Distribution and determinants of sedentary lifestyles in the European Union

Background Many studies have shown the health burden of a sedentary lifestyle. The main goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles in the 15 Member States of the European Union (EU) and to identify the main correlates of a sedentary lifestyle. Methods Nationally representative samples (n ≈ 1000 subjects in each country; >15 years) completed a questionnaire concerning attitudes to physical activity, body weight, and health; in total 15 239 subjects. Sedentary people were defined in two ways: (1) those expending less than 10% of their leisure time expenditure in activities involving ≥4 metabolic equivalents (MET). (2) Those who did not practice any leisure-time physical activity and who also were above the median in the number of hours spent sitting down during leisure time. Logistic regression models were fitted to analyse the association between sedentary lifestyles and gender, age, body mass index (BMI), educational level, weight change in the last 6 months, and marital and smoking status. Results Percentages of sedentary lifestyles across European countries ranged between 43.3% (Sweden) and 87.8% (Portugal) according to the first definition. According to both definitions, a lower prevalence of sedentary lifestyle was found in Northern countries (especially Scandinavian countries) as compared with Mediterranean countries, whereas the prevalence was higher among older, obese, less educated, widowed/divorced individuals, and current smokers. Similar relative differences between countries and socio-demographic groups were found independently of the method used to define a sedentary lifestyle. Conclusion Prevalence of sedentary lifestyle in the EU is high, especially among inhabitants of some Mediterranean countries, obese subjects, less-educated people, and current smokers. This high prevalence involves important public health burdens and preventive strategies are urgently needed

Prevalence of physical activity during leisure time in the European Union

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of physical activity during leisure time in adults from the 15 member states of the European Union and the relationship with sociodemographic variables. METHODS: A representative sample, with approximately 1000 adults, aged 15 and upward, was selected from each member state to complete a questionnaire on attitudes to physical activity, body weight, and health by a face-to-face interview, summing a total of 15,239 subjects. The amount of leisure-time physical activity was quantified by assigning metabolic equivalents (METs) to each activity. Multiple linear regression models with MET-h.wk(-1) as the dependent variable were fitted. RESULTS: Northern European countries showed higher levels of physical activity than southern ones. The highest prevalence (91.9%) was found in Finland, and the lowest (40.7%) in Portugal. A higher percentage of men practiced any leisure-time physical activity and also showed higher mean of MET-h.wk(-1). In both genders, the multivariate models showed a significant trend to higher leisure time activity in participants with higher educational levels and in nonsmokers. Also, an inverse association between body mass index and leisure-time physical activity was found. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of any physical activity during leisure time in the adult European population was similar to the U.S. estimates. Nevertheless, the amount of activity is low, and a wide disparity between countries exists. To our knowledge, this is the first study determining the prevalence and amount of leisure-time physical activity, which is the first step to define strategies to persuade populations to increase their physical activity

Boundary condition model for the simulation of organic solar cells

(c) 2017. This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1566119917302434Organic solar cells (OSCs) are promising photovoltaic devices to convert solar energy into electrical energy. Their many advantages such as lightweight, flexibility and low manufacturing costs are intrinsic to the organic/polymeric technology. However, because the performance of OSCs is still not competitive with inorganic solar cells, there is urgent need to improve the device performance using better designs, technologies and models. In this work, we focus on the developing an accurate physics-based model that relates the charge carrier density at the metal-organic boundaries with the current density in OSCs using our previous studies on single-carrier and bipolar diodes. The model for the boundary condition of the charge carrier density at the interfaces of OSCs follows a power-law function with the current density, both in dark and under illumination, and simulated current-voltage characteristics are verified with experimental results. The numerical simulations of the current-voltage characteristics of OSCs consider well-established models for the main physical and optical processes that take place in the device: light absorption and generation of excitons, dissociation of excitons into free charge carriers, charge transport, recombination and injection-extraction of free carriers. Our analysis provides important insights on the influence of the metal-organic interfaces on the overall performance of OSCs. The model is also used to explain the anomalous S-shape current-voltage curves found in some experimental data.This work was supported by Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia under research Grant FPU12/02712 and MINECO/FEDER under research Project MAT2016-76892-C3-3-R, and the Canada Research Chair program, NSERC ResEau strategic network and the NCE IC-IMPACTS

Rol de sCD40L en la predicción de súper-respuesta a la terapia de resincronización cardiaca

Background. The aim of this paper is to analyze the role of the biomarkers Interleukin 6, Tumoral Necrosis Factor α, sCD40L, high sensitive Troponin T, high sensitive C-Reactive Protein and Galectin-3 in predicting super response (SR) to Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy (CRT), as they have not been studied in this field before. Methods. Clinical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic data was obtained preimplant and after one year. SR was defined as reduction in LVESV ≥ 30% at one year follow-up. Blood samples were extracted preimplant. Multivariate logistic regression and ROC curves were performed. Results. 50 patients were included, 23 (46%) were SR. Characteristics related to SR were: female (35 vs. 11%, p=0.04), suffering from less ischemic cardiomyopathy (13 vs. 63%, p<0.0001) and lateral (0 vs. 18%, p=0.03), inferior (4 vs. 33%, p=0.01) and posterior infarction (0 vs. 22%, p=0.01); absence of mitral regurgitation (47% vs. 22%, p=0.04), wider QRS width (157.7±22.9 vs. 140.8±19.2ms, p=0.01), higher concentrations of sCD40L (6.9±5.1 vs. 4.4±3.3 ng/mL, p=0.02), and left ventricular lead more frequent in lateral medial position (69 vs. 26%, p=0.002). QRS width, lateral medial position of the lead and absence of mitral regurgitation were independent predictors of SR. sCD40L showed a moderate direct correlation with SR (r=0.39, p=0.02) and with the reduction of LVESV (r=0.44, p=0.02). Conclusion. sCD40L correlates significantly with SR to CRT. QRS width, absence of mitral regurgitation and lateral medial position of the lead are independent predictors of SR in this cohort.Fundamento. Analizar los biomarcadores Interleuquina 6, factor de necrosis tumoral α, sCD40L, troponina T hipersensible, proteína C-reactiva hipersensible y galectina-3 en la predicción de súper-respuesta (SR) a la terapia de resincronización cardiaca (TRC), ya que no han sido valorados con anterioridad. Material y métodos. Se recopilaron datos clínicos, electrocardiográficos y ecocardiográficos preimplante y al año. Se definió SR como disminución del VTSVI ≥ 30% al año de seguimiento. Las muestras sanguíneas fueron extraídas preimplante. Se realizó regresión logística multivariante y curvas ROC. Resultados. Se incluyeron 50 pacientes, 23 (46%) fueron SR.Las características relacionadas con la SR fueron: ser mujer (35 vs. 11%, p=0,04), sufrir menos cardiopatía isquémica (13 vs. 63%, p<0,0001) e infarto lateral (0 vs. 18%, p=0,03), inferior (4 vs. 33%, p=0,01) y posterior (0 vs. 22%, p=0,01); ausencia de insuficiencia mitral (47% vs. 22%, p=0,04), mayor anchura del QRS (157,7±22,9 vs. 140,8±19,2 ms, p=0,01), mayor concentración de sCD40L (6,9±5,1 vs. 4,4±3,3 ng/mL, p=0,02), y electrodo ventricular izquierdo más frecuentemente en posición lateral media (69 vs. 26%, p=0,002). El QRS, la posición lateral media del electrodo y la ausencia de insuficiencia mitral fueron predictores independientes de SR. sCD40L mostró una correlación moderada directa con SR (r=0,39, p=0,02) y con la disminución del VTSVI (r=0,44, p=0,02). Conclusiones. sCD40L se correlaciona significativamente con SR a la TRC. El QRS, la ausencia de insuficiencia mitral y la posición lateral media del electrodo son predictores independientes de SR en esta cohorte

Evaluación del ISTH-BAT en los trastornos plaquetarios congénitos: correlación clínica, laboratorio y molecular

CO-153 Introducción: Los trastornos plaquetarios congénitos (TPC) son un grupo heterogéneo de enfermedades raras, que se clasifican en trombocitopenias hereditarias (THs) y en trombocitopatías hereditarias (TFPs). Su identificación inicial y su diagnóstico final son complejos. Éste, se basa en la la historia clínica, la exploración física, pruebas de laboratorio fenotípicas y la confirmación de la alteración molecular subyacente. Por otra parte, la valoración de la clínica hemorrágica suele ser subjetiva, por lo que la Sociedad Internacional de Trombosis y Hemostasia (ISTH) recomienda la utilización de escalas de sangrado (bleeding assessment tools, BAT). Los objetivos de nuestros estudios fueron a) evaluar la clínica hemorrágica con el ISTH-BAT en pacientes diagnosticados de TPC, b) su comparación entre THs y TFPs y c) su relación con las pruebas funcionales y moleculares. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 138 pacientes con TPC incluidos en el proyecto nacional “Caracterización funcional y molecular de los TPC” de la SETH. La clínica hemorrágica se evaluó mediante el ISTHBAT, obteniendo un score de sangrado (BS). El diagnóstico fenotípico se realizó mediante hemograma y frotis de sangre periférica, la función plaquetaria mediante agregometría de transmisión de luz (LTA) y citometría de flujo (CMF) y el diagnóstico molecular mediante secuenciación ..

The effect of autonomy, training opportunities, age and salaries on job satisfaction in the South East Asian retail petroleum industry

South East Asian petroleum retailers are under considerable pressure to improve service quality by reducing turnover. An empirical methodology from this industry determined the extent to which job characteristics, training opportunities, age and salary influenced the level of job satisfaction, an indicator of turnover. Responses are reported on a random sample of 165 site employees (a 68% response rate) of a Singaporean retail petroleum firm. A restricted multivariate regression model of autonomy and training opportunities explained the majority (35.4%) of the variability of job satisfaction. Age did not moderate these relationships, except for employees >21 years of age, who reported enhanced job satisfaction with additional salary. Human Capital theory, Life Cycle theory and Job Enrichment theory are invoked and explored in the context of these findings in the South East Asian retail petroleum industry. In the South East Asian retail petroleum industry, jobs providing employees with the opportunity to undertake a variety of tasks that enhanced the experienced meaningfulness of work are likely to promote job satisfaction, reduce turnover and increase the quality of service

Vascular Remodeling in Health and Disease

The term vascular remodeling is commonly used to define the structural changes in blood vessel geometry that occur in response to long-term physiologic alterations in blood flow or in response to vessel wall injury brought about by trauma or underlying cardiovascular diseases.1, 2, 3, 4 The process of remodeling, which begins as an adaptive response to long-term hemodynamic alterations such as elevated shear stress or increased intravascular pressure, may eventually become maladaptive, leading to impaired vascular function. The vascular endothelium, owing to its location lining the lumen of blood vessels, plays a pivotal role in regulation of all aspects of vascular function and homeostasis.5 Thus, not surprisingly, endothelial dysfunction has been recognized as the harbinger of all major cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, and diabetes.6, 7, 8 The endothelium elaborates a variety of substances that influence vascular tone and protect the vessel wall against inflammatory cell adhesion, thrombus formation, and vascular cell proliferation.8, 9, 10 Among the primary biologic mediators emanating from the endothelium is nitric oxide (NO) and the arachidonic acid metabolite prostacyclin [prostaglandin I2 (PGI2)], which exert powerful vasodilatory, antiadhesive, and antiproliferative effects in the vessel wall

Distribution and determinants of sedentary lifestyles in the European Union

Background Many studies have shown the health burden of a sedentary lifestyle. The main goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of sedentary lifestyles in the 15 Member States of the European Union (EU) and to identify the main correlates of a sedentary lifestyle. Methods Nationally representative samples (n ≈ 1000 subjects in each country; >15 years) completed a questionnaire concerning attitudes to physical activity, body weight, and health; in total 15 239 subjects. Sedentary people were defined in two ways: (1) those expending less than 10% of their leisure time expenditure in activities involving ≥4 metabolic equivalents (MET). (2) Those who did not practice any leisure-time physical activity and who also were above the median in the number of hours spent sitting down during leisure time. Logistic regression models were fitted to analyse the association between sedentary lifestyles and gender, age, body mass index (BMI), educational level, weight change in the last 6 months, and marital and smoking status. Results Percentages of sedentary lifestyles across European countries ranged between 43.3% (Sweden) and 87.8% (Portugal) according to the first definition. According to both definitions, a lower prevalence of sedentary lifestyle was found in Northern countries (especially Scandinavian countries) as compared with Mediterranean countries, whereas the prevalence was higher among older, obese, less educated, widowed/divorced individuals, and current smokers. Similar relative differences between countries and socio-demographic groups were found independently of the method used to define a sedentary lifestyle. Conclusion Prevalence of sedentary lifestyle in the EU is high, especially among inhabitants of some Mediterranean countries, obese subjects, less-educated people, and current smokers. This high prevalence involves important public health burdens and preventive strategies are urgently needed

Prevalence of physical activity during leisure time in the European Union

PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of physical activity during leisure time in adults from the 15 member states of the European Union and the relationship with sociodemographic variables. METHODS: A representative sample, with approximately 1000 adults, aged 15 and upward, was selected from each member state to complete a questionnaire on attitudes to physical activity, body weight, and health by a face-to-face interview, summing a total of 15,239 subjects. The amount of leisure-time physical activity was quantified by assigning metabolic equivalents (METs) to each activity. Multiple linear regression models with MET-h.wk(-1) as the dependent variable were fitted. RESULTS: Northern European countries showed higher levels of physical activity than southern ones. The highest prevalence (91.9%) was found in Finland, and the lowest (40.7%) in Portugal. A higher percentage of men practiced any leisure-time physical activity and also showed higher mean of MET-h.wk(-1). In both genders, the multivariate models showed a significant trend to higher leisure time activity in participants with higher educational levels and in nonsmokers. Also, an inverse association between body mass index and leisure-time physical activity was found. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of any physical activity during leisure time in the adult European population was similar to the U.S. estimates. Nevertheless, the amount of activity is low, and a wide disparity between countries exists. To our knowledge, this is the first study determining the prevalence and amount of leisure-time physical activity, which is the first step to define strategies to persuade populations to increase their physical activity

Abnormalities of the extracellular degradation of collagen type I in essential hypertension

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to investigate whether collagen type I degradation is altered in patients with essential hypertension and whether this alteration could be related to disturbances in the serum matrix metalloproteinase pathway of collagen degradation. A second aim of the study was to assess whether some relation exists between serum markers of collagen type I degradation and left ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensive patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: We measured serum concentrations of carboxy-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CITP) as a marker of extracellular collagen type I degradation, of total matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), or collagenase, of total tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP-1), and of MMP-1/TIMP-1 complex in 37 patients with never-treated essential hypertension and in 23 normotensive control subjects. Serum concentrations of free MMP-1 and free TIMP-1 were calculated by subtracting the values of MMP-1/TIMP-1 complex from the values of total MMP-1 and total TIMP-1, respectively. Measurements were repeated in 26 hypertensive patients after 1 year of treatment with the ACE inhibitor lisinopril. Baseline free MMP-1 was decreased (P<0.001) and baseline free TIMP-1 was increased (P<0.001) in hypertensives compared with normotensives. No significant differences were observed in the baseline values of CITP between the 2 groups of subjects. Hypertensive patients with baseline left ventricular hypertrophy exhibited lower values of free MMP-1 (P<0.01) and CITP (P<0.05) and higher (P<0.001) values of free TIMP-1 than hypertensive patients without baseline left ventricular hypertrophy. Treated patients attained an increase (P<0.001) in free MMP-1 and a decrease (P<0.05) in free TIMP-1. In addition, serum CITP was increased (P<0.05) in treated hypertensives compared with normotensive subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that systemic extracellular degradation of collagen type I is depressed in patients with essential hypertension and can be normalized by treatment with lisinopril. A depressed degradation of collagen type I may facilitate organ fibrosis in hypertensive patients, namely, in those with left ventricular hypertrophy