Influencia de la actividad físico – deportiva y la intención de ser físicamente activos en universitarios de la facultad de educación de la UEX

The current study analyse the physical activity and  sport registered and the intention of being physically active in the future in a sample of university students from the first level of the bachelor of primary education at the faculty of education (Badajoz) by sex. We have started with these variables due to a high percentage of adolescents that do not meet the recommendations of physical activity, showing a high prevalence of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior, prioritising another tasks or personal, academic or laboral activities. That study has been done under the quantitative paradigm with an associative, descriptive, comparative and cross strategy using the MIFAU questionnaire plus an ad-hoc questionnaire to know the participant’s sociodemographic information. The sample was integrated by 170 participants (64.7% female and 35.3% male). Women showed less weekly physical activity in comparison with men with an intermediate effect size (U=2271.5; p smaller than 0.05; d=0.532) and the same if we compare that variable with the intention of being physically active in the future with a higher effect size (U=1754; p smaller than 0.05; d=0.828).La presente investigación analiza la cantidad de actividad físico - deportiva realizada y la intención de ser físicamente activo en el futuro, en una muestra de estudiantes universitarios del primer curso del Grado en Educación Primaria de la Facultad de Educación (Badajoz) en función del sexo. Hemos incidido en estas variables ya que existe un elevado porcentaje de adolescentes que no se mantienen suficientemente activos en su día a día, mostrando una alta prevalencia hacia la inactividad física y el comportamiento sedentario, priorizando en este sentido otras tareas o acciones personales, académicas o laborales. Dicho trabajo se ha realizado dentro del paradigma cuantitativo con una estrategia asociativa, descriptiva, comparativa y transversal utilizando el cuestionario MIFAU junto con un cuestionario Ad-hoc para conocer las variables sociodemográficas de los participantes. La muestra estaba formada por 170 sujetos (64,7% mujeres y 35,3% hombres). Los resultados más significativos en cuanto a la variable sexo revelan que las mujeres realizan menos actividad físico- deportiva a la semana que los hombres, cuyo tamaño del efecto es intermedio (U=2271,5, p menor que .05; d = .532), al igual que si comparamos dicha variable con la intención de ser físicamente activos en el futuro, en el que su tamaño del efecto es fuerte (U=1754, p menor que .05; d = .828)

Incidence Of Periventricular/intraventricular Hemorrhage In Very Low Birth Weight Infants: A 15-year Cohort Study.

To assess the incidence of periventricular/intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH) in very low birth rate neonates. This was a prospective cohort study conducted on a sample of very low birth weight infants over a 15-year period. Neonates who did not undergo cerebral ultrasonography, had malformations affecting the central nervous system, or died within the first 24 hours of life were excluded. Ultrasonography was performed through the anterior fontanelle using an Aloka® 620 scanner with a 5 mHz probe, between days 1 and 3 of life, at 7 days, and at 28 days (or at discharge). Incidence was analyzed by means of the chi-square test for trend or Cochran-Armitage test and through a simple linear regression model with a logarithmic trendline as the output. For assessment of potential associated factors, a variety of obstetric, perinatal, and neonatal data collected between 1991-1994 and 2002-2005 were analyzed, using the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests for statistical analysis. The significance level was set at 5%. Of 1,777 very low birth weight infants born during the study period, 1,381 (77.7%) were examined. Of these, 289 (20.9%) had PIVH. The yearly distribution of cases showed a progressive decline in incidence, from 50.9% in 1991 to 11.9% in 2005 (p < 0.0001). The incidence of PIVH decreased across all weight ranges as well as at grades I/II and III/IV. Significant differences in antenatal corticosteroid use, gender (male), weight (< 1,000 g), hyaline membrane disease, mechanical ventilation, administration of surfactant, patent ductus arteriosus, and sepsis were found. The incidence of PIVH in very low birth weight infants declined significantly during the study period.87505-1

Gene therapy with Angiotensin-(1-9) preserves left ventricular systolic function after myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND: Angiotensin-(1-9) [Ang-(1-9)] is a novel peptide of the counter-regulatory axis of the renin angiotensin system previously demonstrated to have therapeutic potential in hypertensive cardiomyopathy when administered via osmotic minipump in mice. Here, we investigate whether gene transfer of Ang-(1-9) is cardioprotective in a murine model of myocardial infarction (MI). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate effects of Ang-(1-9) gene therapy on myocardial structural and functional remodeling post infarction. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice underwent permanent left anterior descending coronary artery ligation and cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography for 8 weeks followed by a terminal measurement of left ventricular (LV) pressure-volume loops. Ang-(1-9) was delivered by adeno-associated viral vector via single tail vein injection immediately following induction of MI. Direct effects of Ang-(1-9) on cardiomyocyte excitation–contraction coupling and cardiac contraction were evaluated in isolated mouse and human cardiomyocytes and in an ex vivo Langendorff perfused whole heart model. RESULTS: Gene delivery of Ang-(1-9) significantly reduced sudden cardiac death post-MI. Pressure–volume measurements revealed complete restoration of end systolic pressure, ejection fraction, end systolic volume and the end diastolic pressure–volume relationship by Ang-(1-9) treatment. Stroke volume and cardiac output were significantly increased versus sham. Histological analysis revealed only mild effects on cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, but a significant increase in scar thickness. Direct assessment of Ang-(1-9) on isolated cardiomyocytes demonstrated a positive inotropic effect via increasing calcium transient amplitude and increasing contractility. Ang-(1-9) increased contraction in the Langendorff model through a protein kinase A-dependent mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: Our novel findings show that Ang-(1-9) gene therapy preserves LV systolic function post-MI, restoring cardiac function. Furthermore, Ang-(1-9) has a direct effect on cardiomyocyte 3 calcium handling through a protein kinase A-dependent mechanism. These data highlight Ang-(1-9) gene therapy as a potential new strategy in the context of MI

Frequency response of IPMC actuators: physical characterization and identification for control

[Abstract] Ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) actuators have promising applications in robotics and medicine in a not distance future, which will require a big knowledge in different fields, such as, manufacturing, material characterization and control theory. In this paper, frequency response of several IPMC actuators, cut from the same bulk IPMC sheet with a micro laser etching machine, is analyzed. Specifically, the objective is to 1) characterize each actuator, i.e., determine how cutting affects to the parameters of the physical model of this kind of actuators, and 2) identify a model for each actuator for control purposes. The frequency responses have been obtained experimentally in LabVIEW by attaching a couple of gold electrodes to each IPMC unit and measuring the tip deection by means of a laser distance meter.[Resumen] Los actuadores de compuesto de polímero metálico iónico (IPMC) tienen aplicaciones prometedoras en robótica y medicina en un futuro no lejano, lo que requerirá un gran conocimiento en diferentes campos, como la fabricación, la caracterización de materiales y la teoría de control. En este documento, se analiza la respuesta de frecuencia de varios actuadores IPMC, cortados de la misma hoja de IPMC a granel con una máquina de grabado por láser micro. Específicamente, el objetivo es 1) caracterizar cada actuador, es decir, determinar cómo afecta el corte a los parámetros del modelo físico de este tipo de actuadores, y 2) identificar un modelo para cada actuador con fines de control. Las respuestas de frecuencia se han obtenido experimentalmente en LabVIEW al conectar un par de electrodos de oro a cada unidad IPMC y medir la división de la punta por medio de un medidor de distancia láser.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad; DPI2016-80547-

Safety of etanercept in the treatment of rheumatic disease patients with Hepatitis C virus infection

info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Incidence of periventricular/intraventricular hemorrhage in very low birth weight infants: a 15-year cohort study

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of periventricular/intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH) in very low birth rate neonates. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study conducted on a sample of very low birth weight infants over a 15-year period. Neonates who did not undergo cerebral ultrasonography, had malformations affecting the central nervous system, or died within the first 24 hours of life were excluded. Ultrasonography was performed through the anterior fontanelle using an Aloka® 620 scanner with a 5 mHz probe, between days 1 and 3 of life, at 7 days, and at 28 days (or at discharge). Incidence was analyzed by means of the chi-square test for trend or Cochran-Armitage test and through a simple linear regression model with a logarithmic trendline as the output. For assessment of potential associated factors, a variety of obstetric, perinatal, and neonatal data collected between 1991-1994 and 2002-2005 were analyzed, using the chi-square and Fisher's exact tests for statistical analysis. The significance level was set at 5%. RESULTS: Of 1,777 very low birth weight infants born during the study period, 1,381 (77.7%) were examined. Of these, 289 (20.9%) had PIVH. The yearly distribution of cases showed a progressive decline in incidence, from 50.9% in 1991 to 11.9% in 2005 (p < 0.0001). The incidence of PIVH decreased across all weight ranges as well as at grades I/II and III/IV. Significant differences in antenatal corticosteroid use, gender (male), weight (< 1,000 g), hyaline membrane disease, mechanical ventilation, administration of surfactant, patent ductus arteriosus, and sepsis were found. CONCLUSION: The incidence of PIVH in very low birth weight infants declined significantly during the study period.OBJETIVO: Avaliar a incidência da hemorragia peri-intraventricular (HPIV) em recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo de coorte prospectiva de recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso ao longo de 15 anos. Excluíram-se aqueles sem avaliação por ultrassonografia cerebral, com má-formação do sistema nervoso central ou falecidos antes de 24 horas de vida. Os exames foram realizados através da fontanela anterior, utilizando-se ecógrafo Aloka® 620 e transdutor de 5 mHz, entre o primeiro e o terceiro dia de vida, e também no sétimo e no 28º dia de vida e/ou na alta hospitalar. A incidência foi analisada pelo teste de qui-quadrado de tendência ou pelo Cochran-Armitage test, e pelo modelo de regressão linear simples (curva de tendência logarítmica). Para avaliação dos possíveis fatores associados, analisaram-se dados obstétricos, perinatais e neonatais nos períodos de 1991/1994 e 2002/2005, com cálculo do teste de qui-quadrado / Fisher e do risco relativo. O nível de significância foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Nasceram 1.777 crianças de muito baixo peso, e 1.381 (77,7%) foram avaliadas. Dessas, 289 (20,9%) apresentaram HPIV. A distribuição anual mostrou queda na incidência, de 50,9% em 1991 para 11,9% em 2005 (p < 0,0001). A HPIV apresentou queda em todas as faixas de peso e nos grupos com grau I/II e III/IV. Observaram-se diferenças relacionadas a uso de esteroide antenatal, sexo masculino, peso < 1.000 g, doenças de membranas hialinas, ventilação mecânica, uso de surfactante, canal arterial e sepse. CONCLUSÃO: Houve queda significativa na incidência da doença em recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso ao nascer durante o período analisado.50551

Measurements of CFTR-Mediated Cl- Secretion in Human Rectal Biopsies Constitute a Robust Biomarker for Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosis and Prognosis

BACKGROUND: Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is caused by ∼1,900 mutations in the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene encoding for a cAMP-regulated chloride (Cl(-)) channel expressed in several epithelia. Clinical features are dominated by respiratory symptoms, but there is variable organ involvement thus causing diagnostic dilemmas, especially for non-classic cases. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To further establish measurement of CFTR function as a sensitive and robust biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of CF, we herein assessed cholinergic and cAMP-CFTR-mediated Cl(-) secretion in 524 freshly excised rectal biopsies from 118 individuals, including patients with confirmed CF clinical diagnosis (n=51), individuals with clinical CF suspicion (n=49) and age-matched non-CF controls (n=18). Conclusive measurements were obtained for 96% of cases. Patients with "Classic CF", presenting earlier onset of symptoms, pancreatic insufficiency, severe lung disease and low Shwachman-Kulczycki scores were found to lack CFTR-mediated Cl(-) secretion (<5%). Individuals with milder CF disease presented residual CFTR-mediated Cl(-) secretion (10-57%) and non-CF controls show CFTR-mediated Cl(-) secretion ≥ 30-35% and data evidenced good correlations with various clinical parameters. Finally, comparison of these values with those in "CF suspicion" individuals allowed to confirm CF in 16/49 individuals (33%) and exclude it in 28/49 (57%). Statistical discriminant analyses showed that colonic measurements of CFTR-mediated Cl(-) secretion are the best discriminator among Classic/Non-Classic CF and non-CF groups. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Determination of CFTR-mediated Cl(-) secretion in rectal biopsies is demonstrated here to be a sensitive, reproducible and robust predictive biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of CF. The method also has very high potential for (pre-)clinical trials of CFTR-modulator therapies.This work was supported by grants TargetScreen2 (EU/FP6/LSH/2005/037365), PIC/IC/83103/2007; PTDC/MAT/118335/2010; PEstOE/BIA/UI4046/2011 (to BioFIG) and PEstOE/MAT/UI0006/2011 (to CEAUL) from FCT (Portugal); and FAPESP (SPRF, Brazil), CNPq (40.8924/2006/3, Brazil) and Mukoviszidose e.V. S02/10 (Germany). MS and IU are recipients of SFRH/BD/35936/2007 and SFRH/BD/69180/2010 PhD fellowships (FCT, Portugal), respectively. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript

Portuguese recommendations for the use of biological therapies in patients with psoriatic arthritis - 2015 update

OBJECTIVE: To update recommendationsforthe treatment of psoriatic arthritis with biological therapies, endorsed by the Portuguese Society of Rheumatology (SPR). METHODS: These treatment recommendations were formulated by Portuguese rheumatologists based on literature evidence and consensus opinion. At a national meeting the 16 recommendations included in this document were discussed and updated. The level of agreement among Portuguese Rheumatologists was assessed using an online survey. A draft of the full text of the recommendations was then circulated and suggestions were incorporated. A final version was again circulated before publication. RESULTS: A consensus was achieved regarding the initiation, assessment of response and switching biological therapies in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Specific recommendations were developed for several disease domains: peripheral arthritis, axial disease, enthesitis and dactylitis. CONCLUSION: These recommendations may be used for guidance in deciding which patients with PsA should be treated with biological therapies. They cover a rapidly evolving area oftherapeutic intervention.Asmore evidence becomes available and more biological therapies are licensed, these recommendations will have to be updated

Níveis e padrões de actividade física de crianças e jovens de Calanga: da simples descrição à sua relevância em termos funcionais

A actividade física habitual (AF) é um comportamento associado ao estado de saúde dos sujeitos de qualquer idade. Os níveis de AF das populações de países africanos num estado de transição económica são pouco conhecidos. O propósito central deste capítulo foi o estudar de níveis de AF de crianças e adolescentes de uma comunidade rural de Moçambique (Calanga). A AF física foi avaliada recorrendo ao monitor de AF Actigraph modelo 7164 e a um questionário com questões acerca do modo e frequência de AF