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UNLABELLED: On 15 January 2022, Hunga volcano erupted, creating an extensive and high-reaching umbrella cloud over the open ocean, hindering traditional isopach mapping and fallout volume estimation. In MODIS satellite imagery, ocean surface water was discolored around Hunga following the eruption, which we attribute to ash fallout from the umbrella cloud. By relating intensity of ocean discoloration to fall deposit thicknesses in the Kingdom of Tonga, we develop a methodology for estimating airfall volume over the open ocean. Ash thickness measurements from 41 locations are used to fit a linear relationship between ash thickness and ocean reflectance. This produces a minimum airfall volume estimate of 1.8-0.4+0.3 km3. The whole eruption produced > 6.3 km3 of uncompacted pyroclastic material on the seafloor and a caldera volume change of 6 km3 DRE. Our fall estimates are consistent with the interpretation that most of the seafloor deposits were emplaced by gravity currents rather than fall deposits. Our proposed method does not account for the largest grain sizes, so is thus a minimum estimate. However, this new ocean-discoloration method provides an airfall volume estimate consistent with other independent measures of the plume and is thus effective for rapidly estimating fallout volumes in future volcanic eruptions over oceans. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00445-024-01744-6.

This laboratory experiment leverages the pedagogical value and multidisciplinary nature of biodiesel production from vegetable oil to introduce students to continuous-flow chemistry, a modern and rapidly growing approach to chemical synthesis. An interdisciplinary approach exposes students to the practical and conceptual aspects of modern continuous-flow chemistry while simultaneously reinforcing core organic chemistry techniques and investing students in issues of sustainability. Students screen reaction conditions in flow through an inquiry-guided approach and make evidence-based decisions to accomplish the sustainable conversion of waste cooking oil into biofuel. The laboratory experiment is designed to be highly modular and can be completed in two, three, five, or eight laboratory periods. By incorporating the burgeoning field of continuous-flow chemistry into the educational infrastructure, the experiments allow students to develop skills that are highly valued in the modern chemical workforce.

Adequate cardiorespiratory fitness is critical for firefighters since an insufficient level of fitness threatens the integrity of their operations and could be dangerous for their lives. In fact, the leading cause of mortality for on-duty firefighters is not injury but sudden cardiac death. Therefore, to mitigate these risks, potential firefighter recruits are often required to perform a graded exercise test to determine their cardiorespiratory fitness as part of the recruitment process. However, there are currently limited data available to prospective firefighters on the amounts and types of exercises needed to be successful in the graded exercise test, commonly known as a V O2max test. Physiological parameters for the current secondary analysis were collected on firefighter applicants who performed the graded exercise test where 72% were successful and 28% were unsuccessful to meet the minimum standard set at 42.5 ml kg-1 min-1. Prior to their test, applicants were asked to describe their exercise training routine by indicating the number of minutes per week spent exercising. Activities were then divided into one of two categories: endurance exercise or strength and power exercise training. The total exercise training describes the sum of all activities performed each week. The sum of endurance exercise activities and the sum of strength and power exercise activities were compared between the successful and the unsuccessful groups and results showed that successful applicants had a higher training volume and performed more endurance exercise training as compared to unsuccessful applicants. Therefore, practical recommendations related to exercise training regime are presented for firefighter applicants to embrace as guidance to prepare for their graded exercise test as part of their recruitment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Indirect calorimetry (IC) systems measure the fractions of expired carbon dioxide (FeCO2), and oxygen (FeO2) recorded at the mouth to estimate whole-body energy production. The fundamental principle of IC relates to the catabolism of high-energy substrates such as carbohydrates and lipids to meet the body's energy needs through the oxidative process, which are reflected in the measured oxygen uptake rates (V O2) and carbon dioxide production rates (V CO2). Accordingly, it is important to know the accuracy and validity of V O2 and V CO2 measurements when estimating energy production and substrate partitioning for research and clinical purposes. Although several techniques are readily available to assess the accuracy of IC systems at a single point for V CO2 and V O2, the validity of such procedures is limited when used in testing protocols that incorporate a wide range of energy production (e.g., basal metabolic rate and maximal exercise testing). Accordingly, we built an apparatus that allowed us to manipulate propane burn rates in such a way as to assess the linearity of IC systems. This technical report aimed to assess the accuracy and linearity of three IC systems using our in-house built validation procedure. Approach. A series of trials at different propane burn rates (PBR) (i.e., 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 mL min-1) were run on three IC systems: Sable, Moxus, and Oxycon Pro. The experimental values for V O2 and V CO2 measured on the three IC systems were compared to theoretical stoichiometry values. Results. A linear relationship was observed between increasing PBR and measured values for V O2and V CO2 (99.6%, 99.2%, 94.8% for the Sable, Moxus, and Jaeger IC systems, respectively). In terms of system error, the Jaeger system had significantly (p < 0.001) greater V O2 (mean difference (M) D -0.057, standard error (SE) D 0.004), and V CO2 (M D =0.048, SE D 0.002) error compared to either the Sable (V O2,M D 0.044, SE D 0.004; V CO2, M D 0.024, SE D 0.002) or the Moxus (V O2, M D 0.046, SE D 0.004; V CO2,M D0.025, SE D0.002) IC systems. There were no significant differences between the Sable or Moxus IC systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self‐talk is an effective mental training technique that has been shown to facilitate or debilitate an athlete's performance, depending on its valence. Although the effects of self‐talk have been supported by observing change in sport performance, little is known about how self‐talk can induce physiological changes. Specifically, it is important to understand if the type of self‐talk (positive, neutral, or negative) and can influence stress‐related parameters, such as perceived exertion, cardiorespiratory, and cortisol responses. The study's objective was therefore to investigate the top‐down effect of positive and negative self‐talk compared to a dissociative activity during an iso‐metabolic running exercise on autonomic regulation of cardiorespiratory function. Twenty‐nine well‐trained male runners [38 ± 13 years, 177 ± 7 cm and 73 ± 7 kg] volunteered to participate in a randomized‐group design study that included a negative self‐talk (NST), a positive self‐talk, and a dissociative group (DG). First, participants underwent an incremental running test on a treadmill to determine the maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max). Next, participants received a mental training session on self‐talk and created three positive and three negative self‐talk statements. Finally, participants underwent a 60‐min steady‐state running exercise on a treadmill at 70% of V̇O2max, during which they were cued at 20‐, 35‐, and 50‐min with their personal self‐created positive or negative self‐talk statements while the DG listened to a documentary. Cardiorespiratory parameters and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded throughout the 60‐min endurance exercise. In addition, salivary cortisol samples were obtained at waking and after treatment. Although oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production, RPE, and heart rate significantly changed overtime during the 60‐min steady‐state running exercise, no significant main treatment effect was found. However, RPE scores, minute ventilation, breathing frequency, and salivary cortisol were significantly higher in the NST group compared to the two other groups. These data suggest that NST [emotion‐induced stress, as reflected by elevated cortisol] altered the breathing frequency response. In conclusion, manipulating self‐talk alters hormonal response patterns, modulates cardiorespiratory function, and influences perceived exertion. To date, there have been no studies specifically designed to explore the neural functional connections that would specifically elucidate the top‐down neurophysiological pathway associating self‐talk during exercise. This study demonstrates that emotion‐induced stress alters the neural functional connections as reflected in cardiovascular and hormonal responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of performing treadmill aerobic exercise in moderate normobaric hypoxia among chronic hemiparetic stroke survivors. Design: Observational study using convenience sampling. Setting: Research laboratory in a tertiary rehabilitation hospital. Participants: Chronic hemiparetic stroke survivors who could walk at least 10-m with or without assistance and had no absolute contraindications to exercise testing. Intervention: Participants (three male and four female) were asked to complete three normobaric hypoxia exposure protocols within a single session. First, they were passively exposed to normobaric hypoxia through gradual reductions in the fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2 = 20.9, 17.0, and 15.0%) while seated (5-min at each level of FIO2). Participants were then exposed to the same reductions in FIO2 during constant-load exercise performed on a treadmill at 40% of heart rate reserve. Finally, participants completed 20-min of exercise while intermittently exposed to moderate normobaric hypoxia (5 × 2-min at FIO2 = 15.0%) interspaced with 2-min normoxia intervals (FIO2 = 20.9%). Outcome Measures: The primary outcome was occurrence of adverse events, which included standardized criteria for terminating exercise testing, blood oxygen saturation (S p O2) <80%, or acute mountain sickness score >2. The increased cardiovascular strain imposed by normobaric hypoxia exposure at rest and during exercise was evaluated by changes in S p O2, heart rate (HR), blood pressure, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). Results: One participant reported mild symptoms of nausea during exercise in normobaric hypoxia and discontinued participation. No other adverse events were recorded. Intermittent normobaric hypoxia exposure was associated with reduced S p O2 (MD = −7.4%, CI: −9.8 to −5.0) and increased HR (MD = 8.2, CI: 4.6 to 11.7) compared to intervals while breathing typical room air throughout the 20-min constant-load exercise period. The increase in HR was associated with a 10% increase in relative effort. However, reducing FIO2 had little effect on blood pressure and RPE measurements. Conclusion: Moderate normobaric hypoxia appeared to be a safe and feasible method to increase the cardiovascular strain of submaximal exercise in chronic hemiparetic stroke survivors. Future studies evaluating the effects of pairing normobaric hypoxia exposure with existing therapies on secondary prevention and functional recovery are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Policies that support physical activity (PA) in the school-setting have promise but their impact is poorly understood. • Nine policy action areas for which there was evidence of impact were identified. These were whole-school PA policy, physical education, sport/extracurricular PA, classroom-based PA, active breaks, physical environment, shared use agreements, active school transport and surveillance. • Evidence supports the effectiveness of PA policy actions within the school-setting but cautions a "one-size fits all" approach. • Further evaluation of policy implementation to maximize translation into practice is required. • Greater clarity regarding terminology, measurement, and methods for evaluation of policy interventions is needed, and suggestions provided. Despite the well-established health benefits of physical activity (PA) for young people (aged 4–19 years), most do not meet PA guidelines. Policies that support PA in schools may be promising, but their impact on PA behavior is poorly understood. The aim of this systematic review was to ascertain the level and type of evidence reported in the international scientific literature for policies within the school setting that contribute directly or indirectly to increasing PA. This systematic review is compliant with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Six databases were searched using key concepts of policy, school, evaluation, and PA. Following title and abstract screening of 2323 studies, 25 progressed to data synthesis. Methodological quality was assessed using standardized tools, and the strength of the evidence of policy impact was described based on pre-determined codes: positive, negative, inconclusive, or untested statistically. Evidence emerged for 9 policy areas that had a direct or indirect effect on PA within the school setting. These were whole school PA policy, physical education, sport/extracurricular PA, classroom-based PA, active breaks/recess, physical environment, shared use agreements, active school transport, and surveillance. The bulk of the evidence was significantly positive (54%), 27% was inconclusive, 9% was significantly negative, and 11% was untested (due to rounding, some numbers add to 99% or 101%). Frequency of evidence was highest in the primary setting (41%), 34% in the secondary setting, and 24% in primary/secondary combined school settings. By policy area, frequency of evidence was highest for sport/extracurricular PA (35%), 17% for physical education, and 12% for whole school PA policy, with evidence for shared use agreements between schools and local communities rarely reported (2%). Comparing relative strength of evidence, the evidence for shared use agreements, though sparse, was 100% positive, while 60% of the evidence for whole school PA policy, 59% of the evidence for sport/extracurricular PA, 57% of the evidence for physical education, 50% of the evidence for PA in classroom, and 50% of the evidence for active breaks/recess were positive. The current evidence base supports the effectiveness of PA policy actions within the school setting but cautions against a "one-size-fits-all" approach and emphasizes the need to examine policy implementation to maximize translation into practice. Greater clarity regarding terminology, measurement, and methods for evaluation of policy interventions is needed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Our objectives were: 1) to determine whether maximal aerobic exercise increased serum neurotrophins in chronic stroke and 2) to determine the factors that predict resting and exercise-dependent levels. Methods: We investigated the potential predictors of resting and exercise-dependent serum insulin-like growth factor-1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor among 35 chronic stroke patients. Predictors from three domains (demographic, disease burden, and cardiometabolic) were entered into 4 separate stepwise linear regression models with outcome variables: resting insulin-like growth factor, resting brain-derived neurotrophic factor, exercise-dependent change in insulin-like growth factor, and exercise-dependent change brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Results: Insulin-like growth factor decreased after exercise (p = 0.001) while brain-derived neurotrophic factor did not change (p = 0.38). Greater lower extremity impairment predicted higher resting brain-derived neurotrophic factor (p = 0.004, r2 = 0.23). Higher fluid intelligence predicted greater brain-derived neurotrophic factor response to exercise (p = 0.01, r2 = 0.18). There were no significant predictors of resting or percent change insulin-like growth factor-1. Discussion: Biomarkers have the potential to characterize an individual's potential for recovery from stroke. Neurotrophins such as insulin-like growth factor-1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor are thought to be important in neurorehabilitation; however, the factors that modulate these biomarkers are not well understood. Resting brain-derived neurotrophic factor and percent change in brain-derived neurotrophic factor were related to physical and cognitive recovery in chronic stroke, albeit weakly. Insulin-like growth factor-1 was not an informative biomarker among chronic stroke patients. The novel finding that fluid intelligence positively correlated with exercise-induced change in brain-derived neurotrophic factor warrants further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose Previous research suggests that patients receiving inpatient stroke rehabilitation are sedentary although there is little data to confirm this supposition within the Canadian healthcare system. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to observe two weeks of inpatient rehabilitation in a tertiary stroke center to determine patients’ activity levels and sedentary time. Methods Heart rate (HR) and accelerometer data were measured using an Actiheart monitor for seven consecutive days, 24 h/day, on the second week and the last week of admission. Participants or their proxies completed a daily logbook. Metabolic equivalent (MET) values were calculated and time with MET < 1.5 was considered sedentary. The relationship between patient factors (disability, mood, and social support) and activity levels and sedentary time were analyzed. Results Participants (n = 19; 12 males) spent 10 h sleeping and 4 h resting each day, with 86.9% of their waking hours sedentary. They received on average 8.5 task-specific therapy sessions; substantially lower than the 15 h/week recommended in best practice guidelines. During therapy, 61.6% of physical therapy and 76.8% of occupational therapy was spent sedentary. Participants increased their HR about 15 beats from baseline during physical therapy and 8 beats during occupational therapy. There was no relationship between sedentary time or activity levels and patient factors. Discussion Despite calls for highly intensive stroke rehabilitation, there was excessive sedentary time and therapy sessions were less frequent and of lower intensity than recommended levels. Conclusions In this sample of people attending inpatient stroke rehabilitation, institutional structure of rehabilitation rather than patient-related factors contributed to sedentary time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Evaluate intensity-dependent effects of a single bout of high intensity interval training (HIIT) compared to moderate intensity constant-load exercise (MICE) on corticospinal excitability (CSE) and effects on upper limb performance in chronic stroke. Design: Randomized cross-over trial. Setting: Research laboratory in a tertiary rehabilitation hospital. Participants: Convenience sample of 12 chronic stroke survivors. Outcome measures: Bilateral CSE measures of intracortical inhibition and facilitation, motor thresholds, and motor evoked potential (MEP) latency using transcranial magnetic stimulation. Upper limb functional measures of dexterity (Box and Blocks Test) and strength (pinch and grip strength). Results: Twelve (10 males; 62.50 ± 9.0 years old) chronic stroke (26.70 ± 23.0 months) survivors with moderate level of residual impairment participated. MEP latency from the ipsilesional hemisphere was lengthened after HIIT (pre: 24.27 ± 1.8 ms, and post: 25.04 ± 1.8 ms, p = 0.01) but not MICE (pre: 25.49 ± 1.10 ms, and post: 25.28 ± 1.0 ms, p = 0.44). There were no significant changes in motor thresholds, intracortical inhibition or facilitation. Pinch strength of the affected hand decreased after MICE (pre: 8.96 ± 1.9 kg vs. post: 8.40 ± 2.0 kg, p = 0.02) but not after HIIT (pre: 8.83 ± 2.0 kg vs. post: 8.65 ± 2.2 kg, p = 0.29). Regardless of type of aerobic exercise, higher total energy expenditure was associated with greater increases in pinch strength in the affected hand after exercise (R2 = 0.31, p = 0.04) and decreases in pinch strength of the less affected hand (R2 = 0.26 p = 0.02). Conclusion: A single bout of HIIT resulted in lengthened nerve conduction latency in the affected hand that was not engaged in the exercise. Longer latency could be related to the cross-over effects of fatiguing exercise or to reduced hand spasticity. Somewhat counterintuitively, pinch strength of the affected hand decreased after MICE but not HIIT. Regardless of the structure of exercise, higher energy expended was associated with pinch strength gains in the affected hand and strength losses in the less affected hand. Since aerobic exercise has acute effects on MEP latency and hand strength, it could be paired with upper limb training to potentiate beneficial effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a demonstration of an alternative to the challenges faced with batch pharmaceutical manufacturing including the large production footprint and lengthy timescale, we previously reported a refrigerator-sized continuous flow system for the on-demand production of essential medicines. Building on this technology, herein we report a second-generation, reconfigurable and 25% smaller (by volume) continuous flow pharmaceutical manufacturing platform featuring advances in reaction and purification equipment. Consisting of two compact [0.7 (L) Χ 0.5 (D) Χ 1.3m (H)] stand-alone units for synthesis and purification/ formulation processes, the capabilities of this automated system are demonstrated with the synthesis of nicardipine hydrochloride and the production of concentrated liquid doses of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, neostigmine methylsulfate and rufinamide that meet US Pharmacopeia standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As a demonstration of an alternative to the challenges faced with batch pharmaceutical manufacturing including the large production footprint and lengthy time‐scale, we previously reported a refrigerator‐sized continuous flow system for the on‐demand production of essential medicines. Building on this technology, herein we report a second‐generation, reconfigurable and 25 % smaller (by volume) continuous flow pharmaceutical manufacturing platform featuring advances in reaction and purification equipment. Consisting of two compact [0.7 (L)×0.5 (D)×1.3 m (H)] stand‐alone units for synthesis and purification/formulation processes, the capabilities of this automated system are demonstrated with the synthesis of nicardipine hydrochloride and the production of concentrated liquid doses of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, neostigmine methylsulfate and rufinamide that meet US Pharmacopeia standards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether stroke survivors could maintain workloads during functional task practice that can reach moderate levels of cardiometabolic stress (i.e., ≥40% oxygen uptake reserve (V ṀO2R) for ≥20min) without the use of ergometer-based exercise. Design: Cross-sectional study using convenience sampling. Setting: Research laboratory in a tertiary rehabilitation hospital. Participants: Chronic hemiparetic stroke survivors (>6-months) who could provide consent and walk with or without assistance. Intervention: A single bout of intermittent functional training (IFT). The IFT protocol lasted 30min and involved performing impairment specific multi-joint task-oriented movements structured into circuits lasting ~3min and allowing 30-45 s recovery between circuits. The aim was to achieve an average heart rate (HR) 30-50 beats above resting without using traditional ergometer-based aerobic exercise. Outcome measures: Attainment of indicators for moderate intensity aerobic exercise. Oxygen uptake (V ṀO2), carbon dioxide production (V ṀCO2), and HR were recorded throughout the 30min IFT protocol. Values were reported as percentage of V ṀO2R, HR reserve (HRR) and HRR calculated from predicted maximum HR (HRRpred), which were determined from a prior maximal graded exercise test. Results: Ten (3-female) chronic (38 ± 33 months) stroke survivors (70% ischemic) with significant residual impairments (NIHSS: 3 ± 2) and a high prevalence of comorbid conditions (80% ≥1) participated. IFT significantly increased all measures of exercise intensity compared to resting levels: V ṀO2 (1 820 ± 290ml min-1, p < 0.001), HR (1 42 ± 14 bpm, p < 0.001), and energy expenditure (EE; 1 4.0 ± 1.4 kcal min-1, p < 0.001). Also, mean values for percentage of V ṀO2R (62 ± 19), HRR (55 ± 14), and HRRpred (52 ± 18) were significantly higher than the minimum threshold (40%) indicating achievement of moderate intensity aerobic exercise (p = 0.004, 0.016, and 0.043, respectively). Conclusion: Sufficient workloads to achieve moderate levels of cardiometabolic stress can be maintained in chronic stroke survivors using impairment-focused functional movements that are not dependent on ergometers or other specialized equipment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of the current study was to determine the effect of moderate normobaric hypoxia exposure during constant load cycling on post-exercise energy metabolism recorded in normoxia. Indirect calorimetry was used to examine whole body substrate oxidation before, during, 40-60 min post, and 22 h after performing 60 min of cycling exercise at two different fractions of inspired oxygen (FIO2): (i) FIO2 = 0.2091 (normoxia) and (ii) FIO2 = 0.15 (hypoxia). Seven active healthy male participants (26 ± 4 years of age) completed both experimental trials in randomized order with a 7-day washout period to avoid carryover effects between conditions. Resting energy expenditure was initially elevated following cycling exercise in normoxia and hypoxia (1 0.14 ± 0.05, kcal min-1, p = 0.037; 1 0.19 ± 0.03 kcal min-1, p < 0.001, respectively), but returned to baseline levels the next morning in both conditions. Although, the same absolute workload was used in both environmental conditions (157 ± 10 W), a shift in resting substrate oxidation occurred after exercise performed in hypoxia while post-exercise measurements were similar to baseline after cycling exercise in normoxia. The additional metabolic stress of hypoxia exposure was sufficient to increase the rate of lipid oxidation (1 42 ± 11mg min-1, p = 0.019) and tended to suppress carbohydrate oxidation (1 -55 ± 26mg min-1, p = 0.076) 40-60 min post-exercise. This shift in substrate oxidation persisted the next morning, where lipid oxidation remained elevated (1 9 ± 3mgmin-1, p = 0.0357) and carbohydrate oxidation was suppressed (1 -22 ± 6mg min-1, p = 0.019). In conclusion, prior exercise performed under moderate normobaric hypoxia alters post-exercise energy metabolism. This is an important consideration when evaluating the metabolic consequences of hypoxia exposure during prolonged exercise, and future studies should evaluate its role in the beneficial effects of intermittent hypoxia training observed in persons with obesity and insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise training is an important treatment strategy to enhance functional recovery and decrease cardiometabolic risk factors after stroke. However, stroke related impairments limit access to ergometer-type exercise. The aims of the current study were (1) to evaluate whether our task-oriented circuit training protocol (intermittent functional training; IFT) could be used to sustain moderate-intensity aerobic workloads over a 10-week intervention period, and (2) to investigate its preliminary effects on cardiorespiratory fitness and metabolic profiles compared to constant-load ergometer-type exercise (CET). Forty chronic hemiparetic stroke survivors were randomized to receive 30 sessions of IFT or CET over ten weeks. Similar proportions of participants were randomized to IFT (7/19) and CET (9/18) sustained workloads associated with moderate-intensity aerobic exercise over the study period (p = 0.515). However, CET was associated with more substantial changes in maximal oxygen uptake (MD = 2.79 mL min−1 kg−1 CI: 0.84 to 4.74) compared to IFT (MD = 0.62 mL min−1 kg−1 CI: −0.38 to 1.62). Pre to post changes in C-reactive protein (−0.9 mg/L; p =0.017), short-term glycemia (+14.7 µmol/L; p = 0.026), and resting whole-body carbohydrate oxidation (+24.2 mg min−1; p = 0.046) were observed when considering both groups together. Accordingly, IFT can replicate the aerobic intensities sustained during traditional ergometer-type exercise training. More work is needed to evaluate the dose–response effects of such task-oriented circuit training protocols on secondary prevention targets across the continuum of stroke recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic iron oxide (Magnetite, Fe3O4) nanoparticles are widely utilized in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and drug delivery applications due to their superparamagnetism. Surface coatings are often employed to change the properties of the magnetite nanoparticles or to modulate their biological responses. In this study, magnetite nanoparticles were fabricated through hydrothermal synthesis. Hydrophobicity is often increased by surface modification with oleic acid. In this study, however, hydrophobicity was introduced through surface modification with n-octyltriethoxysilane. Both the uncoated (hydrophilic) and coated (hydrophobic) individual nanoparticle sizes measured below 20 nm in diameter, a size range in which magnetite nanoparticles exhibit superparamagnetism. Both types of nanoparticles formed aggregates which were characterized by SEM, TEM, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The coating process significantly increased both individual particle diameter and aggregate sizes. We tested the neurotoxicity of newly synthesized nanoparticles with two mammalian cell lines, PC12 (rat pheochromocytoma) and ReNcell VM (human neural stem cells). Significant differences were observed in cytotoxicity profiles, which suggests that the cell type (rodent versus human) or the presence of serum matters for nanoparticle toxicology studies. Differences in nanoparticle associations/uptake between the two cell types were observed with Prussian Blue staining. Finally, safe concentrations which did not significantly affect neuronal differentiation profiles were identified for further development of the nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post-activation potentiation (PAP) conditioning has been reported to increase performance. Most research has examined PAP effects on strength/power activities, whereas the effects on endurance sports are understudied. The aim of this study was to characterize PAP conditioning stimulus effects on a subsequent 5x1 km running trial. A randomized, within subjects, repeated measures study utilized 12 male, endurance-trained athletes, who performed a full warm-up, conditioning exercise intervention (4x5 repetition maximum band-resisted squat jumps) or a control condition prior to a 5x1 km time trial run. Tests were conducted immediately prior to the intervention, after each kilometer, immediately following the 5x1 km run, and at seven and ten minutes post 5 km run. Measures included the interpolated twitch technique (ITT), evoked contractile properties, maximum voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC) plantar flexor force, drop jump, rating of perceived exertion, and heart rate. The PAP stimulus reduced the time to complete the run (3.6%; p = 0.07, d = 0.51), and decreased the time to complete kilometer one (8%; d = 1.08, p = 0.014). Jump height (p = 0.02; 9.2%) and reactive strength index (p = 0.035; 16%) increased with PAP. F100 (force produced in the first 100ms of the MVIC) and MVIC force with PAP increased at kilometers 3 (p = 0.04, d=0.84), 4 (p = 0.034, d = 0.29), and 7min post-run (p = 0.03, d = 0.60). Voluntary activation (ITT) increased at 7min post-run (p = 0.04, d = 0.59) with PAP, yet decreased at 7min post-run in the control condition (p = 0.03, d = 0.36). A prior band-resisted squat protocol decreased running time and improved neuromuscular properties in endurance athletes running 5x1 km. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a demonstration of an alternative to the challenges faced with batch pharmaceutical manufacturing including the large production footprint and lengthy time-scale, we previously reported a refrigerator-sized continuous flow system for the on-demand production of essential medicines. Building on this technology, herein we report a second-generation, reconfigurable and 25 % smaller (by volume) continuous flow pharmaceutical manufacturing platform featuring advances in reaction and purification equipment. Consisting of two compact [0.7 (L)×0.5 (D)×1.3 m (H)] stand-alone units for synthesis and purification/formulation processes, the capabilities of this automated system are demonstrated with the synthesis of nicardipine hydrochloride and the production of concentrated liquid doses of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride, neostigmine methylsulfate and rufinamide that meet US Pharmacopeia standards., (© 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Background: Heat sensitivity and fatigue limit the ability of multiple sclerosis patients to participate in exercise., Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal aerobic exercise parameters (environmental temperature and exercise modality) to limit exercise-induced central and muscle fatigue among people with multiple sclerosis., Methods: Fourteen people with multiple sclerosis with varying levels of disability completed four randomized exercise sessions at 65% of the maximal volume of oxygen: body-weight supported treadmill cool (16°C), body-weight supported treadmill room (21°C), total-body recumbent stepper cool and total-body recumbent stepper room. Maximum voluntary contraction, electromyography, and evoked contractile properties were collected from the more affected plantar flexors along with subjective levels of fatigue, body temperature and perceived level of exertion., Results: Exercise in cooler room temperature increased maximum voluntary contraction force ( p  = 0.010) and stabilized body temperature ( p  = 0.011) compared to standard room temperature. People with multiple sclerosis experienced greater peak twitch torque ( p  = 0.047), shorter time to peak twitch ( p  = 0.035) and a longer half relaxation time ( p  = 0.046) after total-body recumbent stepper suggestive of less muscle fatigue., Conclusion: Cooling the exercise environment limits the negative effects of central fatigue during aerobic exercise and using total-body recumbent stepper (work distributed among four limbs) rather than body-weight supported treadmill lessens muscular fatigue. Therapists can titrate these two variables to help people with multiple sclerosis achieve sufficient exercise workloads.