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Jakovljević K, Mišljenović T, Bačeva Andonovska K, Echevarria G, Baker AJM, Brueckner D, van der Ent A. Thallium hyperaccumulation status of the violets of the Allchar arsenic-thallium deposit (North Macedonia) confirmed through synchrotron µXRF imaging. Metallomics 2023; 15:mfad063. [PMID: 37849236 PMCID: PMC10639103 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfad063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
The abandoned Allchar Mine in the Republic of North Macedonia is a globally unique deposit with the highest known grades of thallium (Tl) and arsenic (As) mineralization. We aimed to determine the distribution of As and Tl in whole dehydrated shoots of the three Viola taxa using synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence analysis. Additionally, soil and plant organ samples were collected from all three Viola taxa at the Allchar site and analysed using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. Concentrations of Tl were extremely high in all three Viola taxa (up to 58 900 mg kg-1), but concentrations of As were highly variable with V. tricolor subsp. macedonica and V. allchariensis having low As (up to 20.2 and 26.3 mg kg-1, respectively) and V. arsenica having the highest concentrations (up to 381 mg kg-1). The extremely high Tl in all three species is endogenous and not a result of contamination. Arsenic in V. tricolor subsp. macedonica and V. allcharensis is strongly affected by contamination, but not in V. arsenica where it appears to be endogenous. The pattern of As enrichment in V. arsenica is very unusual and coincides with Ca-oxalate deposits and Br hotspots. The results of this study could form the basis for more detailed investigations under controlled conditions, including plant dosing experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenija Jakovljević
- Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Tomica Mišljenović
- Institute of Botany and Botanical Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Katerina Bačeva Andonovska
- Research Center for Environment and Materials, Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Skopje, North Macedonia
| | - Guillaume Echevarria
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, LSE, F-54000, Nancy, France
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Econick, Nancy, France
| | - Alan J M Baker
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, LSE, F-54000, Nancy, France
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Econick, Nancy, France
| | | | - Antony van der Ent
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, LSE, F-54000, Nancy, France
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Econick, Nancy, France
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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van der Ent A, Salinitro M, Brueckner D, Spiers KM, Montanari S, Tassoni A, Schiavon M. Differences and similarities in selenium biopathways in Astragalus, Neptunia (Fabaceae) and Stanleya (Brassicaceae) hyperaccumulators. Ann Bot 2023; 132:349-361. [PMID: 37602676 PMCID: PMC10583200 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mcad110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Selenium hyperaccumulator species are of primary interest for studying the evolution of hyperaccumulation and for use in biofortification because selenium is an essential element in human nutrition. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the distributions of selenium in the three most studied hyperaccumulating taxa (Astragalus bisulcatus, Stanleya pinnata and Neptunia amplexicaulis) are similar or contrasting, in order to infer the underlying physiological mechanisms. METHODS This study used synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence (µXRF) techniques to visualize the distribution of selenium and other elements in fresh hydrated plant tissues of A. racemosus, S. pinnata and N. amplexicaulis. KEY RESULTS Selenium distribution differed widely in the three species: in the leaves of A. racemosus and N. amplexicaulis selenium was mainly concentrated in the pulvini, whereas in S. pinnata it was primarilylocalized in the leaf margins. In the roots and stems of all three species, selenium was absent in xylem cells, whereas it was particularly concentrated in the pith rays of S. pinnata and in the phloem cells of A. racemosus and N. amplexicaulis. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that Astragalus, Stanleya and Neptunia have different selenium-handling physiologies, with different mechanisms for translocation and storage of excess selenium. Important dissimilarities among the three analysed species suggest that selenium hyperaccumulation has probably evolved multiple times over under similar environmental pressures in the US and Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony van der Ent
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, LSE, F-54000 Nancy, France
| | - Mirko Salinitro
- Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Sofia Montanari
- Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tassoni
- Department of Biological Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michela Schiavon
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences (DISAFA), University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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van der Ent A, Brueckner D, Spiers KM, Falch KV, Falkenberg G, Layet C, Liu WS, Zheng HX, Le Jean M, Blaudez D. High-energy interference-free K-lines synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy of rare earth elements in hyperaccumulator plants. Metallomics 2023; 15:mfad050. [PMID: 37591604 PMCID: PMC10496025 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfad050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence analysis (µXRF) is a nondestructive and highly sensitive technique. However, element mapping of rare earth elements (REEs) under standard conditions requires care, since energy-dispersive detectors are not able to differentiate accurately between REEs L-shell X-ray emission lines overlapping with K-shell X-ray emission lines of common transition elements of high concentrations. We aim to test REE element mapping with high-energy interference-free excitation of the REE K-lines on hyperaccumulator plant tissues and compare with measurements with REE L-shell excitation at the microprobe experiment of beamline P06 (PETRA III, DESY). A combination of compound refractive lens optics (CRLs) was used to obtain a micrometer-sized focused incident beam with an energy of 44 keV and an extra-thick silicon drift detector optimized for high-energy X-ray detection to detect the K-lines of yttrium (Y), lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), and neodymium (Nd) without any interferences due to line overlaps. High-energy excitation from La to Nd in the hyperaccumulator organs was successful but compared to L-line excitation less efficient and therefore slow (∼10-fold slower than similar maps at lower incident energy) due to lower flux and detection efficiency. However, REE K-lines do not suffer significantly from self-absorption, which makes XRF tomography of millimeter-sized frozen-hydrated plant samples possible. The K-line excitation of REEs at the P06 CRL setup has scope for application in samples that are particularly prone to REE interfering elements, such as soil samples with high concomitant Ti, Cr, Fe, Mn, and Ni concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony van der Ent
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, LSE, F-54000 Nancy, France
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Clément Layet
- Université de Lorraine, INRAE, LSE, F-54000 Nancy, France
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, F-54000, Nancy, France
| | - Wen-Shen Liu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | - Hong-Xiang Zheng
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control and Remediation Technology, Sun Yat-sen University, China
| | | | - Damien Blaudez
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS, LIEC, F-54000, Nancy, France
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Muehlbauer T, Brueckner D, Schedler S. Effect of practice on learning a balance task in children, adolescents, and young adults. Front Psychol 2022; 13:989645. [PMID: 36275216 PMCID: PMC9584915 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.989645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A lower developmental stage of the postural control system in childhood compared to adolescence and adulthood was reported in numerous studies and suggests differences (i.e., less improvements in children than in adolescents and young adults due to the immature postural control system) during learning a balance task. Therefore, the present study examined the effect practice on learning (i.e., retention and transfer) a balance task in healthy children, adolescents, and young adults. Methods Healthy children (n = 32, 8.5 ± 0.5 years), adolescents (n = 30, 14.6 ± 0.6 years), and young adults (n = 28, 24.3 ± 3.3 years) practiced balancing on a stabilometer (i.e., to keep the platform as close to horizontal as possible) for 2 days. On the third day, learning was assessed using a retention (i.e., balance task only) and a transfer (i.e., balance task plus concurrent motor interference task) test. The root-mean-square-error (RMSE) was calculated and used as outcome measures. Results Over the course of practice, significant improvements (p < 0.001) were detected in favor of children and young adults. However, neither the retention nor the transfer test showed significant group differences. Conclusion Our findings indicate that learning a balance task did not seem to be influenced by the developmental stage of the postural control system.
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Spiers KM, Brueckner D, Garrevoet J, Falkenberg G, van der Ent A. Synchrotron XFM tomography for elucidating metals and metalloids in hyperaccumulator plants. Metallomics 2022; 14:6696970. [PMID: 36099903 PMCID: PMC9683111 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfac069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Visualising the endogenous distribution of elements within plant organs affords key insights in the regulation of trace elements in plants. Hyperaccumulators have extreme metal(loid) concentrations in their tissues which make them useful models for studying metal(loid) homeostasis in plants. X-ray based methods allow for the non-destructive analysis of most macro and trace elements with low limits of detection. However, observing the internal distributions of elements within plant organs still typically requires destructive sample preparation methods, including sectioning, for synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM). X-ray fluorescence micro-computed tomography (XFM-CT) enables 'virtual sectioning' of a sample thereby entirely avoiding artefacts arising from destructive sample preparation. The method can be used on frozen-hydrated samples, as such preserving 'life-like' conditions. Absorption and Compton scattering maps obtained from synchrotron XFM-CT offer exquisite detail on structural features which can be used in concert with elemental data to interpret the results. In this article we introduce the technique and use it to reveal the internal distribution of hyperaccumulated elements in hyperaccumulator plant species. XFM-CT can be used to effectively probe the distribution of a range of different elements in plant tissues/organs, which has wide ranging applications across the plant sciences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dennis Brueckner
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Germany.,Department of Physics, University of Hamburg, Germany.,Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | | | | | - Antony van der Ent
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Australia
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Corzo Remigio A, Pošćić F, Nkrumah PN, Edraki M, Spiers KM, Brueckner D, van der Ent A. Comprehensive insights in thallium ecophysiology in the hyperaccumulator Biscutella laevigata. Sci Total Environ 2022; 838:155899. [PMID: 35569660 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Biscutella laevigata is the strongest known thallium (Tl) hyperaccumulator plant species. However, little is known about the ecophysiological processes leading to root uptake and translocation of Tl in this species, and the interactions between Tl and its chemical analogue potassium (K). Biscutella laevigata was subjected to hydroponics experimentation in which it was exposed to Tl and K, and it was investigated in a rhizobox experiment. Laboratory-based micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (μ-XRF) was used to reveal the Tl distribution in the roots and leaves, while synchrotron-based μ-XRF was utilised to reveal elemental distribution in the seed. The results show that in the seed Tl was mainly localised in the endosperm and cotyledons. In mature plants, Tl was highest in the intermediate leaves (16,100 μg g-1), while it was one order of magnitude lower in the stem and roots. Potassium did not inhibit or enhance Tl uptake in B.laevigata. At the organ level, Tl was localised in the blade and margins of the leaves. Roots foraged for Tl and cycled Tl across roots growing in the control soils. Biscutella laevigata has ostensibly evolved specialised mechanisms to tolerate high Tl concentrations in its shoots. The lack of interactions and competition between Tl and K suggests that it is unlikely that Tl is taken up via K channels, but high affinity Tl transporters remain to be identified in this species. Thallium is not only highly toxic but also a valuable metal and Tl phytoextraction using B. laevigata should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Corzo Remigio
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Filip Pošćić
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Physiology of Plants, Ruhr University Bochum, Germany
| | - Philip Nti Nkrumah
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Mansour Edraki
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Dennis Brueckner
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Germany; Department of Physics, Universität Hamburg, Germany; Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Germany
| | - Antony van der Ent
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Australia.
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Muehlbauer T, Voigt H, Brueckner D, Beurskens R. Effects of fixed versus variable task prioritization during short-term dual task practice on motor and cognitive task performance in young adults. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:156. [PMID: 35513836 PMCID: PMC9074349 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-06034-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It has been shown that variable compared to fixed task prioritization during dual task practice more effectively improves motor (i.e., postural control) and cognitive (i.e., memory) performance in older adults. However, it is unclear whether this finding is also valid in young adults. Thus, the present study examined the effect of fixed (allocate equal priority on both tasks) versus variable (vary priority between both tasks) priority during short-term motor-cognitive dual task practice on single and dual task performance in healthy young adults (age range: 20-30 years). RESULTS During two days of practice, significant improvements of motor (i.e., balance task: reduced root mean square error; p < 001, ηp2 = .72) and cognitive (i.e., arithmetic task: increased serial three subtractions; p < .001, ηp2 = .78) task performance were observed and that was irrespective of group ("fixed priority" and "variable priority"). Further, the statistical analysis of post-practice single and dual task performance revealed no significant differences between groups, irrespective of task (i.e., motor or cognitive). This indicates that in young as opposed to old adults, single and dual task performance improvements are independent of task prioritization (i.e., fixed or variable priority) during short-term motor-cognitive dual task practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Muehlbauer
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141, Essen, Germany.
| | - Hagen Voigt
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Dennis Brueckner
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Rainer Beurskens
- Department of Health and Social Affairs, FHM Bielefeld-University of Applied Sciences, Bielefeld, Germany
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Muehlbauer T, Hill MW, Heise J, Abel L, Schumann I, Brueckner D, Schedler S. Effect of Arm Movement and Task Difficulty on Balance Performance in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:854823. [PMID: 35547198 PMCID: PMC9082151 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.854823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundStudies have shown that restricted compared to free arm movement negatively affects balance performance during balance assessment and this is reinforced when the level of task difficulty (e.g., varying stance/walk conditions, sensory manipulations) is increased. However, it remains unclear whether these findings apply to individuals with differences in the development of the postural control system. Thus, we examined the influence of arm movement and task difficulty on balance performance in children, adolescents, and young adults.MethodsStatic, dynamic, and proactive balance performance were assessed in 40 children (11.5 ± 0.6 years), 30 adolescents (14.0 ± 1.1 years), and 41 young adults (24.7 ± 3.0 years) using the same standardized balance tests [i.e., one-legged stance (OLS) time with eyes opened/closed and/or on firm/foam ground, 3-m beam (width: 6, 4.5, or 3 cm) walking backward step number, Lower Quarter Y-Balance test (YBT-LQ) reach distance] with various difficulty levels under free vs. restricted arm movement conditions.ResultsIn all but one test, balance performance was significantly better during free compared to restricted arm movement. Arm by age interactions were only observed for the YBT-LQ and post hoc analyses revealed significantly greater performance differences between free and restricted arm movement, especially, in young adults. Arm by age by task difficulty interactions were found for the OLS and the 3-m beam walking backward test. Post hoc analyses showed significantly greater performance differences between free and restricted arm movement during high vs. low levels of task difficulty and this was more pronounced in children and adolescents.ConclusionsRegardless of age, static, dynamic, and proactive balance performance benefited from arm movements and this was especially noted for youth performing difficult balance tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Muehlbauer
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Thomas Muehlbauer
| | - Mathew W. Hill
- Center for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Coventry University, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
| | - Joana Heise
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Leander Abel
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ina Schumann
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dennis Brueckner
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Simon Schedler
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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van der Ent A, de Jonge MD, Echevarria G, Aarts MGM, Mesjasz-Przybyłowicz J, Przybyłowicz WJ, Brueckner D, Harris HH. OUP accepted manuscript. Metallomics 2022; 14:6615454. [PMID: 35746898 PMCID: PMC9226517 DOI: 10.1093/mtomcs/mfac026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The molecular biology and genetics of the Ni–Cd–Zn hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens has been extensively studied, but no information is yet available on Ni and Zn redistribution and mobilization during seed germination. Due to the different physiological functions of these elements, and their associated transporter pathways, we expected differential tissue distribution and different modes of translocation of Ni and Zn during germination. This study used synchrotron X-ray fluorescence tomography techniques as well as planar elemental X-ray imaging to elucidate elemental (re)distribution at various stages of the germination process in contrasting accessions of N. caerulescens. The results show that Ni and Zn are both located primarily in the cotyledons of the emerging seedlings and Ni is highest in the ultramafic accessions (up to 0.15 wt%), whereas Zn is highest in the calamine accession (up to 600 μg g–1). The distribution of Ni and Zn in seeds was very similar, and neither element was translocated during germination. The Fe maps were especially useful to obtain spatial reference within the seeds, as it clearly marked the vasculature. This study shows how a multimodal combination of synchrotron techniques can be used to obtain powerful insights about the metal distribution in physically intact seeds and seedlings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony van der Ent
- Correspondence: Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute (SMI), Level 5, Sir James Foots Building (No. 47A), The University of Queensland, St Lucia QLD 4072, Australia. Tel: +61 7 3346 4003; E-mail:
| | | | - Guillaume Echevarria
- Laboratoire Sols et Environnement, Université de Lorraine-INRAE, Vandœuvre-lés-Nancy, UMR 1120, France
| | - Mark G M Aarts
- Laboratory of Genetics, Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands
| | | | - Wojciech J Przybyłowicz
- Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South Africa
- AGH University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Physics & Applied Computer Science, 30-059 Kraków, Poland
| | - Dennis Brueckner
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, 22607 Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Physics, Universität Hamburg, 20355 Hamburg, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Hugh H Harris
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5005, Australia
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Beurskens R, Brueckner D, Voigt H, Muehlbauer T. Cognitive and motor task performance under single- and dual-task conditions: effects of consecutive versus concurrent practice. Exp Brain Res 2021; 239:2529-2535. [PMID: 34143241 PMCID: PMC8354888 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-021-06130-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The concurrent execution of two or more tasks simultaneously results in performance decrements in one or both conducted tasks. The practice of dual-task (DT) situations has been shown to decrease performance decrements. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of consecutive versus concurrent practice on cognitive and motor task performance under single-task (ST) and DT conditions. Forty-five young adults (21 females, 24 males) were randomly assigned to either a consecutive practice (INT consecutive) group, a concurrent practice (INT concurrent) group or a control (CON) group (i.e., no practice). Both INT groups performed 2 days of acquisition, i.e., practicing a cognitive and a motor task either consecutively or concurrently. The cognitive task required participants to perform an auditory stroop task and the number of correct responses was used as outcome measure. In the motor task, participants were asked to stand on a stabilometer and to keep the platform as close to horizontal as possible. The time in balance was calculated for further analysis. Pre- and post-practice testing included performance assessment under ST (i.e., cognitive task only, motor task only) and DT (i.e., cognitive and motor task simultaneously) test conditions. Pre-practice testing revealed no significant group differences under ST and DT test conditions neither for the cognitive nor the motor task measure. During acquisition, both INT groups improved their cognitive and motor task performance. The post-practice testing showed significantly better cognitive and motor task values under ST and DT test conditions for the two INT groups compared to the CON group. Further comparisons between the two INT groups revealed better motor but not cognitive task values in favor of the INT consecutive practice group (ST: p = 0.022; DT: p = 0.002). We conclude that consecutive and concurrent practice resulted in better cognitive (ST condition) and motor (ST and DT test conditions) task performance than no practice. In addition, consecutive practice resulted in superior motor task performance (ST and DT test conditions) compared to concurrent practice and is, therefore, recommended when executing DT practice schedules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Beurskens
- Department of Health and Social Affairs, FHM Bielefeld - University of Applied Sciences, Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Dennis Brueckner
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Hagen Voigt
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Muehlbauer
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Schedler S, Leifeld P, Seidel T, Brueckner D, Muehlbauer T. Effects of task difficulty during practice on learning a dynamic balance task in healthy young adults: An intervention study. BMC Res Notes 2021; 14:235. [PMID: 34134764 PMCID: PMC8210378 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-021-05566-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cross-sectional studies reported increased postural sway during balance tasks with a high (e.g., unipedal stance on foam ground) compared to a low (e.g., unipedal stance on firm ground) level of task difficulty. Therefore, practicing/training balance tasks using high compared to low stimuli seems to be beneficial as it addresses larger adaptive reserves. Thus, the present study was performed to investigate the role of task difficulty during practice on learning a dynamic balance task in healthy young adults. RESULTS During acquisition, both practice groups ("Easy" or "Difficult" task condition) significantly improved their performance (i.e., time in balance). Further, the statistical analysis of post-practice performance revealed a significant main effect of test (i.e., better performance under easy compared to difficult test conditions, irrespective of group) but not of group. Additionally, the Group × Test interaction did not reach the level of significance, indicating that learning a dynamic balance task did not depend on the practiced task condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Schedler
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141, Essen, Germany.
| | - Pascal Leifeld
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Tim Seidel
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Dennis Brueckner
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Muehlbauer
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141, Essen, Germany
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Lyubomirskiy M, Schurink B, Makhotkin IA, Brueckner D, Wittwer F, Kahnt M, Seyrich M, Seiboth F, Bijkerk F, Schroer CG. Planar refractive lenses made of SiC for high intensity nanofocusing. Opt Express 2021; 29:14025-14032. [PMID: 33985128 DOI: 10.1364/oe.416223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
We report on the manufacturing and testing of the first nanofocusing refractive lenses made of single-crystal silicon carbide. We introduce the fabrication process based on lithography, followed by deep isotropic etching. The lenses were characterized at the energy of 12 keV at the beamline P06 of the synchrotron radiation source PETRA III. A focal spot of 186 nm×275 nm has been achieved with a lens working distance of 29 mm.
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Sprenger P, Stehle M, Gaur A, Weiß J, Brueckner D, Zhang Y, Garrevoet J, Suuronen J, Thomann M, Fischer A, Grunwaldt J, Sheppard TL. Chemical Imaging of Mixed Metal Oxide Catalysts for Propylene Oxidation: From Model Binary Systems to Complex Multicomponent Systems. ChemCatChem 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/cctc.202100054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Sprenger
- Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe 76131 Germany
| | - Matthias Stehle
- Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe 76131 Germany
| | - Abhijeet Gaur
- Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe 76131 Germany
- Institute of Catalysis Research and Technology Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344 Germany
| | - Jana Weiß
- Leibniz Institute for Catalysis (LIKAT) Rostock 18059 Germany
| | - Dennis Brueckner
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY Hamburg 22607 Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry Ruhr University Bochum Bochum 44801 Germany
- Department Physik Universität Hamburg Hamburg 22761 Germany
| | - Yi Zhang
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY Hamburg 22607 Germany
| | - Jan Garrevoet
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY Hamburg 22607 Germany
| | - Jussi‐Petteri Suuronen
- ESRF - The European Synchrotron Grenoble 38000 France
- Current Address: Xploraytion GmbH Berlin 10625 Germany
| | | | | | - Jan‐Dierk Grunwaldt
- Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe 76131 Germany
- Institute of Catalysis Research and Technology Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344 Germany
| | - Thomas L. Sheppard
- Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe 76131 Germany
- Institute of Catalysis Research and Technology Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344 Germany
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Beurskens R, Brueckner D, Muehlbauer T. Effects of Motor Versus Cognitive Task Prioritization During Dual-Task Practice on Dual-Task Performance in Young Adults. Front Psychol 2020; 11:581225. [PMID: 33262730 PMCID: PMC7688454 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.581225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous studies have reported positive effects of concurrent motor and cognitive task practice compared to motor or cognitive task practice only on dual-task performance in young adults. Knowledge about the effect of motor vs. cognitive task prioritization during practice on dual-task performance remains unclear and has not been investigated in depth so far. Thus, we examined the effects of motor task compared to cognitive task prioritization during dual-task practice on motor-cognitive performance in healthy young adults. Methods: Healthy young adults were randomly assigned to dual-task (DT; i.e., concurrent motor and cognitive practice) or single-task (ST; i.e., motor or cognitive task practice only) practice groups. In DT practice, subjects were instructed to either prioritize the motor or the cognitive task. The motor task required subjects to keep a stabilometer in a horizontal position. The cognitive task involved serial three subtractions. Outcome variables were the root-mean-square error (RMSE) for the motor task and the total number of correct calculations for the cognitive task. All participants practiced for 2 consecutive days under their respective treatment condition and were tested under DT condition 24 h later (i.e., retention on day 3) without providing instructions on task prioritization. Results: Irrespective of prioritization (i.e., prioritize the motor task or the cognitive task), the DT practice groups similarly improved their DT motor and cognitive task performance. The ST groups also improved motor or cognitive performance depending on their respective training contents (i.e., motor practice improved RMSE and cognitive practice improved number of correct calculations but not vice versa). Conclusion: We conclude that DT compared to ST practice is well-suited to improve DT performance, irrespective of task-prioritization. DT but not ST practice resulted in an improved modulation of both domains (i.e., motor and cognitive) during DT performance. Our findings might be explained by freeing up central resources following DT practice that can be used to effectively perform the concurrent execution of motor and cognitive processing demands. However, this process is not further enhanced by the prioritized task domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Beurskens
- Department of Health and Social Affairs, FHM Bielefeld - University of Applied Sciences, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Dennis Brueckner
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Muehlbauer
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Bulin A, Broekgaarden M, Chaput F, Baisamy V, Garrevoet J, Busser B, Brueckner D, Youssef A, Ravanat J, Dujardin C, Motto‐Ros V, Lerouge F, Bohic S, Sancey L, Elleaume H. Radiation Dose-Enhancement Is a Potent Radiotherapeutic Effect of Rare-Earth Composite Nanoscintillators in Preclinical Models of Glioblastoma. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2020; 7:2001675. [PMID: 33101867 PMCID: PMC7578894 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202001675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
To improve the prognosis of glioblastoma, innovative radiotherapy regimens are required to augment the effect of tolerable radiation doses while sparing surrounding tissues. In this context, nanoscintillators are emerging radiotherapeutics that down-convert X-rays into photons with energies ranging from UV to near-infrared. During radiotherapy, these scintillating properties amplify radiation-induced damage by UV-C emission or photodynamic effects. Additionally, nanoscintillators that contain high-Z elements are likely to induce another, currently unexplored effect: radiation dose-enhancement. This phenomenon stems from a higher photoelectric absorption of orthovoltage X-rays by high-Z elements compared to tissues, resulting in increased production of tissue-damaging photo- and Auger electrons. In this study, Geant4 simulations reveal that rare-earth composite LaF3:Ce nanoscintillators effectively generate photo- and Auger-electrons upon orthovoltage X-rays. 3D spatially resolved X-ray fluorescence microtomography shows that LaF3:Ce highly concentrates in microtumors and enhances radiotherapy in an X-ray energy-dependent manner. In an aggressive syngeneic model of orthotopic glioblastoma, intracerebral injection of LaF3:Ce is well tolerated and achieves complete tumor remission in 15% of the subjects receiving monochromatic synchrotron radiotherapy. This study provides unequivocal evidence for radiation dose-enhancement by nanoscintillators, eliciting a prominent radiotherapeutic effect. Altogether, nanoscintillators have invaluable properties for enhancing the focal damage of radiotherapy in glioblastoma and other radioresistant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne‐Laure Bulin
- Synchrotron Radiation for Biomedical Research (STROBE)UA7 INSERMUniversité Grenoble AlpesMedical Beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility71 Avenue des MartyrsGrenoble Cedex 938043France
| | - Mans Broekgaarden
- Synchrotron Radiation for Biomedical Research (STROBE)UA7 INSERMUniversité Grenoble AlpesMedical Beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility71 Avenue des MartyrsGrenoble Cedex 938043France
| | - Frédéric Chaput
- Université de LyonÉcole Normale Supérieure de LyonCNRS UMR 5182Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1Laboratoire de ChimieLyonF69342France
| | - Victor Baisamy
- Synchrotron Radiation for Biomedical Research (STROBE)UA7 INSERMUniversité Grenoble AlpesMedical Beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility71 Avenue des MartyrsGrenoble Cedex 938043France
| | - Jan Garrevoet
- Deutsches Elektronen‐Synchrotron DESYNotkestrasse 85HamburgDE‐22607Germany
| | - Benoît Busser
- Cancer Targets and Experimental TherapeuticsInstitute for Advanced BiosciencesUniversité Grenoble AlpesINSERM U1209CNRS UMR5309Allée des AlpesLa Tronche38700France
- Cancer Clinical LaboratoryGrenoble University HospitalGrenoble38700France
| | - Dennis Brueckner
- Deutsches Elektronen‐Synchrotron DESYNotkestrasse 85HamburgDE‐22607Germany
- Department PhysikUniversität HamburgLuruper Chaussee 149Hamburg22761Germany
| | - Antonia Youssef
- Synchrotron Radiation for Biomedical Research (STROBE)UA7 INSERMUniversité Grenoble AlpesMedical Beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility71 Avenue des MartyrsGrenoble Cedex 938043France
- Université Grenoble AlpesCEACNRSIRIGSyMMES UMR 5819GrenobleF‐38000France
| | - Jean‐Luc Ravanat
- Université Grenoble AlpesCEACNRSIRIGSyMMES UMR 5819GrenobleF‐38000France
| | - Christophe Dujardin
- Institut Lumière MatièreUMR5306Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1CNRSVilleurbanne Cedex69622France
| | - Vincent Motto‐Ros
- Institut Lumière MatièreUMR5306Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1CNRSVilleurbanne Cedex69622France
| | - Frédéric Lerouge
- Université de LyonÉcole Normale Supérieure de LyonCNRS UMR 5182Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1Laboratoire de ChimieLyonF69342France
| | - Sylvain Bohic
- Synchrotron Radiation for Biomedical Research (STROBE)UA7 INSERMUniversité Grenoble AlpesMedical Beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility71 Avenue des MartyrsGrenoble Cedex 938043France
| | - Lucie Sancey
- Cancer Targets and Experimental TherapeuticsInstitute for Advanced BiosciencesUniversité Grenoble AlpesINSERM U1209CNRS UMR5309Allée des AlpesLa Tronche38700France
| | - Hélène Elleaume
- Synchrotron Radiation for Biomedical Research (STROBE)UA7 INSERMUniversité Grenoble AlpesMedical Beamline at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility71 Avenue des MartyrsGrenoble Cedex 938043France
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van der Ent A, Spiers KM, Brueckner D, Echevarria G, Aarts MGM, Montargès-Pelletier E. Spatially-resolved localization and chemical speciation of nickel and zinc in Noccaea tymphaea and Bornmuellera emarginata. Metallomics 2020; 11:2052-2065. [PMID: 31651002 DOI: 10.1039/c9mt00106a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Hyperaccumulator plants present the ideal model system for studying the physiological regulation of the essential (and potentially toxic) transition elements nickel and zinc. This study used synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy (XFM) elemental imaging and spatially resolved X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) to elucidate elemental localization and chemical speciation of nickel and zinc in the hyperaccumulators Noccaea tymphaea and Bornmuellera emarginata (synonym Leptoplax emarginata). The results show that in the leaves of N. tymphaea nickel and zinc have contrasting localization, and whereas nickel is present in vacuoles of epidermal cells, zinc occurs mainly in the mesophyll cells. In the seeds Ni and Zn are similarly localized and strongly enriched in the cotyledons in N. tymphaea. Nickel is strongly enriched in the tip of the radicle of B. emarginata. Noccaea tymphaea has an Fe-rich provascular strand network in the cotyledons of the seed. The chemical speciation of Ni in the seeds of N. tymphaea is unequivocally associated with carboxylic acids, whereas Zn is present as the phytate complex. The spatially resolved spectroscopy did not reveal any spatial variation in chemical speciation of Ni and Zn within the N. tymphaea seed. The dissimilar ecophysiological behaviour of Ni and Zn in N. tymphaea and B. emarginata raises questions about the evolution of hyperaccumulation in these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony van der Ent
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute, The University of Queensland, Australia.
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Schedler S, Brueckner D, Kiss R, Muehlbauer T. Effect of practice on learning to maintain balance under dynamic conditions in children: are there sex differences? BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2020; 12:15. [PMID: 32166038 PMCID: PMC7059683 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-020-00166-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background In youth, sex-related differences in balance performances have been reported with girls usually outperforming same-aged boys. However, it is not known whether sex also has an influence on learning of a new balance task in primary school-aged children. Therefore, the present study investigated sex-related differences in children learning to maintain balance under dynamic conditions. Methods Thirty-two children (16 girls, 16 boys) aged 8.5 ± 0.5 years practiced balancing on a stabilometer (i.e., to keep it as horizontal as possible) for seven trials (90 s each) on two consecutive days. Knowledge of results (KR) (i.e., time in balance) was provided after each trial. On day three learning was assessed using a retention test (i.e., balance task only) and a test of automation (i.e., balance plus concurrent motor interference task). Root-mean-square-error (RMSE) was recorded for all trials and used for further analysis. Results During practicing (Day 1, Day 2) RMSE values significantly decreased over the days (p = 0.019, d = 0.92) and trials (p = 0.003, d = 0.70) in boys and girls. Further, the main effect of sex showed a tendency toward significance (p = 0.082, d = 0.67). On day 3, the girls showed significantly smaller RMSE values compared to boys in the retention (p = 0.012, d = 1.00) and transfer test (p = 0.045, d = 0.74). Conclusions Performance increases during the acquisition phase tended to be larger in girls than in boys. Further, learning (i.e., retention and automation) was significantly larger in girls compared to boys. Therefore, practitioners (e.g., teachers, coaches) should supply boys and grils with balance exercises of various task difficulties and complexities to address their diverse learning progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Schedler
- 1Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Dennis Brueckner
- 1Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Rainer Kiss
- Department of Health and Social Affairs, FHM Bielefeld - University of Applied Sciences, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Thomas Muehlbauer
- 1Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141 Essen, Germany
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van der Ent A, de Jonge MD, Spiers KM, Brueckner D, Montargès-Pelletier E, Echevarria G, Wan XM, Lei M, Mak R, Lovett JH, Harris HH. Confocal Volumetric μXRF and Fluorescence Computed μ-Tomography Reveals Arsenic Three-Dimensional Distribution within Intact Pteris vittata Fronds. Environ Sci Technol 2020; 54:745-757. [PMID: 31891245 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.9b03878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The fern Pteris vittata has been the subject of numerous studies because of its extreme arsenic hyperaccumulation characteristics. However, information on the arsenic chemical speciation and distribution across cell types within intact frozen-hydrated Pteris vittata fronds is necessary to better understand the arsenic biotransformation pathways in this unusual fern. While 2D X-ray absorption spectroscopy imaging studies show that different chemical forms of arsenic, As(III) and As(V), occur across the plant organs, depth-resolved information on arsenic distribution and chemical speciation in different cell types within tissues of Pteris vittata have not been reported. By using a combination of planar and confocal μ-X-ray fluorescence imaging and fluorescence computed μ-tomography, we reveal, in this study, the localization of arsenic in the endodermis and pericycle surrounding the vascular bundles in the rachis and the pinnules of the fern. Arsenic is also accumulated in the vascular bundles connecting into each sporangium, and in some mature sori. The use of 2D X-ray absorption near edge structure imaging allows for deciphering arsenic speciation across the tissues, revealing arsenate in the vascular bundles and arsenite in the endodermis and pericycle. This study demonstrates how different advanced synchrotron X-ray microscopy techniques can be complementary in revealing, at tissue and cellular levels, elemental distribution and chemical speciation in hyperaccumulator plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antony van der Ent
- Centre for Mined Land Rehabilitation, Sustainable Minerals Institute , The University of Queensland , St. Lucia , QLD 4072 , Australia
- Laboratoire Sols et Environnement, UMR 1120 , Université de Lorraine , Nancy 54000 , France
| | - Martin D de Jonge
- Australian Synchrotron , ANSTO , 800 Blackburn Road , Clayton , Victoria 3168 , Australia
| | - Kathryn M Spiers
- Photon Science , Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY , Hamburg , 22607 , Germany
| | - Dennis Brueckner
- Photon Science , Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY , Hamburg , 22607 , Germany
- Department of Physics , University of Hamburg , Hamburg , 20146 , Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry , Ruhr-University Bochum , Bochum , 44801 , Germany
| | | | - Guillaume Echevarria
- Laboratoire Sols et Environnement, UMR 1120 , Université de Lorraine , Nancy 54000 , France
| | - Xiao-Ming Wan
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources , Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100101 , China
- College of Resources and Environment , University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Bejing 100049 , P. R. China
| | - Mei Lei
- Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources , Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100101 , China
- College of Resources and Environment , University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Bejing 100049 , P. R. China
| | - Rachel Mak
- School of Chemistry , University of Sydney , Sydney , NSW 2006 , Australia
| | - James H Lovett
- Department of Chemistry , The University of Adelaide , Adelaide , SA 5005 , Australia
| | - Hugh H Harris
- Department of Chemistry , The University of Adelaide , Adelaide , SA 5005 , Australia
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Schwiertz G, Brueckner D, Schedler S, Kiss R, Muehlbauer T. RELIABILITY AND MINIMAL DETECTABLE CHANGE OF THE UPPER QUARTER Y-BALANCE TEST IN HEALTHY ADOLESCENTS AGED 12 TO 17 YEARS. Int J Sports Phys Ther 2019; 14:927-934. [PMID: 31803525 PMCID: PMC6878871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND There are a few studies investigating the reproducibility of the Upper Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-UQ) in adults. However, no study has determined test-retest reliability and the minimal detectable change of the YBT-UQ in adolescents from different age cohorts. The aim of the present study was to establish test-retest reliability and minimal detectable change of the YBT-UQ in a sample of healthy adolescents. METHODS In a school setting, 111 students (59 female, 52 male) aged 12-17 years performed the YBT-UQ twice, separated by one week. Normalized maximal reach distances (% arm length) for all three directions (i.e., medial, inferolateral, superolateral) and the composite score were used as outcome measures. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,1) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were calculated to assess both relative and absolute test-retest reliability. In addition, the minimal detectable change (MDC95%), an index that is defined as the minimal amount of change in performance that falls outside the measurement error or performance changes due to variability was determined. RESULTS Irrespective of age cohort, reach arm, and reach direction, the measure of relative reliability ranged from "moderate-to-good" to "excellent" ICC values and the proxy of absolute reliability was rather small (i.e., SEM ≤ 7.6%). The MDC95% needed to identify relevant effects in repeated measurements of the YBT-UQ performance ranged between 4.8% and 21.1%, depending on age, reach arm, and reach direction. CONCLUSIONS The detected values imply that the YBT-UQ is a reliable field test that can be used to detect changes of upper quarter mobility/stability in healthy adolescents aged 12-17 years. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 2b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerrit Schwiertz
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dennis Brueckner
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Simon Schedler
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rainer Kiss
- Department of Health and Social Affairs, FHM Bielefeld - University of Applied Sciences, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Thomas Muehlbauer
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Muehlbauer T, Wagner V, Brueckner D, Schedler S, Schwiertz G, Kiss R, Hagen M. Effects of a blocked versus an alternated sequence of balance and plyometric training on physical performance in youth soccer players. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2019; 11:18. [PMID: 31497301 PMCID: PMC6717983 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-019-0131-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background The sequence of blocked balance training (BT) followed by blocked plyometric training (PT) showed greater improvements in physical performance than vice versa and is explained by a preconditioning effect of BT-related adaptations on subsequent adaptations induced by PT. However, it remains unclear whether beneficial effects can also be induced using alternating instead of blocked BT and PT exercise sequences. Thus, we examined the effects of a blocked versus an alternated sequence of BT and PT on physical performance in trained individuals. Methods Twenty young soccer players (13 years) were randomly assigned to a blocked (n = 10) or an alternated (n = 10) intervention group. Both groups trained balance and plyometric exercises for six weeks (two sessions/week). The exercises were conducted in a blocked (three weeks of BT followed by three weeks of PT) or an alternated sequence (weekly change of BT and PT). Assessment of pre- and post-training performance included measures of balance, muscle power, speed, and agility. Results Mainly significant main effects of Test (i.e., pre- to post-test improvements) were observed for the Y-balance test (p ≤ 0.014, 1.3 ≤ Cohen’s d ≤ 1.81), the squat jump (p = 0.029, d = 1.36), the countermovement jump (p = 0.002, d = 2.21), the drop jump (p = 0.004, d = 1.96), the split times/total time over 15-m sprinting (p ≤ 0.001, 2.02 ≤ d ≤ 3.08), and the figure-T agility run (p < 0.001, d = 3.80). Further, tendencies toward significant Test x Group interactions were found for several items of the Y-balance test and for SJ height in favor of the blocked BTPT group. Conclusions Our results indicate that the combined training of balance and plyometric exercises is effective to improve proxies of physical performance in youth soccer players. In addition, there is a limited advantage in some parameters of balance and muscle power for the blocked as compared to the alternated sequence of BT and PT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Muehlbauer
- 1Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Vincent Wagner
- 1Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Dennis Brueckner
- 1Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Simon Schedler
- 1Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Gerrit Schwiertz
- 1Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Rainer Kiss
- Department of Health and Social Affairs, FHM Bielefeld - University of Applied Sciences, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Marco Hagen
- 1Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141 Essen, Germany
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Fam Y, Sheppard TL, Becher J, Scherhaufer D, Lambach H, Kulkarni S, Keller TF, Wittstock A, Wittwer F, Seyrich M, Brueckner D, Kahnt M, Yang X, Schropp A, Stierle A, Schroer CG, Grunwaldt JD. A versatile nanoreactor for complementary in situ X-ray and electron microscopy studies in catalysis and materials science. J Synchrotron Radiat 2019; 26:1769-1781. [PMID: 31490169 PMCID: PMC6732905 DOI: 10.1107/s160057751900660x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Two in situ `nanoreactors' for high-resolution imaging of catalysts have been designed and applied at the hard X-ray nanoprobe endstation at beamline P06 of the PETRA III synchrotron radiation source. The reactors house samples supported on commercial MEMS chips, and were applied for complementary hard X-ray ptychography (23 nm spatial resolution) and transmission electron microscopy, with additional X-ray fluorescence measurements. The reactors allow pressures of 100 kPa and temperatures of up to 1573 K, offering a wide range of conditions relevant for catalysis. Ptychographic tomography was demonstrated at limited tilting angles of at least ±35° within the reactors and ±65° on the naked sample holders. Two case studies were selected to demonstrate the functionality of the reactors: (i) annealing of hierarchical nanoporous gold up to 923 K under inert He environment and (ii) acquisition of a ptychographic projection series at ±35° of a hierarchically structured macroporous zeolite sample under ambient conditions. The reactors are shown to be a flexible and modular platform for in situ studies in catalysis and materials science which may be adapted for a range of sample and experiment types, opening new characterization pathways in correlative multimodal in situ analysis of functional materials at work. The cells will presently be made available for all interested users of beamline P06 at PETRA III.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yakub Fam
- Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engesserstraße 20, Karlsruhe, Baden Württemberg 76131, Germany
| | - Thomas L. Sheppard
- Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engesserstraße 20, Karlsruhe, Baden Württemberg 76131, Germany
- Institute of Catalysis Research and Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Baden Württemberg 76344, Germany
| | - Johannes Becher
- Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engesserstraße 20, Karlsruhe, Baden Württemberg 76131, Germany
| | - Dennis Scherhaufer
- Institute for Micro Process Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Baden Württemberg 76344, Germany
| | - Heinz Lambach
- Institute for Micro Process Engineering, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Baden Württemberg 76344, Germany
| | | | - Thomas F. Keller
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, Hamburg 22607, Germany
- Department Physik, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, Hamburg 22761, Germany
| | - Arne Wittstock
- Institute of Applied and Physical Chemistry, University of Bremen, Bremen 28359, Germany
| | - Felix Wittwer
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, Hamburg 22607, Germany
- Department Physik, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, Hamburg 22761, Germany
| | - Martin Seyrich
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, Hamburg 22607, Germany
- Department Physik, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, Hamburg 22761, Germany
| | - Dennis Brueckner
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, Hamburg 22607, Germany
- Department Physik, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, Hamburg 22761, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstraße 150, Bochum 44801, Germany
| | - Maik Kahnt
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, Hamburg 22607, Germany
- Department Physik, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, Hamburg 22761, Germany
| | - Xiaogang Yang
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, Hamburg 22607, Germany
| | - Andreas Schropp
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, Hamburg 22607, Germany
| | - Andreas Stierle
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, Hamburg 22607, Germany
- Department Physik, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, Hamburg 22761, Germany
| | - Christian G. Schroer
- Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Notkestraße 85, Hamburg 22607, Germany
- Department Physik, Universität Hamburg, Luruper Chaussee 149, Hamburg 22761, Germany
| | - Jan-Dierk Grunwaldt
- Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Engesserstraße 20, Karlsruhe, Baden Württemberg 76131, Germany
- Institute of Catalysis Research and Technology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Baden Württemberg 76344, Germany
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Brueckner D, Göpfert B, Kiss R, Muehlbauer T. Effects of motor practice on learning a dynamic balance task in healthy young adults: A wavelet-based time-frequency analysis. Gait Posture 2019; 70:264-269. [PMID: 30909006 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2019.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research showed changes in amplitude- or time-derived measures of electromyographic (EMG) activity with motor learning. However, an analysis of the EMG spectral content (e.g., via wavelet technique) has not been included in these investigations yet. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to use conventional, amplitude-derived EMG parameters along with modern, wavelet-based time-frequency EMG measures to assess the effects of motor practice on learning a dynamic balance task. METHODS Nineteen young male adults (mean age: 26 ± 6 years) practiced a dynamic balance task for two days. Delayed retention test was performed on the third day. On a behavioral level, the root-mean-square error (RMSE) of the stability platform angle was calculated and used as outcome measure. On a neuromuscular level, EMG data from the tibialis anterior (TA) and the gastrocnemius medialis (GM) muscle were unilaterally recorded and analysed by calculating the integrated EMG (iEMG) and the EMG intensity (via continuous wavelet transforms). RESULTS Two days of practice resulted in significantly improved balance performance (i.e., lower RMSE) and TA/GM activation (i.e., reduced iEMG and EMG intensity) that was still present during the retention test on day 3. There was also evidence of practice-related changes in the EMG intensity pattern as indicated by an intensity shift from higher to lower frequency components. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that motor practice leads to improvements in movement effectiveness as indicated by reduced RMSE and in movement efficiency (i.e., decreased iEMG and EMG intensity, intensity shift). In addition to conventional amplitude-derived EMG parameters, modern, wavelet-based time-frequency EMG measures are appropriate to detect practice-related changes in muscle activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Brueckner
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Beat Göpfert
- Center of Biomechanics and Biocalorimetry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rainer Kiss
- Department of Health and Social Affairs, FHM Bielefeld - University of Applied Sciences, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Thomas Muehlbauer
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Muehlbauer T, Schwiertz G, Brueckner D, Kiss R, Panzer S. Limb Differences in Unipedal Balance Performance in Young Male Soccer Players with Different Ages. Sports (Basel) 2019; 7:sports7010020. [PMID: 30641997 PMCID: PMC6359298 DOI: 10.3390/sports7010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In soccer, the dominant leg is frequently used for passing and kicking while standing on the non-dominant leg. Consequently, postural control in the standing leg might be superior compared to the kicking leg and is further enhanced with increasing age (i.e., level of playing experience). Unfortunately, leg differences in postural control are associated with an increased risk of injuries. Thus, we examined differences between limbs in unipedal balance performance in young soccer players at different ages. Performance in the Lower Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-LQ) of the dominant and non-dominant leg and anthropometry was assessed in 76 young male soccer players (under-13 years [U13]: n = 19, U15: n = 14, U17: n = 21, U19: n = 22). Maximal reach distances (% leg length) and the composite scores were used for further analyses. Statistical analyses yielded no statistically significant main effects of leg or significant Leg × Age interactions, irrespective of the measure investigated. However, limb differences in the anterior reach direction were above the proposed cut-off value of >4 cm, which is indicative of increased injury risk. Further, statistically significant main effects of age were found for all investigated parameters, indicating larger reach distances in older (U19) compared to younger (U13) players (except for U15 players). Although reach differences between legs were non-significant, the value in the anterior reach direction was higher than the cut-off value of >4 cm in all age groups. This is indicative of an increased injury risk, and thus injury prevention programs should be part of the training of young soccer players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Muehlbauer
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany.
| | - Gerrit Schwiertz
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany.
| | - Dennis Brueckner
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany.
| | - Rainer Kiss
- Department of Health and Social Affairs, FHM Bielefeld-University of Applied Sciences, 33602 Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Stefan Panzer
- Institute of Sport Science, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
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Schwiertz G, Brueckner D, Schedler S, Kiss R, Muehlbauer T. Performance and reliability of the Lower Quarter Y Balance Test in healthy adolescents from grade 6 to 11. Gait Posture 2019; 67:142-146. [PMID: 30336348 DOI: 10.1016/j.gaitpost.2018.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Lower Quarter Y Balance Test (YBT-LQ) has been widely used in the field to assess dynamic balance performance in various populations. However, no study has demonstrated test-retest reliability of the YBT-LQ in adolescents including several age cohorts, even though reliability is necessary to provide repeatable performance data. OBJECTIVE Thus, we examined test-retest reliability of the YBT-LQ in healthy adolescents. METHODS In a school setting, 178 secondary school students (93 female, 85 male) in sixth to eleventh grades (11-19 years) performed the YBT-LQ twice, 7 days apart. Normalized maximal reach distances (% leg length) for all three directions (i.e., anterior, posterolateral, posteromedial) and both legs and the composite score were used as outcome measures. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,1) and standard error of measurement (SEM) were calculated to assess relative and absolute test-retest reliability, respectively. Practical relevance of the YBT-LQ was determined by calculating the minimal detectable change (MDC95%). RESULTS Irrespective of grade, test-retest reliability for all distances reached was predominately "excellent" (i.e., ICC3,1 > 0.75) and the rather small SEM values ranged from 1.77 to 5.81%. Depending on grade and reach direction, MDC values of 4.90 to 16.10% represent the minimum amount of change needed to identify clinically relevant effects in repeated measurements of the YBT-LQ performance. CONCLUSIONS The observed values suggest that the YBT-LQ is a reliable test and suitable to detect changes of dynamic balance performance in healthy adolescents from grade six to eleven (i.e., aged 11-19 years).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerrit Schwiertz
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dennis Brueckner
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Simon Schedler
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Rainer Kiss
- Department of Health and Social Affairs, FHM Bielefeld - University of Applied Sciences, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Thomas Muehlbauer
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
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Kiss R, Brueckner D, Muehlbauer T. Effects of Single Compared to Dual Task Practice on Learning a Dynamic Balance Task in Young Adults. Front Psychol 2018; 9:311. [PMID: 29593614 PMCID: PMC5857582 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In everyday life, people engage in situations involving the concurrent processing of motor (balance) and cognitive tasks (i.e., “dual task situations”) that result in performance declines in at least one of the given tasks. The concurrent practice of both the motor and cognitive task may counteract these performance decrements. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of single task (ST) compared to dual task (DT) practice on learning a dynamic balance task. Methods: Forty-eight young adults were randomly assigned to either a ST (i.e., motor or cognitive task training only) or a DT (i.e., motor-cognitive training) practice condition. The motor task required participants to stand on a platform and keeping the platform as close to horizontal as possible. In the cognitive task, participants were asked to recite serial subtractions of three. For 2 days, participants of the ST groups practiced the motor or cognitive task only, while the participants of the DT group concurrently performed both. Root-mean-square error (RMSE) for the motor and total number of correct calculations for the cognitive task were computed. Results: During practice, all groups improved their respective balance and/or cognitive task performance. With regard to the assessment of learning on day 3, we found significantly smaller RMSE values for the ST motor (d = 1.31) and the DT motor-cognitive (d = 0.76) practice group compared to the ST cognitive practice group but not between the ST motor and the DT motor-cognitive practice group under DT test condition. Further, we detected significantly larger total numbers of correct calculations under DT test condition for the ST cognitive (d = 2.19) and the DT motor-cognitive (d = 1.55) practice group compared to the ST motor practice group but not between the ST cognitive and the DT motor-cognitive practice group. Conclusion: We conclude that ST practice resulted in an effective modulation of the trained domain (i.e., motor or cognitive) while only DT practice resulted in an effective modulation of both domains (i.e., motor and cognitive). Thus, particularly DT practice frees up central resources that were used for an effective modulation of motor and cognitive processing mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Kiss
- Department of Health and Social Affairs, FHM Bielefeld, University of Applied Sciences, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Dennis Brueckner
- Division of Sports Medicine and Engineering, Hochschule Koblenz, University of Applied Sciences, Remagen, Germany.,Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Muehlbauer
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Brueckner D, Kiss R, Muehlbauer T. Associations Between Practice-Related Changes in Motor Performance and Muscle Activity in Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review. Sports Med Open 2018; 4:9. [PMID: 29423763 PMCID: PMC5805672 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-018-0123-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A well-learned motor skill is characterized by the efficient activation of muscles that are involved in movement execution. However, it is unclear if practice-related changes in motor performance correlate with those in quantitative markers of muscle activity and if so, whether the association is different with respect to the investigated muscle (i.e., agonist and antagonist) and quantitative myoelectric parameter. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and characterized associations between practice-related changes in motor performance and muscle activity in healthy individuals. METHODS A computerized systematic literature search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus up to September 2017 to capture all relevant articles. A systematic approach was applied to evaluate the 1670 articles identified for initial review. Studies were included only if they investigated healthy subjects aged 6 years and older and tested at least one measure of motor performance (e.g., error score, movement time) and quantitative muscle activity (i.e., amplitude domain: iEMG [integrated electromyography], RMS [root mean square]; time domain: duration of muscle activity, time to peak muscle activation). In total, 24 studies met the inclusionary criteria for review. The included studies were coded for the following criteria: age, learning task, practice modality, and investigated muscles (i.e., agonist and antagonist). Correlation coefficients for the relationship of motor performance changes with changes in electromyography (EMG) amplitude, and duration were extracted, transformed (i.e., Fisher's z-transformed rz value), aggregated (i.e., weighted mean rz value), and back-transformed to r values. To increase sample size, we additionally extracted pre and post practice data for motor performance and myoelectric variables and calculated percent change values as well as associations between both. Correlations were classified according to their magnitude (i.e., small r ≤ 0.69, medium r ≤ 0.89, large r ≥ 0.90). RESULTS Five studies reported correlation coefficients for the association between practice-related alterations in motor performance and EMG activity. We found small associations (range r = 0.015-0.50) of practice-related changes in motor performance with measures of agonist and antagonist EMG amplitude and duration. A secondary analysis (17 studies) that was based on the calculation of percent change values also revealed small correlations for changes in motor performance with agonist (r = - 0.25, 11 studies) and antagonist (r = - 0.24, 7 studies) EMG amplitude as well as agonist (r = 0.46, 8 studies) and antagonist (r = 0.29, 5 studies) EMG duration. CONCLUSIONS Our systematic review showed small-sized correlations between practice-related changes in motor performance and agonist and antagonist EMG amplitude and duration in healthy individuals. These findings indicate that practice-related changes can only partly be explained by quantitative myoelectric measures. Thus, future studies investigating biomechanical mechanisms of practice-related changes in motor performance should additionally include qualitative measures of muscle activity (e.g., timing of muscle activity, level of coactivation) and other biomechanical variables (i.e., kinetics, kinematics).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Brueckner
- Division of Sports Medicine and Engineering, Hochschule Koblenz-University of Applied Sciences, Remagen, Germany.,Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141, Essen, Germany
| | - Rainer Kiss
- Department of Health and Social Affairs, FHM Bielefeld-University of Applied Science, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Thomas Muehlbauer
- Division of Movement and Training Sciences/Biomechanics of Sport, University of Duisburg-Essen, Gladbecker Str. 182, 45141, Essen, Germany.
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Brueckner D, Krähenbühl S, Zuber U, Bonkat G, Braissant O. An alternative sterility assessment for parenteral drug products using isothermal microcalorimetry. J Appl Microbiol 2017; 123:773-779. [PMID: 28776899 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Production and release of injectable drug solutions are highly regulated since the administration of injectables bypasses natural body barriers. The sterility test is the last opportunity of product quality assessment. However, sterility is currently assessed by visual inspection (VI) that is time consuming and somewhat subjective. Therefore, we assessed isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC) as a replacement for the VI of the filtration based state-of-the-art sterility control. METHODS AND RESULTS We used ATCC strains and house isolates to artificially contaminate frequently produced monoclonal antibodies (Avastin, Mabthera, Herceptin). After filtration, growth was assessed with IMC. Growth of all micro-organisms was reliably and reproducibly detected 4 days after inoculation, which was significantly faster than with VI. CONCLUSIONS The reliability and the sensitivity of IMC have a large potential to improve sterility controls. Further evaluation of this alternative method is therefore highly recommended. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY Drug safety is of great concern for public health. Faster and safer drug production could be achieved using the technique described here. All the tests were performed with real manufactured drugs and complied with pharmaceutical standards. This suggests that drug sterility testing can be improved with potentially increased safety and cost reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Brueckner
- Center of Biomechanics and Biocalorimetry, University of Basel, Allschwil, Switzerland.,Sterile Drug Product Manufacturing, F. Hoffmann - La Roche Ltd, Kaiseraugst, Switzerland
| | - S Krähenbühl
- Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, Universitätsspital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - U Zuber
- Sterile Drug Product Manufacturing, F. Hoffmann - La Roche Ltd, Kaiseraugst, Switzerland
| | | | - O Braissant
- Center of Biomechanics and Biocalorimetry, University of Basel, Allschwil, Switzerland.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Basel, Allschwil, Switzerland
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