A Cross Sectional Survey of Factors Related to Cannabis Use as a Sleep Aid Among Canadian Cancer Survivors.

OBJECTIVES: Poor sleep is a common side effect of cancer. Cannabis is increasingly used to manage cancer treatment-related symptoms, including sleep. This study investigated factors related to cannabis use for sleep among Canadian cancer survivors. METHOD: Adult Canadian cancer survivors (N = 940) were recruited via the Angus Reid Institute and completed an online, cross-sectional survey. Univariate and multiple binomial logistic regression models identified factors associated with cannabis use for sleep. RESULTS: Of the participants (Mage = 64.5 yrs; Women = 51.1%; White = 92.9%), 25.1% (n = 236) currently use cannabis for sleep. Participants were at greater odds of using cannabis for sleep if they identified as a gender other than man or woman (AOR = 11.132), were diagnosed with multiple medical conditions (2:AOR = 1.988; 3+:AOR = 1.902), two psychological conditions (AOR = 2.171), multiple sleep disorders (AOR = 2.338), insomnia (AOR = 1.942), bone (AOR = 6.535), gastrointestinal (AOR = 4.307), genitourinary (AOR = 2.586), hematological (AOR = 4.739), or an unlisted cancer (AOR = 3.470), received hormone therapy only (AOR = 3.054), drink heavily (AOR = 2.748), or had mild insomnia (AOR = 1.828). Older participants (AOR=.972) and those with sleep apnea were less likely to use cannabis for sleep (AOR=.560). CONCLUSION: Given its prevalence, research is needed to understand how factors associated with cannabis use as a sleep aid among Canadian cancer survivors may influence its use and effectiveness and whether these factors are barriers to accessing evidence-based treatments.

A survey of educator perspectives toward teaching harm reduction cannabis education.

INTRODUCTION: Substance use is common among youth which can adversely affect youth health. Despite the legalization of cannabis in Canada and much of the United States, there is a lack of harm reduction cannabis education in schools. In addition, educators may not feel prepared to teach students about cannabis. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey explored educator perceptions toward teaching harm reduction substance use education to students in grades 4-12. Data analysis included descriptive statistics to evaluate demographic variables, ANOVAs to identify subgroup differences, and inductive thematic analysis to establish themes from open-ended responses. From the sample of 170 educators, the majority were female (77%) and worked as classroom teachers (59%). RESULTS: Ninety-two percent of educators felt harm reduction was an effective approach to substance use education, and 84% stated that they would feel comfortable teaching cannabis harm reduction education to students. While 68% of educators believed they would be able to recognize if a student was under the influence of cannabis, only 39% felt certain about how to respond to student cannabis use, and just 8% felt that their current teacher training allowed them to intervene and prevent cannabis-related harms. Most educators (89%) expressed interest in harm reduction training, particularly interactive training (70%) and instructor-led lessons (51%). Online curriculum resources were preferred by 57%. Responses differed by gender and age group, with females of any age and educators under 40 reporting greater support of harm reduction approaches and more interest in training. CONCLUSION: Educators expressed considerable support for harm reduction substance use education, but many felt unprepared to address this topic with students. The findings identified a need for educator training on harm reduction substance use education, so that educators can help students make informed choices around substance use, thereby promoting youth health and safety.

The prevalence of cannabis use disorder in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A clinical epidemiological meta-analysis.

Studies have shown that individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pose an increased risk for developing substance use disorders. Increased cannabis product accessibility and recent legislative changes have led to increased cannabis consumption, thereby increasing the risk of cannabis use disorder (CUD). The present meta-analysis explored the lifetime and current prevalence of CUD in ADHD. A systematic review was conducted using the following databases: PubMed, PsycINFO and Web of Science. A total of 14 articles were included and used to estimate the aggregate lifetime and current prevalence of CUD in ADHD alongside risk ratios comparing increased risk of CUD in ADHD versus control samples. Mixed and random-effects models indicated that lifetime and current prevalence rates of CUD in ADHD populations were 26.9% and 19.2%, respectively (although prediction intervals ranged from 12.4% to 48.8% and 5.5%-39.1%, respectively). Analysis of the risk ratios indicated that those with ADHD were at 2.85- and 2.91-times greater risk of a lifetime or current diagnosis of CUD, respectively, than those in the general population. Our findings support the need for additional research on the prevalence of CUD in those with ADHD, as well as the inclusion of CUD screening in the treatment of ADHD.

A cross-sectional survey of the prevalence and patterns of using cannabis as a sleep aid in Canadian cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Poor sleep is one of the most common side effects of cancer. It can persist for years beyond treatment and negatively impact quality of life and health. Cannabis is increasingly used to manage cancer treatment-related symptoms, including sleep. This study investigated the use and perceived effects of cannabis as a sleep aid in Canadian cancer survivors. METHODS: Adult Canadian cancer survivors (N = 1464) were recruited via the Angus Reid Institute and completed an online, cross-sectional survey including the Insomnia Severity Index and questions about cannabis use for sleep. Standard descriptive statistics, such as means, standard deviations, and ranges were produced for measured variables to assess the ways cancer survivors use cannabis for sleep. Frequencies were tabulated for categorical and ordinal variables. RESULTS: On average, participants (Mage = 61.1 years; Women = 50%: Men = 48%) received their cancer diagnosis 12.5 years prior. Of participants, 23.5% (n = 344) currently use cannabis as a sleep aid, with reported benefits including relaxation, reduced time to fall asleep, fewer nocturnal awakenings and improved sleep quality. Two thirds (68.3%, n = 235) only began using cannabis for sleep after their cancer diagnosis. Over a third of participants (36.3%, n = 125) use cannabis as a sleep aid every day. Among the 344, the most common other reasons for using cannabis were pain (31.4%, n = 108), recreational use (24.4%, n = 84), and anxiety (12.5%, n = 43). CONCLUSIONS: Given the prevalence and potential impact, research is needed to examine the actual efficacy of cannabis as a sleep aid. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: It is important that cancer survivors have information on methods to help their sleep to avoid impairments to quality of life and health.

Emerging adult perceptions of cannabis consumption: Examining changes in perceptions from pre-legalization to post-legalization.

BACKGROUND: Emerging adults (EAs) have the highest rates of cannabis consumption in Canada and are vulnerable to the potential impacts of frequent cannabis consumption. This study assessed EAs' perceived risk of cannabis consumption across multiple domains of potential harm based on the age (14-year-old, 21-year-old, or 28-year-old) and sex (male or female) of the vignette character, time-point (pre- or post-legalization), and participant's gender. METHODS: Secondary analyses were conducted on data from a pre-legalization study and post-legalization replication. Participants included EAs between 18 and 25 years of age and living in Newfoundland and Labrador. Participants from the pre- and post-legalization studies were matched based on demographic variables and the assigned vignette character. Participants responded to seven items of perceived risk based on their assigned vignette character's (varied by age or sex) almost daily cannabis consumption. RESULTS: Participants (N = 689) viewed cannabis consumption to have greater risks for a 14-year-old compared to a 21- or 28-year-old in all domains except for social life. Prior to legalization, participants who identified as a woman felt that cannabis had more detrimental impacts on social life than participants who identified as a man. Findings also suggested that pre-legalization cannabis consumption by a female was perceived as more detrimental to their social life than pre-legalization consumption by a male and post-legalization consumption by a female. CONCLUSION: EAs do not fully appreciate the risks of cannabis consumption, suggesting that it is imperative for public health strategies to promote increased awareness of the risks of frequent cannabis consumption, and improve cannabis health literacy in this population.

Emerging adult perceptions of higher-risk cannabis consumption behaviours.

BACKGROUND: Emerging adults have the highest cannabis consumption rates in Canada and are among the most vulnerable to cannabis-related harms. Since certain cannabis consumption behaviours carry greater risks of harm, the Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines (LRCUG) provide harm reduction strategies. To address a critical gap in the literature, the current study examined emerging adults' awareness of the guidelines and perceptions of higher-risk cannabis consumption behaviours identified within the LRCUG. METHODS: Emerging adults (N = 653) between the ages of 18-25 years were recruited from across Canada. Participants were presented with five vignettes depicting a character's cannabis consumption behaviours. Each vignette focused on a unique aspect of the character's consumption (frequency, polysubstance use, family history of mental illness, method of consumption, and potency). Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions within each of the five vignettes that were altered to capture varying levels of risk (e.g. weekly, almost daily, or daily consumption). Following each vignette, participants were asked to respond to four items relating to overall risk of harm, cognitive health, physical health, and mental health. RESULTS: Participants perceived: (1) frequent consumption to be associated with greater risks than less frequent consumption; (2) simultaneous consumption of cannabis and tobacco as being associated with higher risk of harm, yet no difference between simultaneous consumption of cannabis and alcohol or cannabis consumption alone; (3) consuming cannabis with a family history of psychosis or substance use disorder as being associated with greater overall risk than consumption with no family history; (4) smoking and vaping cannabis as associated with more risk than ingesting edibles; and (5) higher-potency THC-dominant strains as being associated with more risk than lower-potency CBD-dominant strains, yet no difference between the two higher-potency THC-dominant strains. CONCLUSIONS: While emerging adults seemed to appreciate the risks associated with some cannabis consumption behaviours, they had difficulty identifying appropriate levels of harm of other higher-risk behaviours. Through an improved understanding of emerging adult perceptions, effective education campaigns should be designed to improve the awareness of cannabis risks and encourage the uptake of harm reduction awareness and strategies.

Views on and experiences with medicinal cannabis among Canadian veterans who live with pain: A qualitative study.

Background: During fiscal year 2021-2022, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) reimbursed 18,388 veterans for medicinal cannabis at a cost of $153 million. Yet, it is not known whether the reimbursement program is producing a net benefit for veterans. Aims: This study investigated the views and experiences Canadian that veterans who live with pain have about medicinal cannabis use, including its use for the management of chronic pain, poor sleep, and emotional distress. Methods: Twelve Canadian veterans who live with pain-eight men, four women; split across four focus groups-were recruited to participate in a semistructured discussion around their experiences with medicinal cannabis use. Results: Using inductive thematic analysis, seven broad categories were identified: (1) cannabis use behaviors, (2) reasons for cannabis use, (3) outcomes from cannabis use, (4) facilitators of cannabis use, (5) barriers to cannabis use, (6) stigma around cannabis use, and (7) questions and concerns about cannabis use. Conclusions: Most veterans initiated cannabis use to manage the symptoms of preexisting medical and/or mental health conditions. Despite some negative side effects, most veterans reported improvements in their overall quality of life, sleep, relationships, mood, and pain. Concern remains around the discrepancy between veterans' qualitative reports of beneficial outcomes from medicinal cannabis use and equivocal findings around the benefit-to-harm ratio in the wider literature. Currently, the VAC reimbursement program remains challenged by unclear indication for which veterans, with what condition(s), at what dose, and in what form medical cannabis is most beneficial.

Contexte: Au cours de l'exercice 2021­2022, Anciens Combattants Canada (ACC) a remboursé 18 388 anciens combattants pour le cannabis médicinal, pour un coût de 153 millions de dollars. Pourtant, on ne sait pas si le programme de remboursement donne lieu à un bénéfice net pour les anciens combattants.Objectifs: Cette étude porte sur les points de vue et les expériences des anciens combattants canadiens qui vivent avec la douleur sur la consommation de cannabis médicinal, y compris son utilisation pour la gestion de la douleur chronique, les problèmes de sommeil et la détresse émotionnelle.Méthodes: Douze anciens combattants canadiens qui vivent avec la douleur - huit hommes et quatre femmes répartis en quatre groupes de discussion - ont été recrutés pour participer à une discussion semi-structurée autour de leurs expériences avec la consommation de cannabis médicinal.Résultats: Une analyse thématique inductive a permis d'établir sept grandes catégories : (1) les comportements de consommation de cannabis, (2) les raisons de la consommation de cannabis, (3) résultats de la consommation de cannabis, (4) les facteurs qui facilitent la consommation de cannabis, (5) les obstacles à la consommation de cannabis, (6) la stigmatisation autour de la consommation de cannabis et (7) les questions et préoccupations concernant la consommation de cannabis.Conclusions: La plupart des anciens combattants ont commencé à consommer du cannabis pour gérer les symptômes de maladies préexistantes et/ou des problèmes de santé mentale. Malgré certains effets secondaires négatifs, la plupart des anciens combattants ont signalé une amélioration de leur qualité de vie globale, de leur sommeil, de leurs relations, de leur humeur et de leur douleur. La préoccupation demeure autour de l'écart entre les rapports qualitatifs des anciens combattants décrivant les résultats bénéfiques de la consommation de cannabis médicinal et les résultats équivoques autour du rapport bénéfice/effet néfaste dans la littérature plus large. Actuellement, le programme de remboursement d'ACC reste contesté en raison d'indications peu claires concernant pour quels vétérans, atteints de quelles affections, à quelle dose et sous quelle forme le cannabis médical est le plus bénéfique.

Thermal Energy Harvesting from Slow Variations in Environmental Temperatures.

With the Internet of Things expanding to more locations across our planet, power becomes the main factor affecting device longevity. There is a need for more novel energy harvesting systems that are able to power remote devices for sustained periods. This publication presents one such device. Based on a novel actuator that utilises off-the-shelf gas mixtures to generate a variable force from temperature change, this publication presents a device capable of generating up to 150mJ per diurnal temperature cycle; this is enough electrical energy to send up to three LoRaWAN transmissions per day using slowly changing environmental temperatures.

Wirelessly Powered Drug-Free and Anti-Infective Smart Bandage for Chronic Wound Care.

We present a wirelessly powered ultraviolet-C (UVC) radiation-based disinfecting bandage for sterilization and treatment in chronic wound care and management. The bandage contains embedded low-power UV light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in the 265 to 285 nm range with the light emission controlled via a microcontroller. An inductive coil is seamlessly concealed in the fabric bandage and coupled with a rectifier circuit to enable 6.78 MHz wireless power transfer (WPT). The maximum WPT efficiency of the coils is 83% in free space and 75% on the body at a coupling distance of 4.5 cm. Measurements show that the UVC LEDs are emitting radiant power of about 0.6 mW and 6.8 mW with and without fabric bandage, respectively, when wirelessly powered. The ability of the bandage to inactivate microorganisms was examined in a laboratory which shows that the system can effectively eradicate Gram-negative bacteria, Pseudoalteromonas sp. D41 strain, on surfaces in six hours. The proposed smart bandage system is low-cost, battery-free, flexible and can be easily mounted on the human body and, therefore, shows great promise for the treatment of persistent infections in chronic wound care.

Advancing Inclusion of Transgender Identities in Health Professional Education Programs: The Interprofessional Transgender Health Education Day.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of an Interprofessional Transgender Health Education Day (ITHED) on student knowledge and attitudes towards the transgender population. METHODS: This mixed-methods study involved a pre-test and post-test survey administered to students (n=84 pre-test and n=66 post-test) in four health professional education programs (medicine, family therapy, speech, language, and hearing sciences, nutrition and dietetics.) surrounding participation in the ITHED. Differences in total and subscale scores of the Transgender Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs (T-KAB) before and after participation in the ITHED scale were analyzed using independent samples t-tests; qualitative responses were analyzed using a thematic, inductive process. RESULTS: Independent samples t-tests revealed no significant differences in pre- and post-ITHED total T- KAB scores, the three subscales, or for those who reported previous training, clinical experience, and regular contact with transgender individuals. Qualitative themes included: enthusiasm for learning about transgender health; need for healthcare providers to provide excellent care for transgender patients; and power of learning directly from the transgender community. CONCLUSIONS: Though participation in the ITHED did not result in significant changes in T-KAB scores, participants demonstrated high baseline T-KAB scores and expressed strong enthusiasm for learning about transgender health. Positioning transgender voices at the forefront of the education can foster a powerful student learning experience and honor ethical guidelines.

Emerging Adult Perceptions of Cannabis Consumption Post-Legalization: Considering Age and Sex Differences.

PURPOSE: Increased access to legalized non-medical cannabis has led to growing concern over the potential adverse health impacts of cannabis consumption among youth and emerging adults. This study explored emerging adult perceptions of cannabis consumption and if perceptions changed based on the age and sex of the cannabis consumer. METHODS: Canadian emerging adults between the ages of 18 and 25 years (N = 1,424, Mean = 21.23) were randomly assigned to one of six vignettes that varied by age (14 years, 21 years, and 28 years) or sex (male, female) of the cannabis consumer. Participants were asked to rate seven single-item measures on perceived dangerousness, problematic consumption, negative impacts, and level of disapproval related to the vignette character's almost daily cannabis consumption. RESULTS: The results of seven 2 × 3 factorial analyses of variance revealed a main effect of age on six of seven items, no main effects of sex, and no interactions. Except for social life, participants noted significant differences in harms of cannabis consumption by 14-year-olds, compared to 21-year-olds and 28-year-olds. There were no significant differences in overall perceived dangerousness, problematic consumption, or impact on mental or cognitive health between 21-year-olds and 28-year-olds. Participants perceived cannabis consumption by a 21-year-old to be more harmful to brain development and reported greater disapproval than consumption by a 28-year-old. DISCUSSION: Emerging adults may appreciate the impacts of cannabis consumption within their age cohort on brain development and perceive greater risks for youth. Further education should focus on the potential cognitive and mental health impacts of cannabis in emerging adults.

Gambling Associated Risk-taking Behaviors Correlate with Emotional Regulation and the Iowa Gambling Task but not Wisconsin Card Sorting.

It is not known why some novice gamblers eventually develop Gambling Disorder while most do not. This study tested predictions from two competing models of Gambling Disorder etiology: the Pathways Model of Problem and Pathological Gambling (Blaszczynski & Nower, 2002) and the Allostatic Model of addictions (Koob & Schulkin, 2019) applied to Gambling Disorder. Participants were drawn from introductory psychology courses and screened as non-gamblers (N = 91). They completed computerized versions of the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT-2), Wisconsin Sorting Task (WCST-64), and a Difficulties with Emotional Regulation Scale (DERS). Risk-taking tendencies were observed by having participants play a typical electronic slots game for up to 15 min. Higher betting on the slots game was correlated with the frequency of Deck A selections on the IGT-2 and lower total DERS scores. There were no significant correlations involving slots betting and the WCST-64. Greater risk-taking on the slots game was correlated with more frequent wins, partial losses that were disguised as wins, bonus game features, and the largest nominal amount won on a single spin. However, there were no significant correlations between betting behaviors and the 'payback percentage', defined as total winnings as a proportion of total wagers made throughout the session. Post-game ratings were positively correlated with frequency of reinforcing outcomes. These findings suggest that novice gamblers' likelihood of further gambling participation may be elevated by high sensitivity to immediate rewards and low difficulty self-regulating negative emotions. These findings are consistent with the Allostatic Model; they are not consistent with Pathways Model.

A Tuneable Pressure-Based Energy Harvester for Powering the Environmental Internet of Things.

As the internet of things expands to more remote locations, solutions are required for long-term remote powering of environmental sensing devices. In this publication, a device is presented which utilises the slow-moving diurnal temperature change present in many natural environments to produce electrical energy. This device utilises a novel actuator which harnesses temperature-dependent phase change to provide a variable force output, and this is combined with energy storage and release apparatus to convert the output force into electrical energy. Appropriate modelling is utilised to identify parameters for system tuning, and a final proof-of-concept solution is constructed and demonstrated to generate up to 10 mJ per 24 h period.

Anatomical reconstruction of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament in elite athletes using InternalBrace suture tape.

AIMS: The ideal management of acute syndesmotic injuries in elite athletes is controversial. Among several treatment methods used to stabilize the syndesmosis and facilitate healing of the ligaments, the use of suture tape (InternalBrace) has previously been described. The purpose of this study was to analyze the functional outcome, including American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, knee-to-wall measurements, and the time to return to play in days, of unstable syndesmotic injuries treated with the use of the InternalBrace in elite athletes. METHODS: Data on a consecutive group of elite athletes who underwent isolated reconstruction of the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament using the InternalBrace were collected prospectively. Our patient group consisted of 19 elite male athletes with a mean age of 24.5 years (17 to 52). Isolated injuries were seen in 12 patients while associated injuries were found in seven patients (fibular fracture, medial malleolus fracture, anterior talofibular ligament rupture, and posterior malleolus fracture). All patients had a minimum follow-up period of 17 months (mean 27 months (17 to 35)). RESULTS: All patients returned to their pre-injury level of sports activities. One patient developed a delayed union of the medial malleolus. The mean return to play was 62 days (49 to 84) for isolated injuries, while the patients with concomitant injuries returned to play in a mean of 104 days (56 to 196). The AOFAS score returned to 100 postoperatively in all patients. Knee-to-wall measurements were the same as the contralateral side in 18 patients, while one patient lacked 2 cm compared to the contralateral side. CONCLUSION: This study suggests the use of the InternalBrace in the management of unstable syndesmotic injuries offers an alternative method of stabilization, with good short-term results, including early return to sports in elite athletes. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(1):68-75.

The Staircase Drive-A Novel Actuator Design Optimised for Daisy-Chaining and Minimum Stress Load Coupling.

This work presents a novel type of actuator that improves over the standard cantilever by permitting daisy-chaining while minimising stress to the joint connecting to the load. A detailed structural and functional comparison of the proposed device against the cantilever actuator as a baseline is given, led by a brief revision of the cantilever actuator as the state-of-the-art that highlights its limitations with respect to daisy-chaining and the stress it inherently creates within the joint connecting to the load when attempting out-of-plane displacement without rotation. Simulations of both devices' performance confirm that the newly proposed device yields the targeted displacement profile that both enables the daisy-chaining of such a device into a higher-order actuator for increased displacement and reduce stress in the joint with the load. This comes at the cost of reduced maximum displacement compared to the cantilever, which can be overcome by daisy-chaining. The proposed device's performance is further evaluated on the basis of manufactured prototypes measured by means of a laser scanning vibrometer. The prototype was manufactured on a 150 µm alumina substrate, and both electrodes and piezoelectric layer were deposited in a thick-film printing process.

An Experimental Comparison of IoT-Based and Traditional Irrigation Scheduling on a Flood-Irrigated Subtropical Lemon Farm.

Over recent years, the demand for supplies of freshwater is escalating with the increasing food demand of a fast-growing population. The agriculture sector of Pakistan contributes to 26% of its GDP and employs 43% of the entire labor force. However, the currently used traditional farming methods such as flood irrigation and rotating water allocation system (Warabandi) results in excess and untimely water usage, as well as low crop yield. Internet of things (IoT) solutions based on real-time farm sensor data and intelligent decision support systems have led to many smart farming solutions, thus improving water utilization. The objective of this study was to compare and optimize water usage in a 2-acre lemon farm test site in Gadap, Karachi, for a 9-month duration, by deploying an indigenously developed IoT device and an agriculture-based decision support system (DSS). The sensor data are wirelessly collected over the cloud and a mobile application, as well as a web-based information visualization, and a DSS system makes irrigation recommendations. The DSS system is based on weather data (temperature and humidity), real time in situ sensor data from the IoT device deployed in the farm, and crop data (Kc and crop type). These data are supplied to the Penman-Monteith and crop coefficient model to make recommendations for irrigation schedules in the test site. The results show impressive water savings (~50%) combined with increased yield (35%) when compared with water usage and crop yields in a neighboring 2-acre lemon farm where traditional irrigation scheduling was employed and where harsh conditions sometimes resulted in temperatures in excess of 50 °C.

Novel Essential Amino Acid Supplements Following Resistance Exercise Induce Aminoacidemia and Enhance Anabolic Signaling Irrespective of Age: A Proof-of-Concept Trial.

We investigated the effects of ingesting a leucine-enriched essential amino acid (EAA) gel alone or combined with resistance exercise (RE) versus RE alone (control) on plasma aminoacidemia and intramyocellular anabolic signaling in healthy younger (28 ± 4 years) and older (71 ± 3 years) adults. Blood samples were obtained throughout the three trials, while muscle biopsies were collected in the postabsorptive state and 2 h following RE, following the consumption of two 50 mL EAA gels (40% leucine, 15 g total EAA), and following RE with EAA (combination (COM)). Protein content and the phosphorylation status of key anabolic signaling proteins were determined via immunoblotting. Irrespective of age, during EAA and COM peak leucinemia (younger: 454 ± 32 µM and 537 ± 111 µM; older: 417 ± 99 µM and 553 ± 136 µM) occurred ~60-120 min post-ingestion (younger: 66 ± 6 min and 120 ± 60 min; older: 90 ± 13 min and 78 ± 12 min). In the pooled sample, the area under the curve for plasma leucine and the sum of branched-chain amino acids was significantly greater in EAA and COM compared with RE. For intramyocellular signaling, significant main effects were found for condition (mTOR (Ser2481), rpS6 (Ser235/236)) and age (S6K1 (Thr421/Ser424), 4E-BP1 (Thr37/46)) in age group analyses. The phosphorylation of rpS6 was of similar magnitude (~8-fold) in pooled and age group data 2 h following COM. Our findings suggest that a gel-based, leucine-enriched EAA supplement is associated with aminoacidemia and a muscle anabolic signaling response, thus representing an effective means of stimulating muscle protein anabolism in younger and older adults following EAA and COM.

Commonly reported isokinetic parameters do not reveal long-term strength deficits of the Triceps surae complex following operative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture.

Isokinetic strength assessments are common outcome measures following operatively treated Achilles tendon (AT) ruptures. However, there is a lack of clarity on whether commonly reported outcome measures (such as peak joint moment) are sufficient to describe the extent of long-term functional deficits following AT rupture and repair. The present study conducted a comprehensive isokinetic evaluation of the Triceps surae complex in 12 participants who previously underwent AT rupture and repair. Testing occurred 4.4 (±2.6) years following surgery, and consisted of maximal isokinetic strength assessments of the plantarflexors at two angular velocities (30 and 60°âˆ™s-1) with the knee in flexed and straight positions. Differences between injured and non-injured limbs were tested through discrete and statistical parametric mapping analysis. Average joint moment showed significant main effects between injured and non-injured limbs, but common isokinetic parameters such as peak moment and angle of peak moment did not. The normalised moment curves showed a significant main effect of limb, angular velocity and knee joint position on joint moment throughout different portions of the range of motion. Temporal analysis revealed a significantly greater ability of the non-injured limb to sustain plantarflexor moments across a range of testing conditions. Participants who had undergone operative treatment of AT ruptures did not display inter-limb differences in discrete isokinetic strength outcomes that are often used in the literature. Instead, temporal analyses were required to highlight the reduced capacity of the injured limb to generate end-range joint moments and to sustain higher levels of joint moment for longer periods.

Morphological and functional outcomes of operatively treated Achilles tendon ruptures.

Objectives: Achilles tendon rupture leads to functional impairments and these may be underpinned by morphological changes in the muscle-tendon unit. The functional performance of the injured limb will be impaired regardless of time since surgery and these impairments occur alongside changes in muscle-tendon morphology. Methods: Following operative treatment of Achilles tendon rupture and short-term immobilization, 12 patients completed a battery of tests during a single visit to the laboratory (performed an average of 4.4 ± 2.6 years post-surgery). Patients completed the Achilles' tendon rupture score (ATRS), tests of the ankle and hip range of motion (ROM) and ultrasound measurements of muscle-tendon architecture. Data on isokinetic (30°/s, 60°/s) plantar flexion strength, jumping performance and walking-running were also collected on the same visit. Percentage deficits were expressed relative to the non-injured limb and determined for statistical significance (p < 0.05). Relationships between outcome measures and time since surgery were tested using Pearson's correlation coefficients (p < 0.05). Results: The repaired limb showed a shorter muscle fascicle length (12.1-19.6%), increased fascicle pennation (18.0 ± 22.14%) and reduced muscle thickness (9.1-20.1%) in the gastrocnemius and/or soleus along with greater tendon cross-sectional area (46.7 ± 34.47%). Functionally, the repaired limb displayed lower countermovement jump height (-12.6 ± 15.68%) and longer drop jump contact times (5.5 ± 5.7%). Also, the repaired limb showed reduced hip internal-external ROM (6.3 ± 8.2%) but no differences existed between limbs for plantar flexion ROM and strength or gait characteristics. Good ATRS outcomes were reported (mean: 87.9 ± 16.2, range: 43-100) which related to time since surgery (r = 0.79) but individual ATRS items did not correlate with corresponding objective measures. Conclusion: Plantar flexor atrophy following surgically treated Achilles tendon rupture is partially compensated for by remodeling of the fascicles; however, impairments may still persist many years into the postoperative period although these may be more pronounced in high-velocity activities.

Powering the Environmental Internet of Things.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a constantly-evolving area of research and touches almost every aspect of life in the modern world. As technology moves forward, it is becoming increasingly important for these IoT devices for environmental sensing to become self-powered to enable long-term operation. This paper provides an outlook on the current state-of-the-art in terms of energy harvesting for these low-power devices. An analytical approach is taken, first defining types of environments in which energy-harvesters operate, before exploring both well-known and novel energy harvesting techniques and their uses in modern-day sensing.