Tour of Truffles: Aromas, Aphrodisiacs, Adaptogens, and More.

Truffles are the fruiting bodies of ascomycete fungi that form underground. Truffles are globally valued, culturally celebrated as aphrodisiacs, and highly sought-after delicacies in the culinary world. For centuries, naturalists have speculated about their mode of formation, and in cultures surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, many species have been prized as a delectable food source.

The Utilization of Core Exercises in Patients With Patellofemoral Pain: A Critically Appraised Topic.

Clinical Scenario: Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is characterized by general anterior knee pain around the patella and is one of the most prevalent knee conditions. PFP is challenging to treat due to a wide range of contributing factors and often has chronic, reoccurring symptoms. Traditional treatment focuses on quadriceps and gluteal strengthening with minimal emphasis on deep trunk musculature.

Protracted Cardiovascular Impairments After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: A Critically Appraised Topic.

Clinical Scenario: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a devastating knee injury with negative long-term consequences, such as early-onset knee osteoarthritis, biomechanical compensations, and reduced physical activity. Significant reduction in physical activity is a powerful indicator of cardiovascular (CV) disease; therefore, those with a history of ACL injury may be at increased risk for CV disease compared with noninjured individuals. Focused Clinical Question: Do individuals with a history of ACL injury demonstrate negative CV changes compared with those without a history of ACL injury? Summary of Key Findings: Three articles met the inclusion criteria and investigated CV changes after ACL injury.

Treatment of alcohol use disorder among people of South Asian ancestry in Canada and the United States: A narrative review.

To explore access and treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) among people of South Asian ancestry living in Canada or the United State, EQUATOR guidelines were applied to 34 manuscripts identified through an English language literature search (1946-2017) for this narrative review. The population studied has poor access to and engagement with treatment for AUD. Early evidence suggests benefit from adopting language-specific materials, offering South Asian-specific therapy groups, and incorporating traditional healers.

Are there perceptual differences to varying levels of blood flow restriction?

The application of blood flow restriction (BFR) with low load exercise has been shown to produce favorable muscle and vascular adaptations. Given the potential clinical utility of BFR, it is important to characterize the ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and discomfort across a variety of relative pressures as the individual's perceptual response may ultimately dictate whether a participant continues with this modality of exercise. Fourteen participants completed 3 days of exercise.

Influence of relative blood flow restriction pressure on muscle activation and muscle adaptation.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the acute and chronic skeletal muscle response to differing levels of blood flow restriction (BFR) pressure.

Methods: Fourteen participants completed elbow flexion exercise with pressures from 40% to 90% of arterial occlusion. Pre/post torque measurements and electromyographic (EMG) amplitude of each set were quantified for each condition.

Blood flow restriction in the upper and lower limbs is predicted by limb circumference and systolic blood pressure.

Purpose: To determine what factors should be accounted for when setting the blood flow restriction (BFR) cuff pressure for the upper and lower body.

Methods: One hundred and seventy one participants visited the laboratory for one testing session. Arm circumference, muscle (MTH) and fat (FTH) thickness were measured on the upper arm.

Controlled soil warming powered by alternative energy for remote field sites.

Experiments using controlled manipulation of climate variables in the field are critical for developing and testing mechanistic models of ecosystem responses to climate change. Despite rapid changes in climate observed in many high latitude and high altitude environments, controlled manipulations in these remote regions have largely been limited to passive experimental methods with variable effects on environmental factors. In this study, we tested a method of controlled soil warming suitable for remote field locations that can be powered using alternative energy sources.

Management of premature prelabor rupture of the membranes.

Premature prelabor rupture of the fetal membranes affects about 3% of pregnancies. The cause is usually infection, especially at earlier gestations. The prognosis and the risks of delivery are both much worse at earlier gestations.