TCF)/ß-catenin were significantly increased by HNE. The production of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was also upregulated by HNE. NAC blocked the WNT pathway activation induced by HNE. Furthermore, LRP6 stability was increased by HNE and decreased by NAC. Retinal levels of HNE and 3-nitrotyrosine were significantly increased in diabetic rats, compared with those in non-diabetic rats. In the same diabetic rat retinas, levels of LRP6, cytosolic ß-catenin and CTGF were significantly increased. NAC treatment reduced HNE and 3-nitrotyrosine levels and attenuated the upregulation of LRP6, ß-catenin and CTGF in diabetic rat retina. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Lipid peroxidation products activate the canonical WNT pathway through oxidative stress, which plays an important role in the development of retinal diseases.

Exercise-induced immune cell apoptosis: image-based model for morphological assessment.

Methods of assessing exercise-induced lymphocyte apoptosis have produced varying results. While morphological methods generally yield a significantly greater apoptotic index compared to those employing biochemical markers, benefits and limitations are associated with each methodology. Of interest in this report is the limitation of subjectivity associated with the morphological technique. To overcome the lack of objectivity associated with the morphological method, we describe an image-based approach by which computer software assesses the characteristics associated with lymphocyte apoptosis. A stochastic controlled deformable model can be employed to detect the classic morphological apoptotic changes induced by exercise, including membrane blebbing and the formation of apoptotic bodies. We propose that an objective evaluation of multiple points in the apoptotic process through the proposed model in conjunction with current biomarker methods has the potential to advance our understanding of the exercise-induced immune cell death response to a greater degree than current methods.

Student peer review decisions on submitted manuscripts are as stringent as faculty peer reviewers.

The International Journal of Exercise Science is the only student-centered peer-reviewed journal in its field. Upon graduate student first author submissions, two student reviewers and one faculty reviewer are asked to review. On professionally submitted papers, two faculty peers are asked to assess the manuscript. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether graduate students returned similar decisions compared with faculty reviewers who evaluated the same manuscript. In addition, decisions of faculty peers reviewing graduate student- versus faculty-submitted manuscripts were compared. Mean comparisons between groups were evaluated using independent t-tests with significance at P ≤ 0.05. Graduate students (2.21 ± 0.69) and faculty peers (2.24 ± 0.66) returned similar decisions on student-submitted manuscripts (P = 0.84). Faculty decisions on manuscripts submitted by a professional primary author (1.86 ± 0.77) were not different compared with faculty peers reviewing student manuscripts (P = 0.06). Statistics revealed that graduate students are just as stringent in the peer review process as established reviewers. Additionally, faculty reviewers evaluated manuscripts equally regardless of submission type.

Post Exercise Hypotension Following Concurrent Exercise: Does Order of Exercise Modality Matter?

Cardiovascular (CV) and resistance training (RT) can moderate negative effects of aging, disease, and inactivity. Post-exercise hypotension (PEH) has been used as a non-pharmacological means to control and reduce BP. Few have evaluated PEH response following a bout of exercise combining CV and RT, whether or not there is an order effect, or if PEH continues when activities of daily living (ADLs) are resumed. Participants (N = 10) completed a non-exercise control, a graded exercise test (GXT), and two concurrent sessions (CVRT and RTCV). Each session was followed by a 60-minute laboratory and 3-hour ADLs PEH assessment, respectively. Two-way and Welch-one-way repeated measures ANOVAs were used to determine differences between among conditions in PEH. There was a significant interaction between BP and condition following the 60-minute laboratory measure (p = .030, ηp 2 = .166) and the ADLs BP assessments (p = .008, ηp 2 = .993), respectively. PEH occurred following concurrent exercise conditions at minute 45 for RTCV (118 ± 8, p = .041; 95% CI [0.223, 17.443]) and minutes 50 (117 ± 9; p = .036 95% CI [0.441, 21.097]) and 55 (118 + 8; p < .001; 95% CI [5.884, 14.731]) following CVRT. BP was elevated during ADLs following the control session compared to the GXT, RTCV, and CVRT. Regardless of the order, concurrent exercise is effective in potentiating PEH. Elevation in BP associated with ADLs can be mitigated if exercise is performed previously.

Evaluation of Repetitive Jumping Intensity on the Digi-Jump Machine.

Cardiorespiratory endurance is an important element of aerobic fitness, particularly in weight management and reducing risk for cardiovascular disease. While there are numerous options for aerobic exercise, rope jumping is often overlooked. In addition to regular exercise and a healthy diet, the American Heart Association strongly recommends rope jumping. The first purpose of this study was to determine the steady state metabolic cost of repetitive jumping on the Digi-Jump machine to evaluate whether exercise on this device is more or less strenuous than similar exercise with a jump rope, as demonstrated in previous literature. A second purpose was to determine the relative intensity of exercise on the Digi-Jump by comparing to VO2max as measured on a treadmill. Twenty-seven participants completed two trials, one jumping trial at a rate of 120 jumps per minute with the jumping height set at 0.5 inch for 5-min on the Digi-Jump, and one graded exercise test using the Bruce protocol. Oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), respiratory exchange ratio (RER), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured each minute during each trial. Results of this study indicated that steady state VO2 during the 5-min jump test was reached at the 3rd min. Steady state variables during the jumping trial expressed as percentage of max were as follows: VO2 was 57.1% of VO2max; HR was 80.9% of HRmax; RER was 86%of RERmax; and RPE was 75.2% of RPEmax. These data indicate that repetitive jumping is a strenuous activity and similar in intensity to jumping rope, even if the trial is done on the Digi-Jump machine with free-swinging arms and without a jump rope.