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1.
Rev. int. med. cienc. act. fis. deporte ; 23(92): 233-248, aug.-sept. 2023. tab
Article in English | IBECS | ID: ibc-229401

ABSTRACT

The aim was to analyze the possible effects of the application of the Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility (TPSR) pedagogical model on three variables: 2x2 Achievement goal orientation, Perception of success and Personal and social responsibility. We proceeded with a quasi-experimental design with three repeated measures: pre-implementation, post-implementation and follow-up measure, and the presence of an experimental group and a non-equivalent control group. The implementation was carried out in a Physical Education context. A total of 265 students (53% boys) aged between 8 and 12 years old. Two statistical techniques were conducted, using repeated measures ANOVA and ANCOVA. The results allow us to conclude that the implementation of TPSR is able to increase the Social Responsibility dimension, with a small effect size. The data do not allow us to conclude robust changes in the rest of the variables and dimensions studied (AU)


El objetivo fue analizar los posibles efectos de la aplicación del Modelo del Responsabilidad Personal y Social (MRPS) en tres variables: Orientación de metas de logro 2x2, Percepción de éxito y Responsabilidad personal y social. Se procedió con un diseño cuasi-experimental de tres medidas repetidas: pre-implementación, post-implementación y medida de seguimiento, y presencia de un grupo experimental y de un grupo de control no equivalente. La implementación se llevó a cabo en un contexto de Educación Física. Participaron en el estudio un total de 265 estudiantes (53% varones) con edades comprendidas entre los 8 y los 12 años. Se utilizaron dos técnicas estadísticas, procediendo con ANOVA de medidas repetidas y con ANCOVA. Los resultados permiten concluir que la implementación del MRPS es capaz de incrementar la dimensión Responsabilidad Social, con un tamaño del efecto pequeño. Los datos no permiten concluir cambios robustos en el resto de las variables y dimensiones estudiadas (AU)


Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Female , Child , Physical Education and Training , Teaching , Social Responsibility , Sports
2.
Data Brief ; 38: 107438, 2021 Oct.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34660858

ABSTRACT

This article presents a dataset comparing emissions of Biogenic Volatile Organic Compounds (BVOC) in a zone of complex topography in the tropical Andes, which presents elevations ranging from 250 to more than 4000 m above sea level in a radius of only 50 km. Two approximations were evaluated, (1) online with the Model of Emissions of Gases and Aerosols from Nature (MEGAN) coupled with the Weather Research and Forecast model with Chemistry (WRF-Chem) and (2) offline applying the Biogenic Altitudinal Gradient Model (BIGA). Modeled concentrations of pollutants (mainly isoprene and tropospheric ozone) were obtained with WRF-Chem employing the biogenic emission models mentioned previously. This information identified areas where BVOC emissions vary significantly, comparing the global emission inventory (MEGAN) and the local inventory (BIGA). Re-evaluation of the emission factors and land cover assigned to those areas in the global online biogenic models should be considered in order to reduce the uncertainty in the values. In addition, the dataset shows the impact of the biogenic emission inventories on the air quality simulations on a tropical high mountain area, where vegetation is diverse, and the altitudinal changes influence meteorological variables.

3.
Physiol Meas ; 40(4): 044002, 2019 04 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-30699393

ABSTRACT

APPROACH: Children affected by oncological diseases are often fitted with central venous catheters (CVCs). Catheter infection is a frequent complication, sometimes accompanied by thrombosis. A case/control-type pilot study of children with oncological diseases fitted with a CVC is here designed. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this preliminary study is to use infrared thermography to discern whether there is an infection in patients with a CVC and, if so, to undertake a close follow-up of its evolution, after administering a therapy. Thermal asymmetry by mean and maximum temperatures (temperature affected ROI - temperature contralateral ROI) is measured. MAIN RESULTS: In all cases with catheter infection, thermal asymmetry values were higher than in controls without infection, allowing us to assess improvement after starting the treatment. SIGNIFICANCE: These preliminary results are satisfactory because they reflect the advantages of using infrared thermography on oncological child patients, as it is a harmless, non-contact, accessible and quick technique, allowing us to reduce the use of ionizing radiation and quantify the clinical signs of inflammation, which are otherwise only qualitatively detectable in clinical examination. By doing so, it may be possible to anticipate infection and provide early treatment, and, moreover, to observe whether there is any complication after starting a treatment. More studies need to be undertaken with an extensive paediatric population to establish reference values.


Subject(s)
Catheter-Related Infections/diagnosis , Central Venous Catheters/microbiology , Infrared Rays , Neoplasms/therapy , Thermography , Adolescent , Case-Control Studies , Catheter-Related Infections/complications , Female , Humans , Male , Pilot Projects , Thrombosis/complications
4.
Environ Res ; 161: 370-380, 2018 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-29197278

ABSTRACT

Particle matter (PM) and its associated compounds are a serious problem for urban air quality and a threat to human health. In the present study, we assessed the intraurban variation of PM, and characterized the human health risk associated to the inhalation of particles measured on PM filters, considering different land use areas in the urban area of Cordoba city (Argentina) and different age groups. To assess the intraurban variation of PM, a biomonitoring network of T. capillaris was established in 15 sampling sites with different land use and the bioaccumulation of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn was quantified. After that, particles were collected by instrumental monitors placed at the most representative sampling sites of each land use category and an inhalation risk was calculated. A remarkable intraurban difference in the heavy metals content measured in the biomonitors was observed, in relation with the sampling site land use. The higher content was detected at industrial areas as well as in sites with intense vehicular traffic. Mean PM10 levels exceeded the standard suggested by the U.S. EPA in all land use areas, except for the downtown. Hazard Index values were below EPA's safe limit in all land use areas and in the different age groups. In contrast, the carcinogenic risk analysis showed that all urban areas exceeded the acceptable limit (1 × 10-6), while the industrial sampling sites and the elder group presented a carcinogenic risk higher that the unacceptable limit. These findings validate the use of T. capillaris to assess intraurban air quality and also show there is an important intraurban variation in human health risk associated to different land use.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants , Air Pollution , Metals, Heavy , Aged , Air Pollutants/adverse effects , Air Pollutants/analysis , Air Pollution/adverse effects , Air Pollution/analysis , Argentina/epidemiology , Cities , Environmental Monitoring , Humans , Public Health , Risk Assessment
5.
Nanoscale Res Lett ; 11(1): 435, 2016 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-27680741

ABSTRACT

In this work, prawn shell was studied as raw material for the production of mesoporous adsorbents via hydrocarbonization, studying the effect of temperature and time on the process reactivity and final characteristics of the hydrochars. By suitable characterization technique analyses (N2 adsorption at 77 K, SEM observation, ultimate analysis, surface composition), the materials were examined. It was found that in both cases mesoporous materials with low values of S BET due to the presence of CaCO3 on the material structure. In order to provide a potential application for these materials, the adsorption behaviour of hydrochars (HCs) as well as that of pristine prawn shells and ashes from prawn shell combustion was studied for the first time with the model compound p-nitrophenol (PNP). The results indicated that HC treatment was beneficial and enhanced adsorption performance, especially at high values of equilibrium concentration, attaining adsorption capacities up to 1.6 mg g(-1).

6.
Sci Total Environ ; 568: 614-623, 2016 Oct 15.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26953138

ABSTRACT

Passive air-sampling data of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) taken in Manizales (a medium-sized city) and Bogotá (a megacity), Colombia, were analyzed in order to identify potential sources of pollution and the possible influence of meteorological variables like temperature and precipitation. The results indicate important differences in levels of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs between Bogotá and Manizales, attributed to differences in site characteristics and potential local/regional sources. Higher PCDD/Fs concentrations were observed in Bogotá (373fg/m(3)) compared to those observed in Manizales, with mean levels ranging from 64fg/m(3) in a residential zone to 151fg/m(3) around a vehicular-influenced area. Higher dl-PCBs concentrations were observed in the industrial area of Manizales compared to those observed in Bogotá, with mean levels of 6668fg/m(3) and 4388fg/m(3) respectively. In terms of PCDD/Fs congener distribution, there was a predominance of octachlorodibenzodioxin (OCDD) followed by 1,2,3,4,6,7.8-heptachlorodibenzofuran (HpCDF) congeners, with both cities showing higher levels in zones of high vehicular activity. Industrial influence was most evident in dl-PCB levels. In comparison to the mean levels of dl-PCB congeners obtained in the vehicular zones of Bogotá and Manizales, the industrially influenced sampling stations showed higher concentrations of dl-PCB congeners. Passive sampling results suggested that congener concentration profiles are characteristic of their different emission sources, and can be used to distinguish between their industrial or vehicular origins.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated/analysis , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/analysis , Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins/analysis , Cities , Colombia , Industry , Tropical Climate
7.
Arch Soc Esp Oftalmol ; 91(1): 27-33, 2016 Jan.
Article in English, Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26616245

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prognostic factors for mid-term trabeculectomy failure. METHOD: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 113 eyes (113 patients) that had undergone a trabeculectomy for primary open or closed angle, pigmentary, or juvenile glaucoma. Surgical failure was defined if intraocular pressure was equal or more than 18mmHg with medication (two or more drops), after 1-4 postoperative years. The relative risk was calculated and a logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: Previous trabeculectomy, preoperative intraocular pressure ≥ 31mmHg, black race, and advanced glaucoma increased the failure risk by 7.9 times (P=.036), 5.3 times (P=.011) and 4.7 times (P=.028, and P=.027), respectively. The addition of two or more factors increased the risk by 6.4 times (P<.001). It was not affected by age, sex, pre-operative drops, or surgical complication. CONCLUSIONS: Previous trabeculectomy, pre-operative intraocular pressure ≥ 31mmHg, black race, and advanced glaucoma are prognostic factors for trabeculectomy failure, in decreasing order of their association with surgical failure. The addition of two or more factors increased the risk of failure. In those situations, the use of trans- operative anti-metabolites is suggested.


Subject(s)
Glaucoma/surgery , Trabeculectomy , Humans , Intraocular Pressure , Prognosis , Prospective Studies , Retrospective Studies , Risk Factors , Treatment Failure
8.
Clin Exp Rheumatol ; 33(6): 788-94, 2015.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26575830

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: This paper aims to identify clinical and serological differences, damage accrual and mortality, in juvenile, adult and late-onset SLE. METHODS: We conducted our study with patients fulfilling SLE classification criteria taken from the Hospital Gregorio Marañon Autoimmune Systemic Rheumatic Diseases' Registry (1986 to 2012). Clinical characteristics, laboratory data and therapies used during the course of the disease were analysed with patients divided into 3 groups: juvenile-onset (≤ 18 years), adult-onset (19-50) and late onset (>50 years). RESULTS: Four hundred and forty-five patients were included. Renal disease and cutaneous manifestations were more frequent in the juvenile-onset group at disease onset. During follow-up, juvenile-onset group presented a higher incidence of renal disease, malar rash, Raynaud's phenomenon, cutaneous vasculitis, and neuropsychiatric manifestations than the other two groups. Arthritis and lymphopoenia were more frequent in the adult-onset group. Arterial hypertension and neoplasm were more frequent in the late-onset group. Low serum complement, anti-dsDNA, anti-U1RNP and anti-Sm antibodies were more common in the juvenile-onset group. Patients with late-onset SLE had more damage accrual. Thirty-seven patients (8.3%) died during the study. All-cause mortality was significantly higher in the late-onset group. Age at disease onset >50 years was an independent risk factor for damage accrual (OR, 2.2; 95%CI, 1.1-4.6; p=0.029) and mortality (OR, 2.6; 95%CI, 1.1-6.3; p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: We found significant differences in clinical and serological profiles between juvenile, adult and late-onset SLE. The most significant of which was a higher prevalence of neuropsychiatric and renal complications as well as different autoantibody signatures for the juvenile-onset group.


Subject(s)
Autoantibodies , Hypertension , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic , Neoplasms , Adult , Age Distribution , Age of Onset , Aged , Autoantibodies/blood , Autoantibodies/classification , Child , Female , Follow-Up Studies , Humans , Hypertension/epidemiology , Hypertension/etiology , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/classification , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/diagnosis , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/ethnology , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/immunology , Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic/mortality , Male , Monitoring, Immunologic/methods , Neoplasms/epidemiology , Neoplasms/etiology , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Spain/epidemiology , Survival Analysis
9.
Phys Rev Lett ; 114(25): 256801, 2015 Jun 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-26197138

ABSTRACT

We report on the use of helium ion implantation to independently control the out-of-plane lattice constant in epitaxial La(0.7)Sr(0.3)MnO(3) thin films without changing the in-plane lattice constants. The process is reversible by a vacuum anneal. Resistance and magnetization measurements show that even a small increase in the out-of-plane lattice constant of less than 1% can shift the metal-insulator transition and Curie temperatures by more than 100 °C. Unlike conventional epitaxy-based strain tuning methods which are constrained not only by the Poisson effect but by the limited set of available substrates, the present study shows that strain can be independently and continuously controlled along a single axis. This permits novel control over orbital populations through Jahn-Teller effects, as shown by Monte Carlo simulations on a double-exchange model. The ability to reversibly control a single lattice parameter substantially broadens the phase space for experimental exploration of predictive models and leads to new possibilities for control over materials' functional properties.

10.
Pediatr Obes ; 10(3): 157-64, 2015 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24919886

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUNDS: Unhealthy body composition is a cause for concern across the lifespan. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the independent and combined associations between neonatal and current body composition with academic performance among youth. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 1557 youth (745 girls) aged 10.4 ± 3.4 years. Birth weight and length at birth were self-reported. Current body composition was assessed by body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and percentage of body fat (BF%). Academic performance was assessed through schools records. RESULTS: Birth weight was related to all academic variables in boys, independent of potential confounders, including BMI; whereas WC, BMI and BF% were related to all academic performance indicators in both boys and girls, independent of potential confounders, including birth weight (all P < 0.05). In addition, the combined adverse effects of low birth weight and current overweight on academic performance were observed in both boys and girls for grade point average (GPA) indicator. Boys in the group with none adverse effect had significantly higher scores in GPA (score +0.535; 95% confidence interval, 0.082-0.989) than boys in the group of both adverse effects (P < 0.007); among girls, GPA score was higher in the group with none adverse effect than in the groups with one or two adverse effects (P for trend = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal and current body composition, both independently and combined, may influence academic performance in youth.


Subject(s)
Educational Status , Overweight/epidemiology , Adipose Tissue , Birth Weight , Body Composition , Body Mass Index , Child , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Longitudinal Studies , Male , Sex Factors , Social Environment , Waist Circumference
11.
Sci Total Environ ; 491-492: 67-74, 2014 Sep 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-24555963

ABSTRACT

Concentration gradients were observed in gas and particulate phases of PCDD/F originating from industrial and vehicular sources in the densely populated tropical Andean city of Manizales, using passive and active air samplers. Preliminary results suggest greater concentrations of dl-PCB in the mostly gaseous fraction (using quarterly passive samplers) and greater concentrations of PCDD/F in the mostly particle fraction (using daily active samplers). Dioxin-like PCB predominance was associated with the semi-volatility property, which depends on ambient temperature. Slight variations of ambient temperature in Manizales during the sampling period (15°C-27°C) may have triggered higher concentrations in all passive samples. This was the first passive air sampling monitoring of PCDD/F conducted in an urban area of Colombia. Passive sampling revealed that PCDD/F in combination with dioxin-like PCB ranged from 16 WHO-TEQ2005/m(3) near industrial sources to 7 WHO-TEQ2005/m(3) in an intermediate zone-a reduction of 56% over 2.8 km. Active sampling of particulate phase PCDD/F and dl-PCB were analyzed in PM10 samples. PCDD/F combined with dl-PCB ranged from 46 WHO-TEQ2005/m(3) near vehicular sources to 8 WHO-TEQ2005/m(3) in the same intermediate zone, a reduction of 83% over 2.6 km. Toxic equivalent quantities in both PCDD/F and dl-PCB decreased toward an intermediate zone of the city. Variations in congener profiles were consistent with variations expected from nearby sources, such as a secondary metallurgy plant, areas of concentrated vehicular emissions and a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI). These variations in congener profile measurements of dioxins and dl-PCBs in passive and active samples can be partly explained by congener variations expected from the various sources.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Benzofurans/analysis , Dioxins/analysis , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Polychlorinated Biphenyls/analysis , Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins/analogs & derivatives , Polymers/analysis , Air Pollution/statistics & numerical data , Cities/statistics & numerical data , Colombia , Incineration , Industry/statistics & numerical data , Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins/analysis , Vehicle Emissions/analysis
12.
Nanotechnology ; 24(17): 175302, 2013 May 03.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-23548767

ABSTRACT

The ion beam induced nanoscale synthesis of platinum nanowires using the trimethyl (methylcyclopentadienyl)platinum(IV) (MeCpPt(IV)Me3) precursor is investigated using helium and neon ion beams in the gas field ion microscope. The He(+) beam induced deposition resembles material deposited by electron beam induced deposition with very small platinum nanocrystallites suspended in a carbonaceous matrix. The He(+) deposited material composition was estimated to be 16% Pt in a matrix of amorphous carbon with a large room-temperature resistivity (∼3.5 × 10(4)-2.2 × 10(5) µΩ cm) and temperature-dependent transport behavior consistent with a granular material in the weak intergrain tunnel coupling regime. The Ne(+) deposited material has comparable composition (17%), however a much lower room-temperature resistivity (∼600-3.0 × 10(3) µΩ cm) and temperature-dependent electrical behavior representative of strong intergrain coupling. The Ne(+) deposited nanostructure has larger platinum nanoparticles and is rationalized via Monte Carlo ion-solid simulations which show that the neon energy density deposited during growth is much larger due to the smaller ion range and is dominated by nuclear stopping relative to helium which has a larger range and is dominated by electronic stopping.

13.
ENFURO: Rev. Asoc. Esp. A.T.S. Urol ; (122): 14-16, mayo-ago. 2012. ilus
Article in Spanish | IBECS | ID: ibc-113880

ABSTRACT

La calidad de vida de un paciente depende de su enfermedad y de cómo vive con ella. Enfermería debe lograr una buena comunicación con el paciente, manteniendo con este un trato individual que le permita intervenir en sus cuidados, disminuir su estado de ansiedad, mejorar su estado de ánimo y mejorar su autoestima, para alcanzar un estado de salud óptimo (AU)


The quality of life of a patient depends on his illness and how he deals with it. The nursing staff must achieve a good communication with the patient, providing him an individual attention that guarantees a proper care, reduce the feeling of anxiety and improve his state of mind and self-esteem all in order to reach an ideal level of health (AU)


Subject(s)
Humans , Urinary Bladder Diseases/diagnosis , Acute Pain/complications , Cystitis, Interstitial/nursing , Pain Management/nursing , Quality of Life , Cystoscopy , Exercise Movement Techniques , Pelvic Floor Disorders/therapy
14.
Sci Total Environ ; 409(23): 5034-45, 2011 Nov 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21925711

ABSTRACT

The Suquía River lower-middle basin (Córdoba, Argentina) is subject to a strong anthropic impact because it receives pollutants from different sources (industries, wastewaters, heavy traffic, agricultural land use, etc.) We have assessed the degree of watershed degradation of Suquía River lower-middle sections through the analysis of different ecosystem compartments (air, water, riparian soil, sediments and biota), in order to provide useful data to be considered in future river restoration programs. Four study sites were selected along the river (La Calera city, Córdoba city, Corazón de María village and Río Primero city) which were sampled during the low- and high-water flow periods. We analyzed: a) chemical and physical characteristics of water, sediments, and riparian soil; b) heavy metal content of water and sediments, and c) semi-volatile organic compounds in air. Besides, pollutant bioindicators such as fish assemblages, lichens (Usnea amblyoclada), vascular plants (Tradescantia pallida), and microorganisms (fecal coliform and Escherichia coli) were used to further assess the status of the river. All analyzed ecological compartments were affected by water pollution, particularly, fish assemblages, sediments and riparian soils by heavy metal and coliform bacteria. Moreover, we detected a possible contribution of sulfur and a high pollutant content in air that merit further research about other air-water exchanges. Accordingly, we strongly suggest that an action to restore or remediate the anthropic effect on the Suquía River be extended to all possible compartments along the river.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Ecosystem , Environmental Monitoring/statistics & numerical data , Geologic Sediments/analysis , Rivers/chemistry , Soil/analysis , Water Pollutants, Chemical/analysis , Argentina , Enterobacteriaceae/chemistry , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Environmental Restoration and Remediation/methods , Lichens/chemistry , Metals, Heavy/analysis , Plants/chemistry , Volatile Organic Compounds/analysis
15.
Chemosphere ; 85(2): 170-8, 2011 Sep.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21745682

ABSTRACT

Particle-bound polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in ambient air were monitored together with particulate matter less than 10 µm (PM(10)) at three sampling sites of the Andean city of Manizales, Colombia; during September 2009 and July 2010. PCDD/Fs ambient air emissions ranged from 1 fg WHO-TEQ m(-3) to 52 fg WHO-TEQ m(-3) in particulate fraction. The PM(10) concentrations ranged from 23 µg m(-3) to 54 µg m(-3). Concentrations of PM(10) and PCDD/Fs in ambient air observed for Manizales - a medium sized city with a population of 380,000 - were comparable to concentrations in larger cities. The highest concentrations of PCDD/Fs and PM(10) found in this study were determined at the central zone of the city, characterized by public transportation density, where diesel as principal fuel is used. In addition, hypothetical gas fractions of PCDD/Fs were calculated from theoretical K(p) data. Congener profiles of PCDD/Fs exhibited ratios associated with different combustion sources at the different sampling locations, ranging from steel recycling to gasoline and diesel engines. Taking into account particle and gas hypothetical fraction of PCDD/Fs, Manizales exhibited values of PCDD/Fs equivalent to rural and urban-industrial sites in the southeast and center of the city respectively. Poor correlation of PCDDs with PM(10) (r=-0.55 and r=0.52) suggests ambient air PCDDs were derived from various combustion sources. Stronger correlation was observed of PCDFs with PM(10). Poor correlation between precipitation and reduced PM(10) concentration in ambient air (r=-0.45) suggested low PM(10) removal by rainfall.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/analysis , Benzofurans/analysis , Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins/analogs & derivatives , Cities , Colombia , Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated , Environmental Monitoring , Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins/analysis , Rain
16.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-21097169

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a methodology for Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) detection based on the HRV analysis, where as a measure of relevance PLS is used. Besides, two different combining approaches for the selection of the best set of contours are studied. Attained results can be oriented in research focused on finding alternative methods minimizing the HRV-derived parameters used for OSA diagnosing, with a diagnostic accuracy comparable to a polysomnogram. For two classes (normal, apnea) the results for PLS are: specificity 90%, sensibility 91% and accuracy 93.56%.


Subject(s)
Algorithms , Heart Rate/physiology , Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted , Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/diagnosis , Electrocardiography/methods , Least-Squares Analysis , Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/physiopathology
17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-19964393

ABSTRACT

Detection of obstructive sleep apnea can be performed through heart rate variability analysis, since fluctuations of oxygen saturation in blood cause variations in the heart rate. Such variations in heart rate can be assessed by means of time-frequency analysis implemented with time-frequency distributions belonging to Cohen's class. In this work, dynamic features are extracted from time frequency distributions in order to detect obstructive sleep apnea from ECG signals recorded during sleep. Furthermore, it is applied a methodology to measure the relevance of each dynamic feature, before the implementation of k-nn classifier used to recognize the normal and pathologic signals. As a result, the proposed method can be applied as a simple diagnostic tool for OSA with a high accuracy (up to 92.67%) in one-minute intervals.


Subject(s)
Algorithms , Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted/methods , Electrocardiography/methods , Pattern Recognition, Automated/methods , Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted , Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/diagnosis , Data Interpretation, Statistical , Equipment Design , Equipment Failure Analysis , Humans , Statistical Distributions
18.
Arch Environ Contam Toxicol ; 53(4): 533-40, 2007 Nov.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17882471

ABSTRACT

In the present study, the effect of nickel incorporation on the chemical response of Ramalina celastri (Spreng.) Krog & Swinsc. and Usnea amblyoclada (Müll. Arg.) Zahlbr. exposed to urban atmospheric pollutants was assessed. Lichen thalli were treated with Ni solutions and then transplanted to two areas of the city of Córdoba with different levels of pollution. After exposure, the concentration of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, phaeophytin a, hydroperoxy conjugated dienes, malondialdehyde, sulphur content, electric conductivity of the immersion water, and nickel content were measured. Also, a Pollution Index was calculated for each lichen species. The exposure to Ni altered the physiological response to atmospheric pollutants in both lichen species, making them more sensitive to any damage caused by them. When the species were compared, it was observed that R. celastri accumulated more sulphur than U. amblyoclada.


Subject(s)
Air Pollutants/toxicity , Lichens/drug effects , Nickel/toxicity , Usnea/drug effects , Lichens/metabolism , Nickel/metabolism , Usnea/metabolism
19.
Brain Res Bull ; 73(4-6): 210-9, 2007 Jul 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-17562386

ABSTRACT

Neuregulin (NRG)/ErbB receptor signaling pathways have recently been implicated in the reversal of long-term potentiation at hippocampal glutamatergic synapses. Moreover, polymorphisms in NRG-1 and ErbB-4 genes have been linked to an increased risk for developing schizophrenia. ErbB-4 is highly expressed at glutamatergic synapses where it binds to PSD-95 via its carboxyl terminal T-V-V sequence. Here we investigated the expression, localization and trafficking of ErbB-4 in cultured hippocampal neurons by immunocytochemistry, surface protein biotinylation, and live labeling of native receptors. We show that neuronal ErbB-4 is detected at its highest levels in GABAergic interneurons, as observed in vivo. ErbB-4 immunoreactivity precedes PSD-95 expression, with ErbB-4 cluster initially forming in the absence of, but later associating with, PSD-95-positive puncta. By surface protein biotinylation, the fraction of ErbB-4 receptors on the plasma membrane increases from 30% to 65% between 6 and 16 days in vitro (DIV). Interestingly, 30 min of NRG stimulation triggers measurable ErbB-4 receptor internalization at DIV 16, despite increased colocalization with PSD-95. We also investigated the role of TNFalpha-converting enzyme (TACE)-mediated receptor processing in regulating ErbB-4 surface expression. We found that the cleavage-resistant JM-b isoform accounts for 80% of all ErbB-4 transcripts in cultured hippocampal neurons. Receptor stimulation or treatment with phorbol esters does not induce detectable ErbB-4 processing, indicating that neurons mostly rely on endocytosis of the intact receptor to regulate ErbB-4 surface expression. These results enhance our understanding of the regulation of ErbB-4--mediated signaling at glutamatergic synapses.


Subject(s)
Endocytosis/physiology , ErbB Receptors/metabolism , Hippocampus/cytology , Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism , Neurons/metabolism , Protein Isoforms/metabolism , gamma-Aminobutyric Acid/metabolism , Animals , Cells, Cultured , Disks Large Homolog 4 Protein , ErbB Receptors/genetics , Guanylate Kinases , Humans , Interneurons/cytology , Interneurons/metabolism , Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism , Membrane Proteins/metabolism , Mice , Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics , Neuregulin-1 , Neurons/chemistry , Neurons/cytology , Protein Isoforms/genetics , Rats , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Receptor, ErbB-4 , Signal Transduction/physiology
20.
J Perinatol ; 26(7): 423-7, 2006 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-16688205

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To determine sildenafil citrate (SC) genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in the Callithrix jacchus. STUDY DESIGN: Fifteen organisms were assigned to one of three groups as follows: experimental (25 mg/kg of SC); negative control (glucose solution 5%); and positive control (3 mg/kg of cytocine arabinoside). Systemic hemodynamic changes were monitored in each animal before and after each treatment. A drop of blood was obtained before and after the treatment at 24-120 h. Smears were made and the frequency of micronucleated erythrocytes (MNE), micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCE) and polychromatic erythrocytes (PCE) was counted. RESULTS: No significant differences in MNE, MNPCE and PCE were found in the group that received sildenafil and negative control. A significant increase in genotoxicity and cytotoxicity was observed in the positive control group. No changes were observed in systemic hemodynamic changes. CONCLUSION: The macro-dose of SC lacks genotoxic, cytotoxic or systemic hemodynamic changes effects in this species.


Subject(s)
3',5'-Cyclic-GMP Phosphodiesterases/antagonists & inhibitors , Chromosome Aberrations/chemically induced , Micronuclei, Chromosome-Defective/chemically induced , Piperazines/toxicity , Vasodilator Agents/toxicity , Administration, Oral , Animals , Blood Pressure/drug effects , Callithrix , Disease Models, Animal , Erythrocytes/pathology , Heart Rate/drug effects , Mutagenicity Tests , Piperazines/administration & dosage , Purines , Random Allocation , Sildenafil Citrate , Sulfones , Vasodilator Agents/administration & dosage
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