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BackgroundUltra-marathon running participation has become increasingly more popular in recent years; however, there is inconclusive evidence concerning the effects of participation on cognition and cardiovascular function. The purpose of this study was to examine alterations in cardiovascular function and cognitive performance and their association in ultra-marathon runners prior to and following an ultra-endurance event.MethodsIn total, 24 runners (19 males and 5 females) participated in an ultra-marathon race (FatDog120) held in British Columbia, Canada. Participants competed in varying races distances [48 km (n = 2), 80 km (n = 7), 113 km (n = 3), and 193 km (n = 12)]. Cognition was assessed prior to and upon race completion using simple reaction time, choice reaction time, discrimination reaction time, and recognition memory (% correct). Cardiovascular function was assessed prior to and upon race completion using radial applanation tonometry for diastolic pulse contour examination.ResultsCognitive performance displayed significantly (p < 0.001) slower reaction times post-race for simple (30.2%), discrimination (22.7%), and choice reaction time (30.5%), as well as a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in memory test performance (−8.2%). A significant association between systemic vascular resistance and choice reaction time was observed post-race (r = 0.41, p < 0.05). Significant changes in post-race cardiovascular function were observed in resting heart rate (31.5%), cardiac output (27.5%), mean arterial blood pressure (−5.6%), total systemic resistance (−17.6%), systolic blood pressure (−7.0%), pulse pressure (−11.2%), and rate pressure product (22.4%). There was evidence of enhanced cardiovascular function being associated with improved cognitive performance before and after the ultra-endurance event.ConclusionUltra endurance running is associated with marked impairments in cognitive performance that are associated (at least in part) with changes in cardiovascular function in healthy adults.

Indigenous peoples have thrived since time immemorial across North America; however, over the past three to four generations there has been a marked increase in health disparities amongst Indigenous peoples versus the general population. Heart disease and mental health issues have been well documented and appear to be interrelated within Indigenous peoples across Canada. However, Western medicine has yet to clearly identify the reasons for the increased prevalence of heart disease and mental health issues and their relationship. In this narrative review, we discuss how Indigenous perspectives of health and wholistic wellness may provide greater insight into the connection between heart disease and mental wellbeing within Indigenous peoples and communities across Canada. We argue that colonization (and its institutions, such as the Indian Residential School system) and a failure to include or acknowledge traditional Indigenous health and wellness practices and beliefs within Western medicine have accelerated these health disparities within Indigenous peoples. We summarize some of the many Indigenous cultural perspectives and wholistic approaches to heart health and mental wellbeing. Lastly, we provide recommendations that support and wholistic perspective and Indigenous peoples on their journey of heart health and mental wellbeing.

Motor disability in multiple sclerosis is often modeled using experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and assessed using the clinical score (CS), an observer-dependent tool that can lead to potential bias. The Advanced Dynamic Weight Bearing (ADWB) system was evaluated as an observer-independent measurement of EAE symptoms. ADWB detected weight shifts onto the front paws as mice develop hindlimb motor disability. CS and ADWB were strongly correlated, indicated that these measures are comparable and suggesting that ADWB may be an appropriate observer-independent tool for the assessment of EAE progression.

Community-based and Indigenous-led health and wellness approaches have been widely advocated for Indigenous peoples. However, remarkably few Indigenous designed and led interventions exist within the field. The purpose of this study was to evaluate an Indigenous-led and community-based health and wellness intervention in a remote and rural Indigenous community. This protocol was designed by and for Indigenous peoples based on the aspirations of the community (established through sharing circles). A total of 15 participants completed a 13-week walking and healthy lifestyle counselling program (incorporating motivational interviewing) to enhance cardiometabolic health. Measures of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA, 7-day accelerometry and self-report), predicted maximal aerobic power (VO2max, 6-min walk test), resting heart rate and blood pressure, and other health-related physical fitness measures (musculoskeletal fitness and body composition) were taken before and after the intervention. The intervention led to significant (p &lt, 0.05) improvements in VO2max (7.1 &plusmn, 6.3 % change), with the greatest improvements observed among individuals with lower baseline VO2max (p &lt, 0.05, r = -0.76). Resting heart rate, resting systolic blood pressure, and resting diastolic blood pressure decreased significantly (p &lt, 0.05) after the intervention. Self-reported and accelerometry-measured frequency of MVPA increased significantly (p &lt, 0.05), and the total MVPA minutes (~275 min/week) were above international recommendations. Change in VO2max was significantly correlated with change in self-reported (r = 0.42) and accelerometry-measured (r = 0.24) MVPA minutes. No significant changes were observed in weight, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat (via bioelectrical impedance), grip strength, and flexibility. These findings demonstrate that a culturally relevant and safe, community-based, Indigenous-led, health and wellness intervention can lead to significant and clinically relevant improvements in cardiometabolic health and physical activity behaviour, with the greatest changes being observed in the least active/fit individuals.

Contains fulltext : 95844.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Closed access) BACKGROUND: Vincristine is one of the cornerstones of the treatment of children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Constipation, and peripheral and central neurotoxicities are the most common side effects. A comparative study exploring vincristine toxicity in individual patients receiving vincristine with and without azoles, however, is lacking. METHODS: In total, 20 paediatric patients with de novo ALL were included. In each patient, vincristine toxicity in the period with and without azole co-medication was retrospectively graded according to the US National Cancer Institute toxicity scale. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and McNemar's test. RESULTS: Patients receiving vincristine in combination with azole treatment experienced significantly more constipation and peripheral neurotoxicity (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Vincristine-induced CNS toxicity was only seen in patients (30%) receiving vincristine in combination with azole treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Vincristine toxicity is significantly enhanced when combined with azole treatment and can even be life threatening. Therefore, we advise avoidance of the combination of azole and vincristine treatments in patients with ALL.

While there are many advocates of testicular cancer (TC) education, little is known about the adolescent male's attitude towards TC, knowledge of TC, or whether he is receiving this education in the physician's office. As a first phase in a three year project on TC education in the public school system, 1200 grade 10 males, mean age 16.7, 63% white 34% black, were given an 85 item validated pretest questionnaire. While 22% had heard of TC, none knew how to correctly perform Testicular Self-Examination (TSE). Analysis of the attitude questions measured on a 7 point scale (7=strongly agree) showed that adolescents are afraid of getting TC (X=5.62), are unsure about whether it could happen to them (X=3.81) or whether it could be self-diagnosed (X=3.39), but did feel that recovery is more likely with early diagnosis (X=5.38). Black adolescents were less knowledgable about and more afraid of getting TC (p