Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical activity during leisure time and primary prevention of coronary heart disease: an updated meta-analysis of cohort studies

Background A vast body of evidence during the last decades has shown the clear preventive role of physical activity in cardiovascular disease. The real magnitude of the association between physical activity during leisure time (LTPA) and primary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) has, however, not been completely defined. Design Meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. Methods Studies were included if they reported relative risks and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI), for categories of LTPA in relation to CHD. The LTPA categories of the selected studies were grouped into three levels of intensity: high, moderate and low. The high level of physical activity was determined, to obtain a level of intensity attainable by the general population. Results Data were available for 26 studies, incorporating 513472 individuals (20666 CHD events), followed up for 4–25 years. Under a random-effects model, the overall analysis showed that individuals who reported performing a high level of LTPA had significant protection against CHD [relative risk 0.73 (95% CI 0.66–0.80), P < 0.00001]. A similar significant protection against CHD, for individuals who practised a moderate level of LTPA, has been also demonstrated [relative risk 0.88 (95% CI 0.83–0.93), P < 0.0001]. Conclusions The current meta-analysis reports significant protection against the occurrence of CHD resulting from moderate-to-high levels of physical activity. These results strengthen the recommendations of guidelines that indicate the protective effect against cardiovascular disease of physical activity profiles that are attainable by ordinary people.
Association of physical activity with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Over the past several decades, numerous large cohort studies have attempted to quantify the protective effect of physical activity on cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. The aim of the authors’ review was to provide an up-to-date overview of the study results. Methods In a systematic MEDLINE search conducted in May 2007, the authors included cohort studies that assessed the primary preventive impact of physical activity on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The authors reported risk reductions on the basis of comparison between the least active and the most active population subgroups, with the least active population subgroup as the reference group. Random-effect models were used for meta-analysis. Results A total of 33 studies with 883372 participants were included. Follow-up ranged from 4 years to over 20 years. The majority of studies reported significant risk reductions for physically active participants. Concerning cardiovascular mortality, physical activity was associated with a risk reduction of 35% (95% confidence interval, 30–40%). All-cause mortality was reduced by 33% (95% confidence interval, 28–37%). Studies that used patient questionnaires to assess physical activity reported lower risk reductions than studies that used more objective measures of fitness. Conclusions Physical activity is associated with a marked decrease in cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in both men and women, even after adjusting for other relevant risk factors.
Novel EGF pathway regulators modulate C. elegans healthspan and lifespan via EGF receptor, PLC‐γ, and IP3R activation

Improving health of the rapidly growing aging population is a critical medical, social, and economic goal. Identification of genes that modulate healthspan, the period of mid‐life vigor that precedes significant functional decline, will be an essential part of the effort to design anti‐aging therapies. Because locomotory decline in humans is a major contributor to frailty and loss of independence and because slowing of movement is a conserved feature of aging across phyla, we screened for genetic interventions that extend locomotory healthspan of Caenorhabditis elegans. From a group of 54 genes previously noted to encode secreted proteins similar in sequence to extracellular domains of insulin receptor, we identified two genes for which RNAi knockdown delayed age‐associated locomotory decline, conferring a high performance in advanced age phenotype (Hpa). Unexpectedly, we found that hpa‐1 and hpa‐2 act through the EGF pathway, rather than the insulin signaling pathway, to control systemic healthspan benefits without detectable developmental consequences. Further analysis revealed a potent role of EGF signaling, acting via downstream phospholipase C‐γplc‐3 and inositol‐3‐phosphate receptor itr‐1, to promote healthy aging associated with low lipofuscin levels, enhanced physical performance, and extended lifespan. This study identifies HPA‐1 and HPA‐2 as novel negative regulators of EGF signaling and constitutes the first report of EGF signaling as a major pathway for healthy aging. Our data raise the possibility that EGF family members should be investigated for similar activities in higher organisms.
Increased Reactive Oxygen Species Production by Alveolar Macrophages from Malignant Lobe of Lung Cancer Patients

Alveolar macrophages (AMs) may contribute to inflammation in multiple ways, including the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide anion (O2-) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This provides a basis for a plausible and testable hypothesis by which inflammation and the disease might be related; that is, the levels of ROS generated by inflammatory phagocytes might be dependent upon the type of disease. Alveolar macrophages were prepared from 25 lung cancer patients, 58.7±7.51 years of age (mean±SD). Alveolar macrophages from 12 patients, 45.3±14.6 years of age, with nonmalignant lung diseases were also studied. Production of oxygen radical species was higher in AMs from the malignant lobe of lung cancer patients than in those from the disease-free lobe. However, the levels in AMs from the disease-free lobe were comparable to the levels in AMs from patients with nonmalignant lung diseases. There was an increase in hydrogen peroxide formation in the cells from malignant lobe of lung cancer patients compared with that in those from the disease-free lobe (38.4±4.16 vs. 26.9±2.94nmol/mg). The formation in the cells from patients with nonmalignant lung diseases was found to be 18.0±1.19nmol/mg protein. In the presence of phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate, the formation in the cells from malignant lobe of lung cancer patients increased compared with that from the disease-free lobe (63.9±7.65 vs. 34.3±4.95nmol/mg protein), and the formation in the cells from patients with nonmalignant lung diseases was 42.5±5.03nmol/mg protein. The enormous increase in O2- and H2O2 production in malignancy needs further investigation for its diagnostic and prognostic values.
A hybrid method based on wavelet, ANN and ARIMA model for short-term load forecasting

In the new competitive electricity markets, the necessity of appropriate load forecasting tools for accurate scheduling is completely evident. The model which is utilised for the forecasting purposes determines how much the forecasted results would be dependable. In this regard, this paper proposes a new hybrid forecasting method based on the wavelet transform, autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and artificial neural network (ANN) for short-term load forecasting. In the proposed model, the autocorrelation function and the partial autocorrelation function are utilised to see the stationary or non-stationary behaviour of the load time series. Then, by the use of Akaike information criterion, the appropriate order of the ARIMA model is found. Now, the ARIMA model would capture the linear component of the load time series and the residuals would contain only the nonlinear components. The nonlinear part would be decomposed by the discrete wavelet transform into its sub-frequencies. Several ANNs are applied to the details and approximation components of the residuals signal to predict the future load sample. Finally, the outputs of the ARIMA and ANNs are summed. The empirical results show that the proposed hybrid method can improve the load forecasting accuracy suitably.
The Effects of Aging on Binaural and Spatial Hearing

As the size of the older adult population continues to grow, so too does the need to better understand the complex effects of aging on every-day listening tasks involving binaural and spatial hearing. It is well known that older individuals with and without hearing loss often complain of difficulty hearing and understanding speech. In this article the results of recent studies evaluating the effects of aging on various binaural and spatial tasks are summarized and discussed, and an attempt is made to identify the difficulties encountered in daily living by older adults because of problems processing binaural and spatial information. The results of most of the studies reviewed here indicate that the ability of older listeners to localize sound sources, to obtain a gain in speech intelligibility in noise when speech and noise sources are separated, to improve the detection of signals in noise by using binaural cues (as measured with a masking level difference task), and to discriminate interaural differences in time and intensity decline with increasing age. These decreases in performance on binaural and spatial tasks are generally observed even when the effects of hearing loss are taken into account.
Agent-based modelling of excitation propagation in social media groups

This paper investigates excitation information propagation in artificial societies. We use a cellular automaton approach, in which it is assumed that social media is composed of tens of thousands of community agents, where useful (innovative) information can be transmitted to the closest neighbouring agents. The model's originality consists of the exploitation of artificial neuron-based agent schema with a nonlinear activation function to determine the reaction delay, the refractory (agent recovery) period and algorithms that define mutual cooperation among several excitable groups that comprise the agent population. In the grouped model, each agent group can send its excitation signal to the leaders of the groups. The novel media model allows a methodical analysis of the propagation of several competing innovation signals. The simulations are very fast and can be useful for understanding and controlling excitation propagation in social media, planning, and social and economic research.
A multi-scale non-parametric and parametric hybrid multi-category recognition algorithm with probabilistic outputs

The synthesis of an effective multi-category nonlinear classifier with the capability to output calibrated posterior probabilities to enable post-processing is of great significance in practical recognition situations because the posterior probability reflects the assessment uncertainty. However, the estimation of posterior probability for multi-category classifiers is an unwieldy problem in the realm of pattern recognition, which usually is more intractable than that in dichotomic cases. In this paper, with the aid of binary tree representation for nested structures, a new polychotomous classification and posterior probability estimation scheme is developed on the strength of Bayesian decision theory. In particular, by capitalising on the intrinsic conexus between hierarchical structure and multi-scale analysis, the polychotomous multi-scale Bayesian kernel Fisher discriminant (KFD) is implemented for building the classifier at different scales for different levels. Finally, the performance of the proposed classification and posterior probability estimation algorithm is validated by designing a multi-category Bayesian KFD classifier for a benchmark satellite images dataset.
Alterações no metabolismo da homocisteína induzidas por aguardente de cana-de-açúcar em alcoólatras

Alcoholism is related to malnutrition and low levels of several vitamins that take part in the metabolism of homocystein (HCY). The objective of this study was to analyse the prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia in patients with heavy daily intake of sugar-cane liquor. In this study were included 31 hospitalized man for alcoholism treatment. Serum folate (FOL), HCY, vitamin B12 (B12) and liver enzymes were determinated and repeated after 21 days of alcohol withdrawal. The values of HCY in µmol/l before and after treatment were respectivally of 24.88 ± 2.09 and 12.48 ± 0.69. The alcohol abstinence decreased significativally the values of aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase. There were not alterations in red blood cell count, total protein and hemoglobin corpuscular media concentration. The levels of HCY before treatment are correlated to the FOL (r 2 = 0.333). These results suggested that chronic alcoholism is followed by disturbs of sulphur aminoacid metabolism and that the hyperhomocysteinaemia ethanol-induced by sugar-cane liquor may be accompanied by low serum FOL levels that aggrieves the nutritional status of these patients.
Rapamycin and other longevity‐promoting compounds enhance the generation of mouse induced pluripotent stem cells

Reprogramming of somatic cells to a pluripotent state was first accomplished using retroviral vectors for transient expression of pluripotency‐associated transcription factors. This seminal work was followed by numerous studies reporting alternative (noninsertional) reprogramming methods and various conditions to improve the efficiency of reprogramming. These studies have contributed little to an understanding of global mechanisms underlying reprogramming efficiency. Here we report that inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway by rapamycin or PP242 enhances the efficiency of reprogramming to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Inhibition of the insulin/IGF‐1 signaling pathway, which like mTOR is involved in control of longevity, also enhances reprogramming efficiency. In addition, the small molecules used to inhibit these pathways also significantly improved longevity in Drosophila melanogaster. We further tested the potential effects of six other longevity‐promoting compounds on iPSC induction, including two sirtuin activators (resveratrol and fisetin), an autophagy inducer (spermidine), a PI3K (phosphoinositide 3‐kinase) inhibitor (LY294002), an antioxidant (curcumin), and an activating adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase activator (metformin). With the exception of metformin, all of these chemicals promoted somatic cell reprogramming, though to different extents. Our results show that the controllers of somatic cell reprogramming and organismal lifespan share some common regulatory pathways, which suggests a new approach for studying aging and longevity based on the regulation of cellular reprogramming.
Anal infection with human papillomaviruses and anal canal carcinoma: virological consideration

L’incidence du cancer anal ne cesse d’augmenter dans les populations à risque, particulièrement les hommes homosexuels et ce, indépendamment de leur statut pour le VIH. L’infection par les papillomavirus humains (Human Papilloma Virus, HPV) oncogènes et notamment HPV-16 constitue le principal facteur étiologique des carcinomes épidermoïdes du canal anal. Comme pour le cancer cervical, l’ensemble des données épidémiologiques et physiopathologiques supporte l’idée que le cancer anal « HPV induit » est le résultat d’un long processus dont les déterminismes moléculaires commencent à être décryptés. Ainsi, l’expression des oncoprotéines virales E6 et E7 joue un rôle majeur dans la phase d’initiation notamment par le biais d’une dégradation des protéines p53 et Rb responsable d’une dérégulation des voies de contrôle du cycle cellulaire. D’autres mécanismes impliquant l’activation d’oncogènes cellulaires et des anomalies chromosomiques interviennent également dans la progression tumorale. La connaissance des mécanismes sous-tendant la carcinogenèse anale et des altérations génétiques somatiques associées est essentielle pour l’élaboration de stratégies de recherche dans les domaines de la prévention, du diagnostic et du traitement.
A neuroprotective role for the DNA damage checkpoint in tauopathy

ATM and p53, effectors of the DNA damage checkpoint, are generally considered pro‐apoptotic in neurons. We show that DNA damage and checkpoint activation occurs in postmitotic neurons in animal models of tauopathy, neurodegenerative disorders that include Alzheimer’s disease. Surprisingly, checkpoint attenuation potently increases neurodegeneration through aberrant cell cycle re‐entry of postmitotic neurons. These data suggest an unexpected neuroprotective role for the DNA damage checkpoint in tauopathies.
Development and validation of a simple, two-step algorithm to identify streptococcal infection in adults with sore throat

Objectives: Development and validation of a clinical algorithm to identify infection with group A β-haemolytic streptococci in patients with sore throat, using a clinical score and measurement of C-reactive protein for selected patients. Design: Two phased study. Phase 1: Development of a clinical score from structured clinical records by logistic regression analysis and Bayesian analysis. Phase 2: Prospective validation of the score developed in phase 1. Setting: One GP practice in Germany (two GPs) for development of the score, five German GP practices (six GPs) for validation of the score. Subjects: Consecutive patients aged 16 or older presenting with newly developed sore throat, n=116 (phase 1), n=265 (phase 2). Main outcome measures: Infection by group A β-haemolytic streptococci diagnosed by means of throat swab cultures on selective Columbia agar. Results: Development of a two-step algorithm consisting of a clinical score of four parameters (throat mucosa, uvula, soft palate, tonsils) and near-patient quantitative measurement of C-reactive protein for selected patients with an ambiguous score. In the validation phase the algorithm has a diagnostic accuracy of 89.4%, a sensitivity of 0.74 (95% confidence interval (CI)=0.53-0.89), a specificity of 0.95 (95% CI=0.88-0.99), positive predictive value of 0.86 (95% CI=0.65-0.97) and a negative predictive value of 0.91 (95% CI=0.81-0.96). To achieve the accuracy, a measurement of C-reactive protein is necessary in 30% of patients with sore throat. Conclusions: The algorithm, consisting of a clinical score and selective measurement of C-reactive protein, achieves a diagnostic accuracy of almost 90% in diagnosing infection by group A streptococci in adults with sore throat.
Cardiac rehabilitation in Europe: results from the European Cardiac Rehabilitation Inventory Survey

Background Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programmes support patients to achieve professionally recommended cardiovascular prevention targets and thus good clinical status and improved quality of life and prognosis. Information on CR service delivery in Europe is sketchy. Design Postal survey of national CR-related organizations in European countries. Methods The European Cardiac Rehabilitation Inventory Survey assessed topics including national guidelines, legislation and funding mechanisms, phases of CR provided and characteristic of included patients. Results Responses were available for 28 of 39 (72%) countries; 61% had national CR associations; 57% national professional guidelines. Most countries (86%) had phase I (acute inhospital) CR, but with differing service availability. Only 29% reported provision to more than 80% patients. Phase II was also available, but 15 countries reported provision levels below 30%. Almost half (46%) had national legislation regarding phase II CR; three-quarters had government funding. Phase III was less supported: although available in most countries, 11 could not provide estimates of numbers participating. Thirteen reported that all costs were met by patients. Conclusion Fewer than half of eligible cardiovascular patients benefit from CR in most European countries. Deficits include absent or inadequate legislation, funding, professional guidelines and information systems in many countries. Priorities for improvement include promoting national laws and guidelines specific for CR and increasing both CR programme participation rates and CR infrastructure. The European Association of Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation can have an important coordinating role in sharing expertise among national CR-related agencies. Ultimately, such cooperation can accelerate CR delivery to the benefit of cardiac patients across Europe.
External calcium facilitates signalling, contractile and secretory mechanisms induced after activation of platelets by collagen

Platelet activation leads to the initiation of intracellular signalling processes, many of which are triggered by Ca2+. We have studied the involvement of exogenous Ca2+ in platelet response to collagen activation. Platelet suspensions were prepared with and without adding external calcium in the suspension buffers. Activation with collagen (Col-I) was carried out, before and after incubation with cytochalasin B (Cyt-B) to block the actin assembly and the cytoskeletal reorganization. We evaluated changes in (i) tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins, in platelet lysates and associated with the cytoskeletal fraction, (ii) the association of contractile proteins to the cytoskeleton, (iii) expression of intraplatelet substances at the surface, and (iv) cytosolic Ca2+ levels ([Ca2+]i). Ultrastructural evaluation of platelets by electron microscopy was also performed. Platelet activation by Col-I in the absence of added Ca2+ was followed by mild association of actin and other contractile proteins, low phosphorylation of proteins at tyrosine residues, lack of expression of intraplatelet substances at the membrane, and absence of aggregation. In the presence of millimolar Ca2+, Col-I induced intense actin filament formation with association of contractile proteins with the cytoskeleton, resulting in profound morphological changes. Under these conditions, Col-I induced signalling through tyrosine phosphorylation, with increases in the [Ca2+]i, release of intragranule content and aggregation. Inhibiting actin polymerization with Cyt-B prevented all these events. Our data indicates that platelet activation by collagen requires external Ca2+. Studies with Cyt-B indicate that assembly of new actin and cytoskeleton-mediated contraction, both dependent on exogenous Ca2+, are key events for platelet activation by collagen. In addition, our results confirm that entrance of exogenous Ca2+ depends on a functional cytoskeleton.
Assessment of coronary blood flow and the reactivity of the microcirculation non‐invasively with transthoracic echocardiography

Background: The development in ultrasound technology has allowed the use of non‐invasive transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) for the study of coronary artery physiology and pathophysiology. TTE can be used to detect atherosclerotic changes in epicardial coronary arteries and to study the effects of specific interventions on coronary microcirculation.
Rowing, the ultimate challenge to the human body – implications for physiological variables

Clinical diagnoses depend on a variety of physiological variables but the full range of these variables is seldom known. With the load placed on the human body during competitive rowing, the physiological range for several variables is illustrated. The extreme work produced during rowing is explained by the seated position and the associated ability to increase venous return and, thus, cardiac output. This review highlights experimental work on Olympic rowing that presents a unique challenge to the human capacities, including cerebral metabolism, to unprecedented limits, and provides a unique opportunity to reveal the extreme range of many physiological variables.