Effects of an aerobic physical training program on psychosocial characteristics, quality-of-life, symptoms and exhaled nitric oxide in individuals with moderate or severe persistent asthma

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o papel de um programa de condicionamento físico aeróbio nos aspectos psicossociais, qualidade de vida, sintomas e óxido nítrico exalado (NOe) de adultos com asma persistente moderada ou grave. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Vinte pacientes foram divididos aleatoriamente em Grupo Controle (GC, n= 10; programa de educação e exercícios respiratórios) e Grupo Treinado (GT, n= 10; programa de educação e exercícios respiratórios mais condicionamento aeróbio, 70% potência máxima obtida). A intervenção aconteceu duas vezes por semana durante três meses. Antes e após, foram avaliados a capacidade aeróbia máxima, a função pulmonar, a dispnéia ao esforço, os níveis de ansiedade e depressão e a qualidade de vida. Mensalmente, eram avaliados o NOe em repouso e o número de dias livres de sintomas. RESULTADOS: Apenas o GT apresentou redução dos sintomas (GT 24,8 [IC95%= 23-27] versus GC 15,7 [IC95%= 9-21] dias livres de sintomas, p< 0,05), dos níveis de NOe (GT 25,8 [IC95%= 15,3-44] versus GC 44,3 [IC95%= 24-60] ppb, p< 0,05), da ansiedade (GT 39,3 [IC95%= 37-50] versus GC 40,9 [IC95%= 37-50] escore, p< 0,001) e da depressão (GT 6,6 [IC95%= 1-21] versus GC 9 [IC95%= 1-20] escore, p< 0,001), melhora da qualidade de vida (GT 42,8 [IC95%= 34,3-71,7] versus GC 69,7 [IC95%= 45,1-87,9] %, p< 0,001), e incremento da aptidão aeróbia (GT 25,7 [IC95%= 16,2-31,3] versus GC 20,5 [IC95%= 17,3-24,1] mL/kg/min, p< 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem que o treinamento físico reduz o NOe, os sintomas e melhora a qualidade de vida e os aspectos psicossociais de adultos com asma persistente moderada ou grave.OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of an aerobic physical training program on psychosocial characteristics, quality of life, symptoms and exhaled nitric oxide of adults with moderate or severe persistent asthma. METHODS: Twenty patients were randomly assigned to a Control Group (CG, n= 10, education program and respiratory exercises) and a Trained Group (TG, n= 10, education program and respiratory exercises plus aerobic training at 70% of the maximum power obtained). The intervention took place twice a week for three months. Maximum aerobic capacity, pulmonary function, effort dyspnea, anxiety levels, depression levels and quality of life were assessed before and after the treatment. Exhaled nitric oxide at rest and the number of days without asthma symptoms were evaluated every month. RESULTS: The TG presented increased numbers of symptom-free days (TG 24.8 days [95%CI= 23-27] versus CG 15.7 days [95%CI= 9-21]; p< 0.05), decreased exhaled nitric oxide levels (TG 25.8 ppb [95%CI= 15.3-44.0] versus CG 44.3 ppb [95%CI= 24-60]; p< 0.05), decreased anxiety scores (TG 39.3 [95%CI= 37-50] versus CG 40.9 [95%CI= 37-50]; p< 0.001), decreased depression scores (TG 6.6 [95%CI= 1-21] versus CG 9 [95%CI= 1-20]; p< 0.001), improved quality of life (TG 42.8% [95%CI= 34.3-71.7] versus CG 69.6% [95%CI= 45.1-87.9]; p< 0.001) and improved aerobic aptitude (TG 25.7 mL/kg/min [95%CI= 6.2-31.3] versus CG 20.5 mL/kg/min [95%CI= 17.3-24.1]; p< 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that physical training reduces exhaled nitric oxide and symptoms and improves the quality of life and psychosocial characteristics of adults with moderate or severe persistent asthma.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa (CNPq

Is Users’ Trust during Automated Driving Different When Using an Ambient Light HMI, Compared to an Auditory HMI?

The aim of this study was to compare the success of two different Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) in attracting drivers’ attention when they were engaged in a Non-Driving-Related Task (NDRT) during SAE Level 3 driving. We also assessed the value of each on drivers’ perceived safety and trust. A driving simulator experiment was used to investigate drivers’ response to a non-safety-critical transition of control and five cut-in events (one hard; deceleration of 2.4 m/s2, and 4 subtle; deceleration of ~1.16 m/s2) over the course of the automated drive. The experiment used two types of HMI to trigger a takeover request (TOR): one Light-band display that flashed whenever the drivers needed to takeover control; and one auditory warning. Results showed that drivers’ levels of trust in automation were similar for both HMI conditions, in all scenarios, except during a hard cut-in event. Regarding the HMI’s capabilities to support a takeover process, the study found no differences in drivers’ takeover performance or overall gaze distribution. However, with the Light-band HMI, drivers were more likely to focus their attention to the road centre first after a takeover request. Although a high proportion of glances towards the dashboard of the vehicle was seen for both HMIs during the takeover process, the value of these ambient lighting signals for conveying automation status and takeover messages may be useful to help drivers direct their visual attention to the most suitable area after a takeover, such as the forward roadway

Twenty-four weeks of β-alanine supplementation on carnosine content, related genes, and exercise

Introduction: Skeletal muscle carnosine content can be increased through [beta]-alanine supplementation, but the maximum increase achievable with supplementation is unknown. No study has investigated the effects of prolonged supplementation on carnosine-related genes or exercise capacity. Purpose: To investigate the effects of 24-weeks of [beta]-alanine supplementation on muscle carnosine content, gene expression and high-intensity cycling capacity (CCT110%). Methods: Twenty-five active males were supplemented with 6.4 g[middle dot]day-1 of sustained release [beta]-alanine (BA) or placebo (PL) over a 24-week period. Every 4 weeks participants provided a muscle biopsy and performed the CCT110%. Biopsies were analysed for muscle carnosine content and gene expression (CARNS, TauT, ABAT, CNDP2, PHT1, PEPT2 and PAT1). Results: Carnosine content was increased from baseline at every time point in BA (all P<0.0001; Week 4: +11.37+/-7.03 mmol[middle dot]kg-1dm, Week 8: +13.88+/-7.84 mmol[middle dot]kg-1dm, Week 12: +16.95+/-8.54 mmol[middle dot]kg-1dm, Week 16: +17.63+/-8.42 mmol[middle dot]kg-1dm, Week 20: +21.20+/-7.86 mmol[middle dot]kg-1dm, Week 24: +20.15+/-7.63 mmol[middle dot]kg-1dm), but not PL (all P=1.00). Maximal changes were +25.66+/-7.63 mmol[middle dot]kg-1dm (range: +17.13 to +41.32 mmol[middle dot]kg-1dm), and absolute maximal content was 48.03+/-8.97 mmol[middle dot]kg-1dm (range: 31.79 to 63.92 mmol[middle dot]kg-1dm). There was an effect of supplement (P=0.002) on TauT; no further differences in gene expression were shown. Exercise capacity was improved in BA (P=0.05) with possible to almost certain improvements across all weeks. Conclusions: Twenty-four weeks of [beta]-alanine supplementation increased muscle carnosine content and improved high-intensity cycling capacity. Downregulation of TauT suggests it plays an important role in muscle carnosine accumulation with [beta]-alanine supplementation, while the variability in changes in muscle carnosine content between individuals suggests that other determinants other than the availability of [beta]-alanine may also bear a major influence on muscle carnosine content

Clustering and forecasting of dissolved oxygen concentration on a river basin

The aim of this contribution is to combine statistical methodologies to geographically classify homogeneous groups of water quality monitoring sites based on similarities in the temporal dynamics of the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration, in order to obtain accurate forecasts of this quality variable. Our methodology intends to classify the water quality monitoring sites into spatial homogeneous groups, based on the DO concentration, which has been selected and considered relevant to characterize the water quality. We apply clustering techniques based on Kullback Information, measures that are obtained in the state space modelling process. For each homogeneous group of water quality monitoring sites we model the DO concentration using linear and state space models, which incorporate tendency and seasonality components in different ways. Both approaches are compared by the mean squared error (MSE) of forecasts

Antimicrobial lubricant formulations containing poly(hydroxybenzene)-trimethoprim conjugates synthesized by tyrosinase

Poly(hydroxybenzene)-trimethoprim conjugates were prepared using methylparaben as substrate of the oxida- tive enzyme tyrosinase. MALDI-TOF MS analysis showed that the enzymatic oxidation of methylparaben alone leads to the poly(hydroxybenzene) formation. In the presence of tri- methoprim, the methylparaben tyrosinase oxidation leads poly(hydroxybenzene)-trimethoprim conjugates. All of these compounds were incorporated into lubricant hydroxyethyl cellulose/glycerol mixtures. Poly(hydroxybenzene)-trimetho- prim conjugates were the most effective phenolic structures against the bacterial growth reducing by 96 and 97 % of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis suspen- sions, respectively (after 24 h). A novel enzymatic strategy to produce antimicrobial poly(hydroxybenzene)-antibiotic conjugates is proposed here for a wide range of applications on the biomedical field.The authors Idalina Gonçalves and Cláudia Botelho would like to acknowledge the NOVO project (FP7-HEALTH- 2011.2.3.1- 5) for funding. Loïc Hilliou acknowledges the financial support by FCT – Foundation for Science and Technology, Portugal (501100001871), through Grant PEst-C/CTM/LA0025/2013 - Strategic Project - LA 25 - 2013–2014, and by Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (ON.2) through the project BMatepro – Optimizing Materials and Processes^, with reference NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000037 FEDER COMPETE

Euphol, a tetracyclic triterpene, from Euphorbia tirucalli induces autophagy and sensitizes temozolomide cytotoxicity on glioblastoma cells

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most frequent and aggressive type of brain tumor. There are limited therapeutic options for GBM so that new and effective agents are urgently needed. Euphol is a tetracyclic triterpene alcohol, and it is the main constituent of the sap of the medicinal plant Euphorbia tirucalli. We previously identified anti-cancer activity in euphol based on the cytotoxicity screening of 73 human cancer cells. We now expand the toxicological screening of the inhibitory effect and bioactivity of euphol using two additional glioma primary cultures. Euphol exposure showed similar cytotoxicity against primary glioma cultures compared to commercial glioma cells. Euphol has concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines, with more than a five-fold difference in the IC50 values in some cell lines. Euphol treatment had a higher selective cytotoxicity index (0.64-3.36) than temozolomide (0.11-1.13) and reduced both proliferation and cell motility. However, no effect was found on cell cycle distribution, invasion and colony formation. Importantly, the expression of the autophagy-associated protein LC3-II and acidic vesicular organelle formation were markedly increased, with Bafilomycin A1 potentiating cytotoxicity. Finally, euphol also exhibited antitumoral and antiangiogenic activity in vivo, using the chicken chorioallantoic membrane assay, with synergistic temozolomide interactions in most cell lines. In conclusion, euphol exerted in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity against glioma cells, through several cancer pathways, including the activation of autophagy-associated cell death. These findings provide experimental support for further development of euphol as a novel therapeutic agent for GBM, either alone or in combination chemotherapy.The work was supported by the Amazonia Fitomedicamentos (FITO05/2012) Ltda. and Barretos Cancer Hospital, all from Brazil

Ethnicity and Cutaneous Melanoma in the City of Sao Paulo, Brazil: A Case-Control Study

Background: Over the last century the incidence of cutaneous melanoma has increased worldwide, a trend that has also been observed in Brazil. The identified risk factors for melanoma include the pattern of sun exposure, family history, and certain phenotypic features. In addition, the incidence of melanoma might be influenced by ethnicity. Like many countries, Brazil has high immigration rates and consequently a heterogenous population. However, Brazil is unique among such countries in that the ethnic heterogeneity of its population is primarily attributable to admixture. This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of European ethnicity to the risk of cutaneous melanoma in Brazil. Methodology/Principal Findings: We carried out a hospital-based case-control study in the metropolitan area of Sao Paulo, Brazil. We evaluated 424 hospitalized patients (202 melanoma patients and 222 control patients) regarding phenotypic features, sun exposure, and number of grandparents born in Europe. Through multivariate logistic regression analysis, we found the following variables to be independently associated with melanoma: grandparents born in Europe-Spain (OR = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.03-8.77), Italy (OR = 3.47, 95% CI: 1.41-8.57), a Germanic/Slavic country (OR = 3.06, 95% CI: 1.05-8.93), or &gt;= 2 European countries (OR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.06-7.47); eye color-light brown (OR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.14-3.84) and green/blue (OR = 4.62; 95% CI 2.22-9.58); pigmented lesion removal (OR = 3.78; 95% CI: 2.21-6.49); no lifetime sunscreen use (OR = 3.08; 95% CI: 1.03-9.22); and lifetime severe sunburn (OR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.03-3.19). Conclusions: Our results indicate that European ancestry is a risk factor for cutaneous melanoma. Such risk appears to be related not only to skin type, eye color, and tanning capacity but also to others specific characteristics of European populations introduced in the New World by European immigrants.Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo - FAPESP [06-52041-9, 5-56069-2]Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico - Brasil (National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development - Brazil) - CNPq [478239/03-3]Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico Brasil (National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development Brazil) CNP