State of the Science on Ultramarathon Running After a Half Century: A Systematic Analysis and Commentary

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (7) ◽  
pp. 1052-1056
Author(s):  
Martin D. Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
Human Subjects ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Annual Number ◽  
Topic Area ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Funding Opportunities ◽  
State Of The Science ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Further Development

Purpose: To systematically examine scientific publishing related to ultramarathon running. Methods: PubMed-indexed publications through 2019 were identified in which the work involved data collection at or in association with an ultramarathon running event, included experimental running trials of ultramarathon duration using human subjects, focused on human ultramarathon runners as the study participants, or were directed at discussing some aspect of ultramarathon running or ultramarathon runners. The characteristics of each publication were tabulated. Results: A total of 616 indexed publications were identified, with the first being in 1970. A rapid increase in publications was seen by 2010 in association with increased participation in ultramarathon running, followed by a plateauing at around 49 annual publications from 2014 to 2018. Most (83.3%) publications were observational, and the mean annual number of 1.6 experimental studies did not change (P = .20) from 1999 to 2019. Most of the publications were related to physiological issues, and race performance was the largest topic area (21.8%). The largest percentage of publications came from authors from the United States, followed by authors from Switzerland. Conclusions: Research related to ultramarathon running has had a small presence in sport science and offers potential for further development. At present, publishing appears to be stable and without recent increased emphasis on experimental studies. Worthwhile research opportunities remain, particularly those where ultramarathons serve as a model for stress and could offer relevance to a wider population than ultramarathon runners, but such research appears challenged by relatively small participation in the activity and limited funding opportunities.

Incarcerated individuals’ experiences of COVID-19 in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carrie Pettus-Davis ◽  
Stephanie C. Kennedy ◽  
Christopher A. Veeh
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Human Subjects ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Correctional Facility ◽  
The United States ◽  
Correctional Facilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Early Adoption ◽  
Study Participants

Purpose This study aims to examine steps taken by correctional staff to prevent COVID-19 from spreading through correctional facilities and explores strategies used by incarcerated individuals to reduce their own risk of contracting COVID-19 during confinement. Design/methodology/approach Data were drawn from interviews with 327 individuals incarcerated after March 16, 2020, in Midwest1, Midwest2 and Southeast state using a questionnaire developed for this purpose. All study participants were actively involved in a randomized controlled trial of a behavioral health reentry intervention and the human subjects board approved the supplement of this study on COVID-19; interviews were conducted from April 15 to November 19, 2020. Findings Overall, 9.89% of participants contracted COVID-19. Most (68.50%) individuals learned about COVID-19 from television compared to official correctional facility announcements (32.42%). Participants wore face masks (85.02%), washed hands (84.40%) and practiced physical distancing when possible (66.36%). Participants reported that facilities suspended visitation (89.60%) and volunteers (82.57%), provided face masks (83.18%), sanitized (68.20%), conducted temperature checks (55.35%) and released individuals early (7.34%). Social implications Longitudinal observational study on the implementation and effectiveness of public health guidelines in prisons and jails may identify best practices for containing the infectious disease. Maximizing transparent communications, as well as COVID-19 prevention and mitigation efforts, are critical to achieving universal best practices for virus containment and amplifying public health. Originality/value Data presented indicate the early adoption of many Centers for Disease Control guidelines by individuals and correctional facilities, although broad variation existed. Data support the identification of containment strategies for feasible implementation in a range of correctional spaces.

Family Influences on Youth Offending

2018 ◽  
pp. 377-403
Author(s):  
Abigail A. Fagan ◽  
Kristen M. Benedini
Keyword(s):  
Life Course ◽  
Family Environment ◽  
Parenting Practices ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
The United States ◽  
Parental Violence ◽  
Youth Delinquency ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Children’S Exposure

This chapter reviews the degree to which empirical evidence demonstrates that families influence youth delinquency. Because they are most likely to be emphasized in life-course theories, this chapter focuses on parenting practices such as parental warmth and involvement, supervision and discipline of children, and child maltreatment. It also summarizes literature examining the role of children's exposure to parental violence, family criminality, and young (teenage) parents in affecting delinquency. Because life-course theories are ideally tested using longitudinal data, which allow examination of, in this case, the impact of parenting practices on children's subsequent behaviors, this chapter focuses on evidence generated from prospective studies conducted in the United States and other countries. It also discusses findings from experimental studies designed to reduce youth substance use and delinquency by improving the family environment.

Health and Service-related Impact of Sexual and Stalking Victimization During United States Military Service on LGBT Service Members

2020 ◽  
pp. 088626052097031
Author(s):  
Cary Leonard Klemmer ◽  
Ashley C. Schuyler ◽  
Mary Rose Mamey ◽  
Sheree M. Schrager ◽  
Carl Andrew Castro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Military Service ◽  
The United States ◽  
Active Duty ◽  
Service Members ◽  
United States Military ◽  
Service Outcomes ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
The Military ◽  
Stalking Victimization

Prior research among military personnel has indicated that sexual harassment, stalking, and sexual assault during military service are related to negative health sequelae. However, research specific to LGBT U.S. service members is limited. The current study aimed to explore the health, service utilization, and service-related impact of stalking and sexual victimization experiences in a sample of active-duty LGBT U.S. service members ( N = 248). Respondent-driven sampling was used to recruit study participants. U.S. service members were eligible to participate if they were 18 years or older and active-duty members of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, or U.S. Air Force. This study included a sizeable portion of transgender service members ( N = 58, 23.4%). Sociodemographic characteristics, characteristics of military service, health, and sexual and stalking victimization in the military were assessed. Regression was used to examine relationships between health and service outcomes and sexual and stalking victimization during military service. Final adjusted models showed that experiencing multiple forms of victimization in the military increased the odds of visiting a mental health clinician and having elevated somatic symptoms, posttraumatic stress disorder symptomatology, anxiety, and suicidality. Sexual and stalking victimization during U.S. military service was statistically significantly related to the mental and physical health of LGBT U.S. service members. Interventions to reduce victimization experiences and support LGBT U.S. service members who experience these types of violence are indicated. Research that examines the role of LGBT individuals’ experiences and organizational and peer factors, including social support, leadership characteristics, and institutional policies in the United States military is needed.

Efficacy of prayer in inducing immediate physiological changes: a systematic analysis of objective experiments

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Chin ◽  
Ryan Chou ◽  
Muhammad Waqas ◽  
Kunal Vakharia ◽  
Hamid Rai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physiological State ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Peripheral Resistance ◽  
Pain Tolerance ◽  
Physiological Status ◽  
Physiological Changes ◽  
Mental Functioning ◽  
Baroreceptor Sensitivity ◽  
Systematic Analysis ◽  
Blood Marker

Abstract Objectives To assess the immediate impact of prayer on physiological state by systematically reviewing objective, controlled experimental studies in the literature. Content Experimental studies measuring objective physiological changes induced by prayer. Studies containing the keyword, “Prayer” anywhere in the title or abstract were curated from the following databases: Public/Publisher Medline (PubMed), Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE) and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) in May 2019. Titles and abstracts were screened with the remaining 30 articles analyzed for inclusion. Only experimental studies were included. Summary Eight experimental studies were identified of which five investigated neurocognitive changes and three investigated systemic physiological changes during prayer. The five studies focusing on neuroactivity used functional MRI (fMRI), electroencephalography or SPECT imaging to obtain measurements. The remaining three studies analyzed an array of systemic physiological metrics, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, peripheral resistance, baroreceptor sensitivity and/or cardiovascular rhythm variability during prayer. All studies aside from one saw objective changes during prayer. Neurocognitive changes were mainly associated with improved mental functioning, control and pain tolerance. Prayer was found to slow down physiological functions in two of the three vital-based studies, with the third reporting no change in physiological status. None of the studies measured blood marker changes. Outlook Experimental studies show prayer to induce healthy neurocognitive and physiological changes. Additional studies exploring objective measures from prayer are encouraged to provide practitioners with a more nuanced, scientific perspective when it comes to prescribing prayer as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy.

scholarly journals Intravenous administration of LPS activates the kynurenine pathway in healthy male human subjects: a prospective placebo-controlled cross-over trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincent Millischer ◽  
Matthias Heinzl ◽  
Anthi Faka ◽  
Michael Resl ◽  
Ada Trepci ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Subjects ◽  
Picolinic Acid ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Placebo Treatment ◽  
Kynurenine Pathway ◽  
Healthy Male ◽  
Systemic Injection ◽  
Plasma Tryptophan ◽  
Endotoxemia Model

Abstract Background Administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria, also known as the human endotoxemia model, is a standardized and safe model of human inflammation. Experimental studies have revealed that peripheral administration of LPS leads to induction of the kynurenine pathway followed by depressive-like behavior and cognitive dysfunction in animals. The aim of the present study is to investigate how acute intravenous LPS administration affects the kynurenine pathway in healthy male human subjects. Methods The present study is a prospective, single-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over study to investigate the effects of intravenously administered LPS (Escherichia coli O113, 2 ng/kg) on tryptophan and kynurenine metabolites over 48 h and their association with interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The study included 10 healthy, non-smoking men (18–40 years) free from medication. Statistical differences in tryptophan and kynurenine metabolites as well as associations with IL-6 and CRP in LPS and placebo treated subjects were assessed with linear mixed-effects models. Results Systemic injection of LPS was associated with significantly lower concentrations of plasma tryptophan and kynurenine after 4 h, as well as higher concentrations of quinolinic acid (QUIN) after 48 h compared to the placebo injection. No differences were found in kynurenic acid (KYNA) or picolinic acid plasma concentrations between LPS or placebo treatment. The KYNA/kynurenine ratio peaked at 6 h post LPS injection while QUIN/kynurenine maintained significantly higher from 3 h post LPS injection until 24 h. The kynurenine/tryptophan ratio was higher at 24 h and 48 h post LPS treatment. Finally, we report an association between the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio and CRP. Conclusions Our findings strongly support the concept that an inflammatory challenge with LPS induces the kynurenine pathway in humans, activating both the neurotoxic (QUIN) and neuroprotective (KYNA) branch of the kynurenine pathway. Trial registration This study is based on a study registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03392701. Registered 21 December 2017.

Shattering the Glass Podium: Successes and Setbacks of Women in Collegiate Choral Conducting

2021 ◽  
pp. 875512332110183
Author(s):  
Melissa Baughman
Keyword(s):  
Gender Discrimination ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
The United States ◽  
Choral Conducting ◽  
Demographic Information ◽  
Choral Conductors ◽  
The Status ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
Experiences Of Women

The purpose of this study was to explore the status and experiences of women in collegiate choral conducting positions. Out of all collegiate choral conductors ( N = 992) at institutions accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music in the United States, 68.65% ( n = 681) were men and 31.35% ( n = 311) were women at the time of this study; I invited the women collegiate choral conductors to serve as study participants. Ninety-six respondents completed an online survey, resulting in a response rate of 30.86%. I collected data through a researcher-designed survey. First, I asked respondents to provide demographic information and respond to Likert-type and open-ended prompts related to three domains: gaining entry into the profession, navigating the profession, and issues surrounding gender. I analyzed data through descriptive statistics and qualitative methods of assigning codes, combining codes into themes, and displaying the data. I addressed general discrepancies in the self-reported attitudes of respondents. Although women reported an overall attitude of satisfaction as choral conductors in their Likert-type responses, many respondents detailed several instances of gender discrimination and other challenges in their open-ended responses. Implications for the music profession, including specific strategies to help empower women in collegiate choral conducting settings, are discussed.

scholarly journals Assessing clarity of message communication for mandated USEPA drinking water quality reports

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine Phetxumphou ◽  
Siddhartha Roy ◽  
Brenda M. Davy ◽  
Paul A. Estabrooks ◽  
Wen You ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Drinking Water ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Water System ◽  
System Size ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Evaluation Tool ◽  
Index Index ◽  
State Of The Science

The United States Environmental Protection Agency mandates that community water systems (CWSs), or drinking water utilities, provide annual consumer confidence reports (CCRs) reporting on water quality, compliance with regulations, source water, and consumer education. While certain report formats are prescribed, there are no criteria ensuring that consumers understand messages in these reports. To assess clarity of message, trained raters evaluated a national sample of 30 CCRs using the Centers for Disease Control Clear Communication Index (Index) indices: (1) Main Message/Call to Action; (2) Language; (3) Information Design; (4) State of the Science; (5) Behavioral Recommendations; (6) Numbers; and (7) Risk. Communication materials are considered qualifying if they achieve a 90% Index score. Overall mean score across CCRs was 50 ± 14% and none scored 90% or higher. CCRs did not differ significantly by water system size. State of the Science (3 ± 15%) and Behavioral Recommendations (77 ± 36%) indices were the lowest and highest, respectively. Only 63% of CCRs explicitly stated if the water was safe to drink according to federal and state standards and regulations. None of the CCRs had passing Index scores, signaling that CWSs are not effectively communicating with their consumers; thus, the Index can serve as an evaluation tool for CCR effectiveness and a guide to improve water quality communications.

scholarly journals Estimates of the Annual Number of Clinically Recognized Pregnancies in the United States, 1981-1991

1999 ◽  
Vol 149 (11) ◽  
pp. 1025-1029 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Saraiya ◽  
C. J. Berg ◽  
H. Shulman ◽  
C. A. Green ◽  
H. K. Atrash
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
The United States ◽  
Annual Number

A Paradigm Shift in Healthcare Innovation as Revealed by Research Trends in Mobile Health: A Bibliometric Analysis. (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianfei Cao ◽  
Yeongjoo Lim ◽  
Shintaro Sengoku ◽  
Xitong Guo ◽  
Kota Kodama
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Bibliometric Analysis ◽  
The United States ◽  
Research Trends ◽  
Annual Number ◽  
Public Healthcare ◽  
Growth Trend ◽  
Number Of Publications ◽  
Research Hotspots

BACKGROUND Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives with their unprecedented popularity and diversification of applications. The continuous upgrading of information technology has also enabled smartphones to display great potential in the field of healthcare. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to clarify the future research direction of mHealth by analyzing its research trends and latest research hotspots. METHODS This study collected mHealth-related literature published between 2000 and 2020 from the Web of Science database. Descriptive statistics of the literature were computed using Excel software. The publication trends of mHealth research were determined by analyzing the annual number of publications in the literature and annual number of publications categorized based on different countries. Finally, this study used the VOSviewer tool to construct visualization network maps of country/region collaborations and author keyword co-occurrences, and overlay visualization maps of the average publication year of author keywords to analyze the hotspots and research trends in mHealth research. RESULTS In this study, 12,593 mHealth-related research articles published between 2000 and 2020 were collected. The results showed an exponential growth trend in the number of annual publications in mHealth literature. The United States remained the leading contributor to the literature in this area (5,294/12,593, 42%), well ahead of other countries/regions. Other countries/regions also showed a clear trend of annual increases in the number of publications in mHealth literature. Regarding cooperation between countries, the four countries with the largest number of publications, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, were found to cooperate more closely. The rest of the countries/regions showed a clear geographical pattern of cooperation. The keyword co-occurrence analysis of the top 100 authors formed five clusters, namely: development of mHealth medical technology and its application in various diseases, use of mHealth technology to improve basic public health and health policy, mHealth self-health testing and management in daily life, adolescent use of mHealth, and mHealth in mental health. The research trends revealed a gradual shift in mHealth research from health policy and improving public healthcare to the development and social application of mHealth technologies. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, the most current bibliometric analysis dates back to 2016. However, the number of mHealth researches published between 2017 and 2020 exceeds the previous total. Therefore, the results of this study shed light on the latest research hotspots and research trends in mHealth research. These findings provide a useful overview of the development of the field; they may also serve as a valuable reference and provide guidance for other researchers in the field.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document