SUMMARYWe generated a knockout mouse for the neuronalspecific β-tubulin isoform Tubb3 to investigate its role in nervous system formation and maintenance. Tubb3−/− mice have no detectable neurobehavioral or neuropathological deficits, and upregulation of mRNA and protein of the remaining β-tubulin isotypes results in equivalent total b-tubulin levels in Tubb3−/− and wild-type mice. Despite similar levels of total β-tubulin, adult dorsal root ganglia lacking TUBB3 have decreased growth cone microtubule dynamics and a decreased neurite outgrowth rate of 22% in vitro and in vivo. The effect of the 22% slower growth rate is exacerbated for sensory recovery, where fibers must reinnervate the full volume of the skin to recover touch function. Overall, these data reveal that, while TUBB3 is not required for formation of the nervous system, it has a specific role in the rate of peripheral axon regeneration that cannot be replaced by other β-tubulins.

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Because dyspnoea is seldom experienced by healthy people, it can be hard for clinicians and researchers to comprehend the patient’s experience. We collected patients’ descriptions of dyspnoea in their own words during a parent study in which 156 hospitalised patients completed a quantitative multidimensional dyspnoea questionnaire. These volunteered comments describe the severity and wide range of experiences associated with dyspnoea and its impacts on a patients’ life. They provide insights not conveyed by structured rating scales. We organised these comments into the most prominent themes, which included sensory experiences, emotional responses, self-blame and precipitating events. Patients often mentioned air hunger (‘Not being able to get air is the worst thing that could ever happen to you.’), anxiety, and fear (‘Scared. I thought the world was going to end, like in a box.’). Their value in patient care is suggested by one subject’s comment: ‘They should have doctors experience these symptoms, especially dyspnoea, so they understand what patients are going through.’ Patients’ own words can help to bridge this gap of understanding.

Sheridan, A, Marchant, DC, Williams, EL, Jones, HS, Hewitt, PA, and Sparks, SA. Presence of spotters improves bench press performance: a deception study. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2017-Resistance exercise is a widely used method of physical training in both recreational exercise and athletic populations. The use of training partners and spotters during resistance exercise is widespread, but little is known about the effect of the presence of these individuals on exercise performance. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of spotter presence on bench press performance. Twelve recreationally trained participants (age, 21.3 ± 0.8 years, height, 1.82 ± 0.1 m, and weight, 84.8 ± 11.1 kg) performed 2 trials of 3 sets to failure at 60% of 1 repetition maximum on separate occasions. The 2 trials consisted of spotters being explicitly present or hidden from view (deception). During the trials, total repetitions (reps), total weight lifted, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), and self-efficacy were measured. Total reps and weight lifted were significantly greater with spotters (difference = 4.5 reps, t = 5.68, p < 0.001 and difference = 209.6 kg, t = 5.65, p < 0.001, respectively). Although RPE and local RPE were significantly elevated in the deception trials (difference = 0.78, f = 6.16, p = 0.030 and difference = 0.81, f = 5.89, p = 0.034, respectively), self-efficacy was significantly reduced (difference = 1.58, f = 26.90, p < 0.001). This study demonstrates that resistance exercise is improved by the presence of spotters, which is facilitated by reduced RPE and increased self-efficacy. This has important implications for athletes and clients, who should perform resistance exercise in the proximity of others, to maximize total work performed.

A number of compounds are described which are highly selective chromogenic reagents for cations of biological importance including Li+, Na+, K+, and Ca2+. These reagents are based upon phenolic cryptands with an azophenol chromophore incorporated into their structures, metal complexation is accompanied by deprotonation of the phenolic group and a substantial change in the wavelength of maximum light absorption. The cryptand structures are generally prepared by a novel synthetic route involving reaction of a diaza crown ether with 2,6-bisbromomethylanisole although in one case, for K+ selection, a bridged calix[4]arene is used. Two of the new phenolic cryptands are also highly sensitive reagents for Pb2+. A further variation in the structure to give a phenolic cryptand analogous to the well known solvatochromic Reichardt's dye reagent provides a reagent which is highly selective for Na+ and a response that depends upon solvent polarity.

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Review question / Objective: The current review aims to describe the literature on the relationship between local sleep and attentional lapses in neurotypical children or children with ADHD and how this can be applied to inform our understanding of poor attention under conditions of low arousal and increased sleep pressure. The main/primary question is, what is known from the existing literature about the relationship between local sleep and attentional lapses in children? In answering this primary question, we also want to know under what conditions is local sleep occurring? For example, does local sleep occur more frequently with increased fatigue? Eligibility criteria: All papers identified must meet the following criteria for inclusion: the population is neurotypical children and children with ADHD aged between 6 and 12 years of age, published in English, full text available (where full-text is not available, authors will be contacted to request a copy of the paper). All time frames, types of sources (e.g. qualitative or quantitative research studies), geographic locations, cultural and sociodemographic contexts will be included. Review papers (i.e. systematic reviews, meta-analyses), papers with animal studies and clinical cohorts other than ADHD (e.g. autism, sleep disorders, acquired brain injuries etc.) will be excluded. As local sleep is defined as occurring during wakefulness, studies with participants who are asleep will also be excluded.

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