Herskindgraves2221

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of anodal tDCS applied over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on muscle endurance in the back-squat exercise. Methods Eleven healthy males, intermediate in resistance training (RT), aged between 18 and 31 years (25.5 ± 4.4 years) were recruited. In the initial visits (1st and 2nd visits), participants performed a 1RM test to determine the load in the back-squat exercise. Following the two initials visits, participants attended the lab for the two experimental conditions (anodal tDCS and sham), which were completed a week apart, with sessions randomly counterbalanced. The stimulation was applied over the DLPFC for 20 minutes using a 2 mA current intensity. Immediately after the experimental conditions, participants completed three sets of maximum repetitions (80% of 1RM), with a 1-minute recovery interval between each set in the back-squat exercise. Muscle endurance was determined by the total number of repetitions and the number of repetitions in each set. Results The total number of repetitions was higher in the anodal tDCS condition compared to sham condition (p ≤ .0001). Moreover, the number of repetitions performed in the first set was higher for anodal tDCS condition than in the sham condition (p ≤ .01). Conclusion This study found improvement in back-squat exercise performance after the application of anodal tDCS. The effects of anodal tDCS applied over DLPFC may be a promising ergogenic resource on muscle endurance in the back-squat exercise.Introduction Urinary incontinence (UI) increases during pregnancy and continues into the postpartum period. Continued UI impacts women's comfort and affects aspects of their everyday lives. Kegel exercises have been found to decrease the incidence and severity of UI. The purpose of this study was to describe severity of UI, how women gained knowledge about Kegels, influences impacting Kegel exercises during pregnancy and postpartum, and characterize women's performance of Kegels. Methods A longitudinal, prospective, multistate study was undertaken at four sites across the United States. Postpartum women completed the Pelvic Floor Control Questionnaire that incorporated the Sandvik Severity Index. At 3 and 6 months postpartum the women's UI, performance of Kegels, and affect on life was reviewed through seven questions. Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval was obtained. Results Participants were 368 predominately multiparous, white women. Approximately 20% of women reported prepregnancy UI. Multiparous women reported similar incidence rate of UI regardless of birth history. Among one-fifth of the participants, persistent UI was reported as 45.2% at 3 months and 44.1% at 6 months postpartum. Only 25% of these women sought care. Women learned about Kegel exercises from written information or their provider. Women performed an average 16 Kegels twice daily. Kegel performance increased at 3 months postbirth but dropped by 6 months. UI was associated with age >35 and parity. Discussion Prevalence of UI before and during pregnancy and postpartum is high, yet consistent Kegel performance postpartum is low. Screening for UI is necessary and high-quality referrals for treatment are needed. Consistent education is needed for all women. Education and support should be individualized. Future research is needed to identify techniques that motivate women to routinely perform Kegel exercises.

The Penumbra SMART coil is a novel device that becomes progressively softer from its distal to proximal end to maximize coil packing and prevent microcatheter prolapse or coil migration. BSJ-03-123 Here, we report a large series of patients detailing the long-term experience of a single institution using the SMART coil among patients with intracranial aneurysms (IAs).

Prospective data of 105 consecutive patients with 106 IAs treated using SMART coils was collected between March 2015 and July 2018. Clinical and angiographic data were analyzed.

Forty-nine patients (46.7%) presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage and 16 (14.2%) had recurrent aneurysms. Two patients had minor intraprocedural ruptures and remained neurologically stable. One patient had a thromboembolic complication with progressive neurologic decline. There was only one case microcatheter prolapse related to placement of a stent before coiling. An initial post-treatment modified Raymond-Roy Occlusion Classification (mRROC) I or II closure was achieved in 56 (52.8%) aneurysms. The average time to last follow-up was 8.4 months at which 70 (81.4%) aneurysms had mRROC I or II occlusion and a major recurrence was seen in 5 (5.8%) patients. Thirteen (12.3%) aneurysms required re-treatment of which one aneurysm was clipped.

The Penumbra SMART coil is safe and effective for the endovascular treatment of appropriately selected IAs. Additional studies at multiple centers comparing safety and efficacy profile over long-term periods to other mainstream coils are necessary.

The Penumbra SMART coil is safe and effective for the endovascular treatment of appropriately selected IAs. Additional studies at multiple centers comparing safety and efficacy profile over long-term periods to other mainstream coils are necessary.The objective of this article is to explain the biophysical principles underlying the design of the subepidermal moisture (SEM) scanner, commercially known as the 'SEM scanner'. We also describe the mode of operation of the SEM scanner in monitoring tissue health and detecting subtle abnormal changes in tissue physiology in patients and anatomical sites at a risk of a pressure ulcer (PU also known as a pressure injury). The technology of the SEM scanner was approved last year for sales in the US by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The SEM scanner detects changes in fluid contents of human skin and subdermal tissues, to a tissue depth of several millimetres, by measuring 'capacitance', an electrical property of the locally examined tissue site to store electric charge. The capacitance of tissues, called 'biocapacitance', is strongly affected by the amount of fluid (water) in the tissue. When the first cells die in a forming PU, inflammatory signalling causes the permeability of blood vessel walls to increase and oedema to develop.