Coffee has been reported to improve aerobic exercise performance, but its effects on anaerobic performance are not well studied. Roasting affects coffee chemistry, both destroying and creating compounds that impact flavor and may also affect exercise performance. PURPOSE: This double-blind crossover study investigated the impact of coffee roast level on grip strength and countermovement jump (CMJ) height in human test subjects. METHODS: Baseline performance was assessed in ten subjects using a digital hand dynamometer for grip strength and a force plate for CMJ. Subjects then repeated each test on five separate days after green coffee, light, medium, and dark roast coffee (brewed at 55 g ground coffee per liter of water), and water control treatments were consumed thirty minutes before each trial. RESULTS: Coffee samples were tested for caffeine and chlorogenic acid (3CQA) content. Caffeine results were: green 68.54 ± 0.15 mg, light 91.58 ± 0.26 mg, medium 87.96 ± 0.40 mg, dark roast 78.90 ± 0.27 mg. 3CQA results were: green 114.70 ± 1.40 mg, light 113.65 ± 0.05 mg, medium 81.18 ± 0.65 mg, dark roast 19.31 ± 0.05 mg. Grip strength results were: baseline 42.81 ± 12.24 kg, control 43.06 ± 11.14 kg, green coffee 43.39 ± 10.61 kg, light roast 43.13 ± 10.46 kg, medium roast 43.11 ± 10.32 kg, and dark roast 44.25 ± 12.00 kg. CMJ height results were: baseline 20.73 ± 8.12 cm, control 22.33 ± 8.71 cm, green coffee 18.60 ± 8.51 cm, light roast 21.84 ± 10.20 cm, medium roast 21.98 ± 9.85 cm, and dark roast 19.20 ± 7.80 cm. While average grip strength values were numerically higher in coffee-treated subjects than for baseline, a one-way ANOVA determined there were no significant (p < 0.05) differences among treatment groups for grip strength or CMJ height. CONCLUSIONS: This study did not yield enough evidence to corroborate coffee consumption or roast level having a significant impacts on anaerobic performance. Future studies should include more participants and more measures to determine if preexercise coffee intake impacts anaerobic performance.

Individuals with Long COVID experience a variety of symptoms (cardiopulmonary, neurological, musculoskeletal, and psychological) for 12 weeks or more after being infected with COVID-19. Preliminary evidence suggests exercise to be beneficial in alleviating Long COVID symptoms. PURPOSE: To determine if a progressive therapeutic exercise program can improve the symptoms and quality of life in persons with Long COVID. METHODS: Twelve participants (9 females, 3 males), 49 ± 4 years old, completed this investigation. Before and after the intervention participants were assessed for 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), 5-times sit to stand (5XSTS), gait speed, grip strength, perceived quality of life (SF-12), and general fatigue (visual analog fatigue scale, VAFS). Participants then completed a progressive, individualized exercise program (~8 weeks) designed to improve cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and endurance. Heart rate, blood pressure, O2 saturation, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were regularly monitored during aerobic exercise. Progression of exercise intensity and duration was based on symptom response to exercise. Paired t-tests were used to evaluate changes in outcome measures following the intervention. RESULTS: As a result of the individualized progressive exercise program, there was a significant change in 6MWD (Pre = 463 ± 16 m, Post = 535 ± 15 m, p < 0.001), physical (Pre = 45..5 ± 2.5, Post = 51.1 ± 2.0; p < 0.001), mental (Pre = 44.8 ± 2.4, Post = 52.9 ± 1.9; p < 0.001), and vitality (Pre = 38.5 ± 2.7, Post = 50.8 ± 2.8; p = 0.002) component scores of the SF-12, 5TSTS (Pre = 11.1 ± 1.0 s, Post = 9.1 ± 0.9 s; p = 0.003), grip strength (Pre = 72.3 ± 4.2 lbs, Post = 76.0 ± 4.3 lbs; p = 0.024), gait speed (Pre = 3.28 ± 0.11 m.sec-1, Post = 3.01 ± 0.15 m.sec-1; p = 0.006), and VAFS (Pre = 5.0 ± 0.5, Post = 2.8 ± 0.5; p < 0.001). Post-exercise malaise was not seen in any of our participants. CONCLUSIONS: Participants responded positively to the progressive exercise program demonstrated by significant improvements in walking speed and distance, strength, perceived fatigue, and perceived quality of life. The results of this investigation indicate that people with Long COVID symptoms can be positively impacted by an individualized progressive exercise program.

Coffee has been shown to improve aerobic exercise performance. The impact of coffee on activities that require muscular power, like jumping, is unclear. Roasting affects coffee chemistry, both destroying and creating compounds that impact flavor and may also affect exercise performance. PURPOSE: To investigate if coffee roast level impacts force-related parameters during counter movement jump in healthy young adults. METHODS: Ten healthy young adults performed three trials of counter movement jumps on force platforms. Data were collected at 1000 Hz. Subjects repeated the tests on five separate days after consumption of green, light, medium, and dark roast coffees (brewed at 55 g ground coffee per liter of water), as well as a no coffee control. All treatments were consumed thirty minutes before each trial. Treatments were applied in a randomized counterbalanced fashion. Data were processed to extract ground-reaction force variables in each of the five phases of the counter-movement jump: unweighing phase, eccentric phase, concentric phase, flight phase and landing phase. Mean and coefficient of variation of force-parameters were analyzed using 1-way ANOVA. RESULTS: No significant differences were found. Relative impulse during eccentric phase were light roast: 3.1 (.76), medium roast: 3.26 (1.05), dark roast: 3.44 (1.11), green coffee: 3.09 (0.66), and control: 3.19 (3.68). Relative impulse during concentric phase were light roast: 5.77 (.43), medium roast: 5.59 (0.80), dark roast: 5.37 (1.16), green coffee: 5.66 (0.51), and control: 5.55 (0.52). Peak power were light roast: 2272.87 (1269.02), medium roast: 2312.70 (1163.80), dark roast: 2016.76 (1043.65), green coffee: 1980.52 (999.03), and control: 2204.75 (1135.99). Modified reactive strength were light roast: 2.27 (.65), medium roast: 2.14 (0.68), dark roast: 2.14 (.50), green coffee: 2.32 (0.49), and control: 2.23 (0.52). CONCLUSIONS: Coffee roast level did not impact force related parameters during the counter movement jump. The procedures used in this investigation may not have been effective at manipulating the bioactive compounds within the body that are theorized to improve physical performance. Future investigations should document changes in these bioactive compounds to confirm that coffee roast level does not impact muscular power.

More than 75% of youth don’t meet the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity/day, and therefore meet criteria for exercise deficit disorder. COVID 19 has exacerbated the incidence of sedentary behaviors in children. Previous research establishes that inactivity in children leads to a myriad of health issues across the life span. The Pediatric Inactivity Triad (PIT) describes the negative impact of inactivity in youth. It encompasses measures of exercise deficit disorder, muscular dynapenia, and lack of physical literacy. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationships between race, gender, and socioeconomic status and the incidence of PIT. A secondary purpose was to determine the impact of the COVID lockdown on sedentary behavior. METHODS: Fifty children (31 males and 19 females; Mean age = 9.9 + 1.1 years) were recruited from afterschool programs. Parents gave consent and completed a questionnaire to determine their child’s activity pre and during COVID, socioeconomic status, and their child’s gender and racial identity. Children completed a series of physical evaluations and questionnaires. Questionnaires assessed physical activity (Evaluation of Physical Activity in Youth: EASY), physical self-efficacy (PLAYself) and self-esteem (Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale). Physical evaluations included; muscular strength and power (hand grip, vertical leap), physical literacy (Physical Literacy Assessment for Youth: PLAYbasic), and anthropometrics (BMI, waist circumference). RESULTS: 44% of participants were white, 28% black, with the final 28% from a variety of other races. 38% of children came from households with moderate/ high risk of poverty. Hours spent in sedentary behavior increased with COVID (Pre hour/day = 10.33 + 4.62 hrs; During = 18.3 + 6.88 hrs). 30% of participants were identified with poor physical literacy, with 86% of these also lacking physical self-efficacy. 44% of participants were considered to be dynapenic, with 36% meeting criteria for exercise deficit disorder. 8% of participants met all criteria for PIT. CONCLUSION: The amount of sedentary behavior during COVID-19 increased and could perpetuate a sedentary lifestyle. Sedentary behavior appears pervasive among children and was exacerbated by COVID-19.

Careful preservation of experimental data, simulations, analysis products, and theoretical work maximizes their long-term scientific return on investment by enabling new analyses and reinterpretation of the results in the future. Key infrastructure and technical developments needed for some high-value science targets are not in scope for the operations program of the large experiments and are often not effectively funded. Increasingly, the science goals of our projects require contributions that span the boundaries between individual experiments and surveys, and between the theoretical and experimental communities. Furthermore, the computational requirements and technical sophistication of this work is increasing. As a result, it is imperative that the funding agencies create programs that can devote significant resources to these efforts outside of the context of the operations of individual major experiments, including smaller experiments and theory/simulation work. In this Snowmass 2021 Computational Frontier topical group report (CompF7: Reinterpretation and long-term preservation of data and code), we summarize the current state of the field and make recommendations for the future.

Bitter-tasting oral stimulants can produce an ergogenic effect during power activities in younger, athletic populations. It has been proposed that this response may be mediated by enhanced excitability of the motor cortex by stimulation of taste receptors in the mouth. PURPOSE: To determine the effects of a bitter-tasting quinine solution on performance and brain activity during the 5 time sit to stand test (5TSTS). METHODS: 10 healthy young adults (10 female) (Age 22-31 years) were provided 4 bitter quinine solutions immediately prior (20 s) to 5TSTS. Brain activity was monitored during each trial using a 128-channel EGI Geodesic EEG system 400. 5TSTS time and trunk lean angle were measured using wearable sensors. The four solutions provided were placebo (PLAC), 80 ppm quinine (Qlow). 320 ppm quinine (Qmid), and 640 ppm quinine (Qhigh). Researchers and participants were blinded to the solutions and trials were applied in randomized, counterbalanced fashion. RESULTS: Perceived bitterness was different across the treatments (PLAC = 0.3 ± 0.1, Qlow = 2.8 ± 0.5, Qmid = 4.8 ± 0.7, Qhigh = 6.1 ± 0.7) (p = 0.001). 5TSTS time was faster in Qhigh(7.55 ± 0.39 s) compared to PLAC (8.06 ± 0.37 s) (p = 0.02), but was similar to Qlow (7.95 ± 0.32 s) and Qmid (7.87 ± 0.38 s). No differences across treatments existed with lean angle. Electrical activity in the motor cortex was also not changed by quinine consumption. Beta frequency power was greater during Qhigh(7.58 ± 1.21 μV2, p = 0.03) and Qmid (9.25 ± 2.05 μV2, p = 0.01) compared to PLAC (5.08 ± 0.91 μV2) in the premotor cortex. CONCLUSION: Bitter solutions may be effective in improving functional performance during 5TSTS in young healthy adults by altering brain activity in the premotor cortex.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States. It is also the leading cause of cancer death among men and the second leading cause of cancer death among women worldwide. Adults undergoing cancer treatments have reduced quality of life (QoL) measures because of their disease. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the physical effects of cancer treatments and improve QoL. Few studies have been done to show if exercise improves QoL measures specifically in lung cancer populations. PURPOSE: To examine if a 4-week exercise intervention protocol improved QoL measures in lung cancer survivors. METHODS: Eight adult lung cancer survivors participated in the virtual program with one participant withdrawing after the first intervention session. Preceding the initial meeting on Zoom, the participants received questionnaires both online and via mail to be filled out before the pre-assessment. Questionnaires included FES-I for fear of falling, FACT-L, FACT-Cog for QoL, STAI for anxiety, CES-D for depression assessment. Following the initial assessment, exercise interventions were prescribed every week for the next four weeks including partial squats, sit to stands, standing marches, and hip 3-ways. A post-assessment was performed after four weeks using same measures as above. A paired samples T-test was conducted. RESULTS: The FACT-L, which examines functional activity level, and QoL outcomes of lung cancer survivors showed a significant improvement (Pre, 105.94 ± 19.42; Post, 112.50 ± 20.32; P = 0.034). The other outcome measures FES-I (Pre, 30.43 ± 10.10; Post, 25.43 ± 5.65; P = 0.079), FACT-Cog (Pre, 84.86 ± 20.70; Post, 92.44 ± 21.40; P = 0.125), STAI (Pre, 36 ± 12.5; Post, 31.57 ± 10.87; P = 0.184), CES-D (Pre, 30 ± 11.76; Post, 26.71 ± 8.63; P = 0.147) showed no significant change. CONCLUSION: A 4-week exercise intervention impacted QoL but did not affect other psychosocial factors like anxiety, depression and fear of falling in lung cancer survivors even though there was a trend towards improvement in those factors. More participants would be needed to better generalize the results to lung cancer survivors.

The generational changes in screen-time play vs outdoor play have affected modern youth, resulting in a low percentage of youth receiving the recommended 60 minutes per day of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Lack of physical activity in children is considered a predictive risk factor for health complications later in life and is also linked to lower levels of self-esteem and body satisfaction. The Pediatric Inactivity Triad (PIT) has recently been proposed as a more wholistic way to examine the relationship between physical inactivity and impaired health in children. Physical inactivity, dynapenia, and physical literacy are believed to be the primary determinants of PIT. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation is to examine the efficacy of PIT to identify relationships between inactivity and negative outcomes in children. METHODS: Children (N = 93; 55 males, 38 females) were recruited from local elementary schools. Handgrip strength and standing vertical leap were used to assess pediatric dynapenia. Physical literacy was assessed using the Physical Literacy Assessment of Youth (PLAYbasic) score that evaluates four motor abilities (locomotor, throwing, kicking, balance). The Evaluation of Activity Survey in Youth (EASY) questionnaire was used to assess physical inactivity. Body image perception was assessed via a measure of self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, SE) and a subset of children also completed the Social Physique Anxiety Scale for Children (SPAS-C) (N = 32), a more specific measure of body image perception. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were also recorded. RESULTS: 62% of participants showed a deficit in at least 1 determinant of PIT, with 10% showing deficits in all determinants. 21% of participants were deficient in physical literacy and 33% of participants were considered to be inactive. A positive correlation was found between BMI and SPAS-C (r = 0.379, p = 0.039). No significant correlations were found between the PIT and SE; however, a negative correlation was found between SPAS-C and the composite PLAYbasic score (r = -0.413; p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Potential negative outcomes related to inactivity can be identified by assessing the determinants of PIT. However, the relationship between PIT and body image perception requires further investigation.

As individuals age, their ability to complete strenuous activities, such as stair climbing and rising from a chair, decrease. Bitter solutions, like caffeine and quinine, are proposed to stimulate receptors in the oral cavity and upper gastrointestinal tract. These receptors can then affect the emotional and behavioral readiness and produce ergogenic effects. These solutions may aid in increasing functional outcomes for older adults when applied in rehabilitation. PURPOSE: To assess and compare the effects of bitter caffeine solution mouthwashes on functional performance of older adults. METHODS: 16 healthy older adults (mean age = 67 years) were provided one of four bitter mouthwash solutions and then were tasked to complete a trial of Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG), Five Times Sit to Stand (5xSTS), and grip strength (GS) measured via hand dynamometry. A perceived outcome ranking form was filled upon completion of all trials. The four solutions provided were Decaf instant coffee in water + Low Caffeine (0.01%), Decaf instant coffee in water + High Caffeine (0.05%), Decaf Control = Decaf instant coffee in water, Color Control = Water and color. Decaf coffee was chosen for its ability to be masked. A one-way ANOVA was used to analyze the data collected. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between High Caffeine, Low Caffeine, Decaf Control or Color Control solutions for TUG and 5xSTS time or GS (Table 1; all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Bitter solutions may not be effective in improving functional performance in older adults. Lack of significant findings could be due to 1) inappropriately low dosages of caffeine to produce an ergogenic effect 2) caffeine is not as effective quinine in stimulating oral receptors in the mouth 3) decreased chemosensitivity and oral receptor function due to age related changes. Further research is needed to assess the effects of bitter solution mouthwashes in older adults as a way to effect acutely change performance measures.Table 1: Mean (SD) of Functional measures

PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation is to examine the impact of acute aerobic exercise of varying intensities on cue reactivity to alcohol in heavy alcohol users. METHODS: Fourteen participants (6 males, 8 female) (Age = 18-23), completed 3 experimental sessions. Heavy alcohol use was identified using an adapted version of the CAGE questionnaire. During one session subjects rested (REST) for 30 minutes and during the other two sessions subjects exercised for 30 minutes at a moderate or vigorous exercise intensity. Prior to and immediately following each session, EEG data were while subjects were exposed to 210 images (90 alcoholic drinks (ALC), 90 non-alcoholic drinks (NON), 30 control images). Images were presented in a random order and proceeded by a fixation stimulus using a variable time span (0.5 to 1.5 sec). Adaptive mean amplitude for P300 (210-240 ms post stimulus) and late positive potential (LPP) (400-600 ms post stimulus) were calculated in parietal-occipital electrodes. RESULTS: The P300 response to ALC increased from pre to post in both REST (pre = 2.80 ± 0.58 μV, post = 3.65 ± 0.39 μV; p = 0.001) and VIG (pre = 2.82 ± 0.36 μV; post = 3.36 ± 0.43 μV, p = 0.023) conditions. In comparison, the P300 response to ALC decreased in the MOD (pre = 2.93 ± 0.33 μV; post = 1.66 ± 0.0.35 μV, p = 0.002) condition. The LPP to ALC was much greater after REST (Pre = 0.82 ± 0.35 μV, Post = 1.86 ± 0.48 μV; p = 0.001) than after MOD (Pre = 0.87 ± 0.26 μV, Post = -0.07 ± 0.26 μV; p = 0.001) and VIG (Pre = 0.97 ± 0.22 μV, Post = -0.85 ± 0.43 μV; p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in reaction time from pre to post for REST (Pre Rest: 457.84 ± 10.20 msec, Post Rest: 458.84 ± 14.95 msec) with significant difference from pre to post in both MOD (Pre = 472.70 ± 15.36 msec, Post = 434.31 ± 33.96 msec: p = 0.001) and VIG (Pre = 472.70 ± 15.36 msec, Post = 451.42 ± 15.93 msec; p = 0.03). ALC craving was less for MOD (3.6 ± 0.7) and VIG (2.6.1 ± 0.6) compared to REST (6.1 ± 0.7) (p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the impact of exercise on cue reactivity to images of alcohol in heavy alcohol users is related to exercise intensity. Specifically, it appears that moderate intensity exercise has a greater benefit than vigorous exercise, while both intensities decrease self-reported cravings.

We present large-scale structure catalogues from the completed extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (eBOSS). Derived from Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) IV Data Release 16 (DR16), these catalogues provide the data samples, corrected for observational systematics, and random positions sampling the survey selection function. Combined, they allow large-scale clustering measurements suitable for testing cosmological models. We describe the methods used to create these catalogues for the eBOSS DR16 Luminous Red Galaxy (LRG) and Quasar samples. The quasar catalogue contains 343 708 redshifts with 0.8 < z < 2.2 over 4808 deg 2 . We combine 174 816 eBOSS LRG redshifts over 4242 deg 2 in the redshift interval 0.6 < z < 1.0 with SDSS-III BOSS LRGs in the same redshift range to produce a combined sample of 377 458 galaxy redshifts distributed over 9493 deg 2 . Improved algorithms for estimating redshifts allow that 98 per cent of LRG observations result in a successful redshift, with less than one per cent catastrophic failures (Δz > 1000 km s −1 ). For quasars, these rates are 95 and 2 per cent (with Δz > 3000 km s −1 ). We apply corrections for trends between the number densities of our samples and the properties of the imaging and spectroscopic data. For example, the quasar catalogue obtains a χ 2 /DoF = 776/10 for a null test against imaging depth before corrections and a χ 2 /DoF= 6/8 after. The catalogues, combined with careful consideration of the details of their construction found here-in, allow companion papers to present cosmological results with negligible impact from observational systematic uncertainties.

Quantifying the decoding difficulty (i.e., ‘decodability’) of text is important for accurately matching young readers to appropriate text and scaffolding reading development. Since no easily accessible, quantitative, word-level metric of decodability exists, we developed a decoding measure (DM) that can be calculated via a web-based scoring application that takes into account sub-lexical components (e.g. orthographic complexity), thus measuring decodability at the grapheme-phoneme level, which can be used to judge decodability of individual words or passages. Here we report three experiments using the DM: two predicting children’s word-level errors and one predicting passage reading fluency. Generalized linear mixed effect models showed that metrics from the DM explained unique variance in children’s oral reading miscues after controlling for word frequency in two samples of children (experiments 1 and 2), and that more errors were made on words with higher DM scores for poor readers. Furthermore, the DM metrics predicted children’s number of words read correctly per minute after accounting for estimated Lexile passage scores in a third sample (experiment 3). These results show that after controlling for word frequency (experiments 1 and 2) and estimated Lexile scores (experiment 3) the model including the DM metrics was significantly better in predicting children’s word reading fluency both for individual words and passages. While further refinement of this DM measure is ongoing, it appears to be a promising new measure of decodability at both the word and passage level. The measure also provides the opportunity to enable precision teaching techniques, as grapheme-phoneme correspondence profiles unique to each child could facilitate individualized instruction, and text.

In the pivotal trial (n=1020), 44% of patients had significant (moderate to severe) MR at baseline and 8.8% (90/1020) had undergone a prior or concomitant mitral valve procedure. In patients with no surgical mitral valve correction, overall rates of significant residual MR (irrespective of baseline MR) at each follow-up visit are shown in Figure 1. Of those patients with significant MR at baseline, 28% had persistent significant residual MR during study follow-up. In this group, HM3 patients experienced a lower frequency of significant residual MR (24%) than HMII patients (33%, p=0.05). Survival, right heart failure, and freedom from all-cause readmissions were not significantly different between patients with and without significant residual MR. Endpoints will also be validated in the CAP cohort and in patients with concomitant mitral valve correction. (Funded by Abbott).

Physical exercise has been shown to reduce craving for alcohol in alcoholics. There is a high prevalence of heavy alcohol use in college-aged adults (18-29 years of age). This can be predictive of an alcohol or other substance use disorder developing later in life. Acute exercise alters cue reactivity to addictive substances but it is unknown if the magnitude of change in cue reactivity is impacted by exercise intensity. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation is to examine the impact of acute aerobic exercise of varying intensities on cue reactivity to alcohol in heavy alcohol users. METHODS: Nine participants (8 females, 1 male) (Age = 21.5+0.5 years, BMI=23.9+01.1, VO2Max=32.25+1.06 ml.kg-1.min-1) completed 3 experimental sessions. Heavy alcohol use was identified using an adapted version of the CAGE questionnaire. During one session subjects rested (REST) for 30 minutes and during the other two sessions subjects exercised for 30 minutes at a moderate (MOD: 53+7% of Peak HR) or vigorous (VIG: 76+2% of Peak HR) exercise intensity. Sessions were randomized for each participant. Prior to and immediately following each session, EEG data were collected using a 64-channel system while subjects were exposed to 210 images (90 alcoholic drinks (ALC), 90 non-alcoholic drinks (NON), 30 control images). Images were presented in a random order and proceeded by a fixation stimulus using a variable time span (0.5 to 1.5 sec). Adaptive mean amplitude for P300 (210-240 ms post stimulus) and mean amplitude for the late positive potential (LPP) (400-600 ms post stimulus) were calculated in parietal-occipital electrodes. RESULTS: The P300 response to ALC increased from pre to post in both REST (pre=2.69±0.72 μV, post=3.41±0.52 μV; p=0.002) and VIG (pre=1.62±0.40 μV; post=2.95±0.51 μV, p<0.001) conditions. In comparison, the P300 response to ALC decreased in the MOD (pre=1.31±0.29 μV; post=0.66±0.32 μV, p<0.001) condition. The LPP to ALC was much greater after REST (2.55±0.69 μV) than after MOD (-0.10±0.32 μV; p<0.001) and VIG (0.73±0.78 μV; p=0.003). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the impact of exercise on cue reactivity to images of alcohol in heavy alcohol users is dependent on exercise intensity. Specifically, it appears that moderate intensity exercise has a greater benefit than vigorous exercise.

Physical exercise has been shown to reduce craving for alcohol in alcoholics. There is a high prevalence of heavy episodic drinking in college-aged adults (18-29 years of age). This can be predictive of an alcohol or other substance use disorder developing later in life. PURPOSE: The purpose of this investigation is to examine the impact of acute aerobic exercise on cue reactivity to alcohol in heavy episodic drinkers. METHODS: Seven participants (6 females, 1 male) (Age = 20+0.44 years, BMI=22.6+0.59, VO2Max=32.014+2.14 ml.kg-1.min-1) completed 2 experimental sessions. Heavy episodic drinking was identified using an adapted version of the CAGE questionnaire. During one session subjects rested for 30 minutes and during the other session subjects exercised for 30 minutes at a moderate exercise intensity (77+1% of Peak HR). Sessions were randomized for each participant. Prior to and immediately following each session, EEG data were collected using a 64-channel system while subjects were exposed to 180 images (90 alcoholic drinks (ALC), 90 non-alcoholic drinks (NON)). Images were presented in a random order and proceeded by a fixation stimulus using a variable time span (0.5 to 1.5 sec). Mean amplitude and peak latency was calculated for P300 (300-380 ms post stimulus) in parietal-occipital electrodes. RESULTS: Before exercise, subjects had a greater response (p=0.002) to ALC (1.85±0.20 μV) as compared to NON (1.47±0.21 μV). After exercise the response to ALC (1.62±0.37 μV) was similar to that seen for NON (1.72±0.31 μV). Before exercise the peak latency was shorter (p=0.025) for ALC (325±32 ms) compared to NON (366±25 ms). After exercise, the peak latency was similar for ALC (313±26 ms) and NON (323±27 ms). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that acute aerobic exercise of moderate intensity attenuates cue reactivity to images of alcoholic beverages in heavy episodic drinkers.

LIVER TRANSPLANTATION (LT) currently remains the only definitive treatment option for patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD). Cardiac failure and circulatory collapse remain significant contributors to perioperative morbidity and mortality as the hyperdynamic circulatory state, decreased vascular tone, and large perioperative volume shifts impose significant demands on cardiac function and contribute to the severity of perioperative hemodynamic stress. Therefore, preoperative evaluation of LT candidates is geared toward an aggressive diagnosis and management of any associated reserve-limiting cardiac comorbidities, 1 Martin P. DiMartini A. Feng S. et al. Evaluation for liver transplantation in adults: 2013 practice guideline by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the American Society of Transplantation. Hepatology. 2014; 59: 1144-1165 Crossref PubMed Scopus (410) Google Scholar , 2 Safadi A. Homsi M. Maskoun W. et al. Perioperative risk predictors of cardiac outcomes in patients undergoing liver transplantation surgery. Circulation. 2009; 120: 1189-1194 Crossref PubMed Scopus (112) Google Scholar , 3 Ripoll C. Yotti R. Bermejo J. et al. The heart in liver transplantation. J Hepatol. 2011; 54: 810-822 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (59) Google Scholar , 4 Raval Z. Harinstein M.E. Skaro A.I. et al. Cardiovascular risk assessment of the liver transplant candidate. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011; 58: 223-231 Crossref PubMed Scopus (153) Google Scholar and the presence of overt heart failure may preclude LT. 5 Joshi D. Willars C. Bernal W. et al. Cardiovascular risk assessment of liver transplantation candidates. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011; 58: 2700-2701 Google Scholar On the other hand, cardiac pathology treatment options are limited in these patients due to extremely poor tolerance of surgical interventions. 6 Filsoufi F. Salzberg S.P. Rahmanian P.B. et al. Early and late outcome of cardiac surgery in patients with liver cirrhosis. Liver Transpl. 2007; 13: 990-995 Crossref PubMed Scopus (130) Google Scholar , 7 Thielmann M. Mechmet A. Neuhäuser M. et al. Risk prediction and outcomes in patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing open-heart surgery. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2010; 38: 592-599 Crossref PubMed Scopus (55) Google Scholar , 8 Modi A. Vohra H.A. Barlow C.W. Do patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing cardiac surgery have acceptable outcomes?. Interact Cardiovasc Thorac Surg. 2010; 11: 630-634 Crossref PubMed Scopus (72) Google Scholar , 9 Diaz G.C. Renz J.F. Cardiac surgery in patients with end-stage liver disease. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth. 2014; 28: 155-162 Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (17) Google Scholar Therefore, combined cardiac surgery and LT have been cautiously explored as a possible option for patients with ESLD for whom life-saving LT may have otherwise been denied due to a correctable cardiac pathology. 10 Giakoustidis A. Cherian T.P. Antoniadis N. et al. Combined cardiac surgery and liver transplantation: Three decades of worldwide results. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis. 2011; 20: 415-421 PubMed Google Scholar