Waist circumference as the predominant contributor to the micro-inflammatory response in the metabolic syndrome: a cross sectional study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with the presence of low grade inflammation. Our aim was to analyze the inter-relations between each of the components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and four inflammatory markers, namely high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the concentration of fibrinogen and the white blood cell count.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We have analyzed data collected between September 2002 and June 2009 in the Tel-Aviv medical center inflammation survey (TAMCIS). We recruited both apparently healthy individuals and individuals presenting with atherothrombotic risk factors. All participants were enrolled during their routine annual health check-up and gave their written informed consent. This is a cross sectional study in which we have fitted linear regression models using inflammatory markers as the dependant variables and adjust them according to the different components of the MetS and multiple other confounders.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Included were 12,072 individuals of whom there were 7,760 men at a mean (S.D.) age of 44 (11) years, and 4,312 women aged 44 (11) years. A significant correlation was noted between most components of the MetS and all inflammatory markers, the most significant one being with hs-CRP. In the multi-adjusted regression analysis, waist was the factor that best explained the variability of hs-CRP, in both women and men. It also remained a significant variable for the other inflammatory markers.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>From amongst the various components of the MetS, waist circumference appears to exert the most influence upon the presence and intensity of the micro-inflammatory response.</p

Dynamic Graphical Signage Improves Response Time and Decreases Negative Attitudes towards Robots in Human-Robot Co-working

Collaborative robots, or ‘co-bots’, are a transformational technology that bridge traditionally segregated manual and automated manufacturing processes. However, to realize its full potential, human operators need confidence in robotic co-worker technologies and their capabilities. In this experiment we investigate the impact of screen-based dynamic instructional signage on 39 participants from a manufacturing assembly line. The results provide evidence that dynamic signage helps to improve response time for the experimental group with task-relevant signage compared to the control group with no signage. Furthermore, the experimental group’s negative attitudes towards robots decreased significantly with increasing accuracy on the task

Anomalous Features of EMT during Keratinocyte Transformation

During the evolution of epithelial cancers, cells often lose their characteristic features and acquire a mesenchymal phenotype, in a process known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In the present study we followed early stages of keratinocyte transformation by HPV16, and observed diverse cellular changes, associated with EMT. We compared primary keratinocytes with early and late passages of HF1 cells, a cell line of HPV16-transformed keratinocytes. We have previously shown that during the progression from the normal cells to early HF1 cells, immortalization is acquired, while in the progression to late HF1, cells become anchorage independent. We show here that during the transition from the normal state to late HF1 cells, there is a progressive reduction in cytokeratin expression, desmosome formation, adherens junctions and focal adhesions, ultimately leading to poorly adhesive phenotype, which is associated with anchorage-independence. Surprisingly, unlike “conventional EMT”, these changes are associated with reduced Rac1-dependent cell migration. We monitored reduced Rac1-dependent migration also in the cervical cancer cell line SiHa. Therefore we can conclude that up to the stage of tumor formation migratory activity is eliminated

Ergonomic guidelines for traffic sign design increase sign comprehension

Objective: This research directly tests the relationship between comprehension probability of highway signs and the extent to which they comply with three ergonomic principles of design: sign-content compatibility, familiarity, and standardization. Background: A recent study that evaluated comprehension of traffic signs in four different countries showed that comprehension level varies widely and is apparently related to the extent that the sign’s design incorporates ergonomic guidelines for good design (D. Shinar, R. E. Dewar, H. Summala, &amp; L. Zakowska 2003). Method: Participants were presented with 30 signs and asked to describe each sign’s meaning. They then evaluated each sign in terms of each of three ergonomic principles. In addition, a group of human factors/ergonomics experts evaluated each sign on its standardization and compatibility. Results: There were high correlations between the ratings of the students and the ratings of the experts on compatibility (rho =.94) and on standardization (rho =.84), validating the use of the students ’ evaluations of the signs on these variables. There was a great variability in signs ’ comprehension and high and statistically significant correlations between the comprehension level of each sign and the extent to which it complied with compatibility (R =.76), familiarity (R =.89), and standardization (R =.88) principles. Conclusions: The more signs conform to universal ergonomic principles of good design, the more likely they are to be comprehended by drivers of different cultural backgrounds. Application: Sign design should be guided by established ergonomics principles to enhance comprehension, especially for drivers who have not had any prior encounters with specific signs

Expert evaluation of traffic signs:conventional vs. alternative designs

Traffic sign comprehension is significantly affected by their compliance with ergonomics design principles. Despite the UN Convention, designs vary among countries. The goal of this study was to establish theoretical and methodological bases for evaluating the design of conventional and alternative signs. Thirty-one conventional signs and 1-3 alternatives for each conventional sign were evaluated for their compliance with three ergonomics guidelines for sign design: physical and conceptual compatibility, familiarity, and standardization. Twenty-seven human factors and ergonomics experts from ten countries evaluated the signs relative to their compliance with the guidelines. Analysis of variance across alternatives revealed that for 19 of the 31 signs, an alternative design received a significantly higher rating in its ergonomics design than the conventional sign with the same meaning. We also found a very high correlation between the experts' ratings and comprehension from previous studies. In conclusion, many countries use signs for which better alternative designs exist, and therefore UN Convention signs should be re-examined, and ergonomics experts evaluation can serve as a good surrogate for road users' comprehension surveys