Inactivation of cellular retinol-binding protein 1 protects against bis-retinoid accumulation and light-induced retinal degeneration in mice.

Delayed clearance of all-trans-retinal (at-RAL) in photoreceptors is linked to prevalent retinal diseases such as Stargardt disease, rod-cone dystrophies, and age-related macular degeneration. Pharmacological modulation of retinoid metabolism in the eye presents a promising therapeutic strategy, with cellular retinol-binding protein 1 (RBP1) emerging as a potential target. However, it lacks genetic validation as a therapeutic target in an animal model of human disease.

Implementation Drivers of COVID-19 Prevention Strategies in K-12 School Settings: A Qualitative Analysis.

Background: In August 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidance to prevent transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in K-12 education settings. Schools varied in the degree to which they were able to implement COVID-19 prevention strategies during the height of the pandemic.

Methods: An evaluation team conducted interviews with state education staff and focus groups with district and school staff over 2 years to explore contextual factors that influenced the implementation of CDC's recommended COVID-19 prevention strategies.

Single and paired TMS pulses engage spatially distinct corticomotor representations in human pericentral cortex.

Single-pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the primary motor hand area can assess corticomotor function in humans by evoking motor-evoked potentials (MEPs). Paired-pulse TMS at peri-threshold intensity elicits short-latency intracortical facilitation (SICF) with early peaks at interpulse intervals of 1.0-1.

Meta-analysis of the association between low concentration PM and cardiovascular mortality in the United States and Canada.

Objectives: The adverse effects of fine particulate matter (PM), including cardiovascular outcomes, are well established. This review and meta-analysis investigates the association between long-term exposure to low concentration PM (<12 µg/m) and CVD mortality in U.S.

The Role of Professional Development and Technical Assistance in Supporting Implementation of COVID-19 Prevention Strategies in K-12 Schools.

Context: Schools vary in their capacity to implement recommended strategies to prevent infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. Professional development (PD) and technical assistance (TA) are well-established tools used to strengthen school capacity and infrastructure for healthier school environments.

Objective: The authors examined the relationship between PD and TA received by districts and schools and their implementation of COVID-19 prevention strategies during the 2020-2021 school year.

Prognosticating Prosthetic Ambulation Ability in People With Lower Limb Amputation in Early Post-operative Phase.

Objective: To formulate a prognostication model in the early post-operation phase of lower limb amputation to predict patient's ability to ambulate with a prosthesis post rehabilitation.

Design: Retrospective cohort study, using data collected from electronic medical records. Predictive factors and prosthetic ambulation outcomes post rehabilitation were used to develop prognostic models via machine learning techniques.

The School Environment and Physical and Social-Emotional Well-Being: Implications for Students and School Employees.

Background: The school environment, consisting of the physical environment and social-emotional climate (SEC), plays a crucial role in both student and employee health; however, there is a lack of recent literature synthesizing school environment interventions in K-12 settings. We describe updated evidence about school environment interventions to support K-12 student and employee health in the United States.

Methods: A 2-phase search included a review of reviews (2010-2018), followed by a search for individual articles (2010-2020) that targeted school physical environment and/or SEC to address physical activity (PA) and/or nutrition.

Coordinated Approach: Comprehensive Policy and Action Planning.

Background: Schools play a vital role in student health, and a collaborative approach may affect health factors such as physical activity (PA) and nutrition. There is a lack of recent literature synthesizing collaborative approaches in K-12 settings. We present updated evidence about interventions that used a coordinated school health approach to support K-12 student PA and nutrition in the United States.

Assessing the impact of aircraft arrival on ambient ultrafine particle number concentrations in near-airport communities in Boston, Massachusetts.

Aircraft emissions contribute to overall ambient air pollution, including ultrafine particle (UFP) concentrations. However, accurately ascertaining aviation contributions to UFP is challenging due to high spatiotemporal variability along with intermittent aviation emissions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of arrival aircraft on particle number concentration (PNC), a proxy for UFP, across six study sites 3-17 km from a major arrival aircraft flight path into Boston Logan International Airport by utilizing real-time aircraft activity and meteorological data.

Impact of a dynamic ankle orthosis on acute pain and function in patients with mechanical foot and ankle pain.

Background: Over two million Americans visit the doctor each year for foot and ankle pain stemming from a degenerative condition or injury. Ankle-foot orthoses can effectively manage symptoms, but traditional designs have limitations. This study investigates the acute impact of a novel "dynamic ankle-foot orthosis" ("orthosis") in populations with mechanical pain (from motion or weight-bearing).

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Promotes Gait Training in Parkinson Disease.

Objective: To determine whether priming with 1 or 25Hz repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) will enhance the benefits from treadmill training up to 3 months postintervention in people with Parkinson disease (PD), and to evaluate the underlying changes in cortical excitability.

Methods: This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted between October 2016 and December 2018. Fifty-one participants with PD were randomized to receive 12 sessions of rTMS (25Hz, 1Hz, or sham) followed by treadmill training.

Clinical course and physiotherapy intervention in 9 patients with COVID-19.

Since the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the role of physiotherapy for patients with COVID-19 infection has been highlighted by various international guidelines. Despite that, clinical information regarding the rehabilitation of patients with COVID-19 infection remains limited. In this case series, we provide a novel insight into the physiotherapy management in patients infected with COVID-19 in Singapore.

Biomechanical Comparison of a New Dynamic Ankle Orthosis to a Standard Ankle-Foot Orthosis During Walking.

Patients who sustain irreversible cartilage damage or joint instability from ankle injuries are likely to develop ankle osteoarthritis (OA). A dynamic ankle orthosis (DAO) was recently designed with the intent to offload the foot and ankle using a distractive force, allowing more natural sagittal and frontal plane ankle motion during gait. To evaluate its efficacy, this study compared ankle joint kinematics and plantar pressures among the DAO, standard double upright ankle-foot orthosis (DUAFO), and a nonorthosis control (CON) condition in healthy adults during walking.

A mechanical analog thoracolumbar spine model for the evaluation of scoliosis bracing technology.

Introduction: Thoracolumbar braces are used to treat Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis. The objective of this study was to design and validate a mechanical analog model of the spine to simulate a thoracolumbar, single-curve, scoliotic deformity in order to quantify brace structural properties and corrective force response on the spine.

Methods: The Scoliosis Analog Model used a linkage-based system to replicate 3D kinematics of spinal correction observed in the clinic.

Mechanical Testing of a Novel Fastening Device to Improve Scoliosis Bracing Biomechanics for Treating Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis.

Velcro fastening straps are commonly used to secure a scoliosis brace around the upper body and apply corrective forces to the spine. However, strap loosening and tension loss have been reported that reduce spinal correction and treatment efficacy. A novel fastening device, or controlled tension unit (CTU), was designed to overcome these limitations.

Regression analysis of gait parameters and mobility measures in a healthy cohort for subject-specific normative values.

Background: Deviation in gait performance from normative data of healthy cohorts is used to quantify gait ability. However, normative data is influenced by anthropometry and such differences among subjects impede accurate assessment. De-correlation of anthropometry from gait parameters and mobility measures is therefore desirable.

Is there a role for Ytrrium-90 in the treatment of unresectable and metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma?

Background: Selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) with Ytrrium-90 (Y-90) has been used to treat hepatic malignancies with success. This study focuses on the efficacy and safety of Y-90 in the treatment of unresectable and metastatic intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC).

Methods: A single-institution retrospective case review was performed for patients with unresectable and metastatic ICC treated with Y-90 between 2006 and 2016.

Long-term effects of exercise and physical therapy in people with Parkinson disease.

Parkinson disease (PD) is a progressive, neurodegenerative movement disorder with symptoms reflecting various impairments and functional limitations, such as postural instability, gait disturbance, immobility and falls. In addition to pharmacological and surgical management of PD, exercise and physical therapy interventions are also being actively researched. This Review provides an overview of the effects of PD on physical activity - including muscle weakness, reduced aerobic capacity, gait impairment, balance disorders and falls.

Effectiveness of resistance training on muscle strength and physical function in people with Parkinson's disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: To systematically review the evidence investigating the effectiveness of resistance training on strength and physical function in people with Parkinson's disease.

Data Sources: Seven electronic databases (COCHRANE, CINAHL, Medline ISI, Psycinfo, Scopus, Web of Science ISI and Embase) were systematically searched for full-text articles published in English between 1946 and November 2014 using relevant search terms.

Review Methods: Only randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of resistance training on muscle strength and physical function in people with Parkinson's disease were considered.