What do we know about the role of menopause in cardiovascular autonomic regulation in hypertensive women?

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the systemic arterial hypertension effects on cardiovascular autonomic modulation and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in women with or without preserved ovarian function. METHODS: A total of 120 women were allocated into two groups: middle-aged premenopausal women (42 ± 3 y old; n = 60) and postmenopausal women (57 ± 4 y old; n = 60). Each group was also divided into two smaller groups (n = 30): normotensive and hypertensive. We evaluated hemodynamic and anthropometric parameters, cardiorespiratory fitness, BRS, heart rate variability (HRV), and blood pressure variability. The effects of hypertension and menopause were assessed using a two-way analysis of variance. Post hoc comparisons were performed using the Student-Newman-Keuls test. RESULTS: Comparing premenopausal groups, women with systemic arterial hypertension showed lower BRS (9.1 ± 4.4 vs 13.4 ± 4.2 ms/mm Hg, P < 0.001 ) and HRV total variance (1,451 ± 955 vs 2,483 ± 1,959 ms 2 , P = 0.005) values than normotensive; however, the vagal predominance still remained. On the other hand, both postmenopausal groups showed an expressive reduction in BRS (8.3 ± 4.2 vs 11.3 ± 4.8 ms/mm Hg, P < 0.001) and HRV characterized by sympathetic modulation predominance (low-frequency oscillations; 56% ± 17 vs 44% ± 17, P < 0.001), in addition to a significant increase in blood pressure variability variance (28.4 ± 14.9 vs 22.4 ± 12.5 mm Hg 2 , P = 0.015) compared with premenopausal groups. Comparing both postmenopausal groups, the hypertensive group had significantly lower values ​​of HRV total variance (635 ± 449 vs 2,053 ± 1,720 ms 2 , P < 0.001) and BRS (5.3 ± 2.8 vs 11.3 ± 3.2 ms/mm Hg) than the normotensive. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertensive middle-aged premenopausal women present HRV autonomic modulation impairment, but they still maintain a vagal predominance. After menopause, even normotensive women show sympathetic autonomic predominance, which may also be associated with aging. Furthermore, postmenopausal women with hypertension present even worse cardiac autonomic modulation.

Advancements in non-invasive microwave brain stimulation: A comprehensive survey.

This survey provides a comprehensive insight into the world of non-invasive brain stimulation and focuses on the evolving landscape of deep brain stimulation through microwave research. Non-invasive brain stimulation techniques provide new prospects for comprehending and treating neurological disorders. We investigate the methods shaping the future of deep brain stimulation, emphasizing the role of microwave technology in this transformative journey. Specifically, we explore antenna structures and optimization strategies to enhance the efficiency of high-frequency microwave stimulation. These advancements can potentially revolutionize the field by providing a safer and more precise means of modulating neural activity. Furthermore, we address the challenges that researchers currently face in the realm of microwave brain stimulation. From safety concerns to methodological intricacies, this survey outlines the barriers that must be overcome to fully unlock the potential of this technology. This survey serves as a roadmap for advancing research in microwave brain stimulation, pointing out potential directions and innovations that promise to reshape the field.

High wax ester and triacylglycerol biosynthesis potential in coastal sediments of Antarctic and Subantarctic environments.

The wax ester (WE) and triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthetic potential of marine microorganisms is poorly understood at the microbial community level. The goal of this work was to uncover the prevalence and diversity of bacteria with the potential to synthesize these neutral lipids in coastal sediments of two high latitude environments, and to characterize the gene clusters related to this process. Homolog sequences of the key enzyme, the wax ester synthase/acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (WS/DGAT) were retrieved from 13 metagenomes, including subtidal and intertidal sediments of a Subantarctic environment (Ushuaia Bay, Argentina), and subtidal sediments of an Antarctic environment (Potter Cove, Antarctica). The abundance of WS/DGAT homolog sequences in the sediment metagenomes was 1.23 ± 0.42 times the abundance of 12 single-copy genes encoding ribosomal proteins, higher than in seawater (0.13 ± 0.31 times in 338 metagenomes). Homolog sequences were highly diverse, and were assigned to the Pseudomonadota, Actinomycetota, Bacteroidota and Acidobacteriota phyla. The genomic context of WS/DGAT homologs included sequences related to WE and TAG biosynthesis pathways, as well as to other related pathways such as fatty-acid metabolism, suggesting carbon recycling might drive the flux to neutral lipid synthesis. These results indicate the presence of abundant and taxonomically diverse bacterial populations with the potential to synthesize lipid storage compounds in marine sediments, relating this metabolic process to bacterial survival.

Automatic COVID-19 and Common-Acquired Pneumonia Diagnosis Using Chest CT Scans.

Even with over 80% of the population being vaccinated against COVID-19, the disease continues to claim victims. Therefore, it is crucial to have a secure Computer-Aided Diagnostic system that can assist in identifying COVID-19 and determining the necessary level of care. This is especially important in the Intensive Care Unit to monitor disease progression or regression in the fight against this epidemic. To accomplish this, we merged public datasets from the literature to train lung and lesion segmentation models with five different distributions. We then trained eight CNN models for COVID-19 and Common-Acquired Pneumonia classification. If the examination was classified as COVID-19, we quantified the lesions and assessed the severity of the full CT scan. To validate the system, we used Resnetxt101 Unet++ and Mobilenet Unet for lung and lesion segmentation, respectively, achieving accuracy of 98.05%, F1-score of 98.70%, precision of 98.7%, recall of 98.7%, and specificity of 96.05%. This was accomplished in just 19.70 s per full CT scan, with external validation on the SPGC dataset. Finally, when classifying these detected lesions, we used Densenet201 and achieved accuracy of 90.47%, F1-score of 93.85%, precision of 88.42%, recall of 100.0%, and specificity of 65.07%. The results demonstrate that our pipeline can correctly detect and segment lesions due to COVID-19 and Common-Acquired Pneumonia in CT scans. It can differentiate these two classes from normal exams, indicating that our system is efficient and effective in identifying the disease and assessing the severity of the condition.

Factors associated with tuberculosis disease in children from a hospital in Western Mexico.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of children with confirmed tuberculosis disease and identify associated factors. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective and observational study at the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Dr. Juan I. Menchaca. Inpatient and outpatient children under 18 years of age who were reported to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE, for its Spanish acronym) for suspected tuberculosis and who had molecular or microbiological tests for mycobacteria were included in the study. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression was used to analyze associated factors. RESULTS: One hundred and nine patients under 18 years of age with suspected tuberculosis were included in the study. About 50.5% (55/109) were male, and the median age was 11 years. Tuberculosis was confirmed in 55% (n = 60): 15% (9/60) had a pulmonary infection, and the rest (51/60) had an extrapulmonary infection. The diagnostic tests used were histopathological study (n = 26), expectoration or gastric aspirate stains (n = 17), polymerase chain reaction (n = 12), and cultures (n = 5). Positive purified protein derivative (PPD) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) tests were found in 33.9%. Malnutrition (odds ratio [OR] 15.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3-109), and consumption of unpasteurized products (OR 7.45, 95% CI: 1.02-54.3) were associated with tuberculosis disease in children. CONCLUSIONS: Malnutrition and consumption of unpasteurized dairy products are associated with tuberculosis.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características clínicas y demográficas de niños con enfermedad tuberculosa confirmada e identificar los factores asociados. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrolectivo en el Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Dr. Juan I. Menchaca. Se incluyeron menores de 18 años hospitalizados y ambulatorios que se notificaron al Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica (SINAVE) por sospecha de tuberculosis y que contaron con pruebas moleculares o microbiológicas para micobacterias. El estudio de los factores asociados se realizó mediante análisis multivariado con regresión logística. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio 109 menores de 18 años con sospecha de tuberculosis. El 50.5% (55/109) fueron de sexo masculino y la mediana de edad fue de 11 años. Se confirmó enfermedad tuberculosa en el 55% (n = 60) de los casos: el 15% (9/60) presentaron infección pulmonar y el resto extrapulmonar. Las pruebas diagnósticas utilizadas fueron el estudio histopatológico (n = 26), tinciones de expectoración o aspirado gástrico (n = 17), reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (n = 12) y cultivos (n= 5). 33.9% de los pacientes presentaron prueba de derivado proteico purificado (PPD) o ensayo de liberación de interferón gamma (IGRA) positiva. Se observó que la desnutrición (razón de momios (RM) 15.9, intervalo de confianza (IC) 95% 2.3 ­ 109) y el consumo de productos no pasteurizados (RM 7.45, IC 95% 1.02 ­ 54.3) se asociaron con enfermedad tuberculosa en niños. CONCLUSIONES: La desnutrición y el consumo de lácteos no pasteurizados se asocian con la enfermedad tuberculosa.

NEDD4-1 deficiency impairs satellite cell function during skeletal muscle regeneration.

BACKGROUND: Satellite cells are tissue-specific stem cells primarily responsible for the regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle. Satellite cell function and maintenance are regulated by extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms, including the ubiquitin-proteasome system, which is key for maintaining protein homeostasis. In this context, it has been shown that ubiquitin-ligase NEDD4-1 targets the transcription factor PAX7 for proteasome-dependent degradation, promoting muscle differentiation in vitro. Nonetheless, whether NEDD4-1 is required for satellite cell function in regenerating muscle remains to be determined. RESULTS: Using conditional gene ablation, we show that NEDD4-1 loss, specifically in the satellite cell population, impairs muscle regeneration resulting in a significant reduction of whole-muscle size. At the cellular level, NEDD4-1-null muscle progenitors exhibit a significant decrease in the ability to proliferate and differentiate, contributing to the formation of myofibers with reduced diameter. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that NEDD4-1 expression is critical for proper muscle regeneration in vivo and suggest that it may control satellite cell function at multiple levels.

Factors associated with tuberculosis disease in children from a hospital in Western Mexico / Factores asociados con enfermedad tuberculosa en niños de un hospital del occidente de México

Abstract Background: This study aimed to describe the clinical and demographic characteristics of children with confirmed tuberculosis disease and identify associated factors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective and observational study at the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Dr. Juan I. Menchaca. Inpatient and outpatient children under 18 years of age who were reported to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINAVE, for its Spanish acronym) for suspected tuberculosis and who had molecular or microbiological tests for mycobacteria were included in the study. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression was used to analyze associated factors. Results: One hundred and nine patients under 18 years of age with suspected tuberculosis were included in the study. About 50.5% (55/109) were male, and the median age was 11 years. Tuberculosis was confirmed in 55% (n = 60): 15% (9/60) had a pulmonary infection, and the rest (51/60) had an extrapulmonary infection. The diagnostic tests used were histopathological study (n = 26), expectoration or gastric aspirate stains (n = 17), polymerase chain reaction (n = 12), and cultures (n = 5). Positive purified protein derivative (PPD) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) tests were found in 33.9%. Malnutrition (odds ratio [OR] 15.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.3-109), and consumption of unpasteurized products (OR 7.45, 95% CI: 1.02-54.3) were associated with tuberculosis disease in children. Conclusions: Malnutrition and consumption of unpasteurized dairy products are associated with tuberculosis.

Resumen Introducción: El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características clínicas y demográficas de niños con enfermedad tuberculosa confirmada e identificar los factores asociados. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional retrolectivo en el Hospital Civil de Guadalajara Dr. Juan I. Menchaca. Se incluyeron menores de 18 años hospitalizados y ambulatorios que se notificaron al Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia Epidemiológica (SINAVE) por sospecha de tuberculosis y que contaron con pruebas moleculares o microbiológicas para micobacterias. El estudio de los factores asociados se realizó mediante análisis multivariado con regresión logística. Resultados: Se incluyeron en el estudio 109 menores de 18 años con sospecha de tuberculosis. El 50.5% (55/109) fueron de sexo masculino y la mediana de edad fue de 11 años. Se confirmó enfermedad tuberculosa en el 55% (n = 60) de los casos: el 15% (9/60) presentaron infección pulmonar y el resto extrapulmonar. Las pruebas diagnósticas utilizadas fueron el estudio histopatológico (n = 26), tinciones de expectoración o aspirado gástrico (n = 17), reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (n = 12) y cultivos (n= 5). 33.9% de los pacientes presentaron prueba de derivado proteico purificado (PPD) o ensayo de liberación de interferón gamma (IGRA) positiva. Se observó que la desnutrición (razón de momios (RM) 15.9, intervalo de confianza (IC) 95% 2.3 - 109) y el consumo de productos no pasteurizados (RM 7.45, IC 95% 1.02 - 54.3) se asociaron con enfermedad tuberculosa en niños. Conclusiones: La desnutrición y el consumo de lácteos no pasteurizados se asocian con la enfermedad tuberculosa.

Computer-Aided Ankle Ligament Injury Diagnosis from Magnetic Resonance Images Using Machine Learning Techniques.

Ankle injuries caused by the Anterior Talofibular Ligament (ATFL) are the most common type of injury. Thus, finding new ways to analyze these injuries through novel technologies is critical for assisting medical diagnosis and, as a result, reducing the subjectivity of this process. As a result, the purpose of this study is to compare the ability of specialists to diagnose lateral tibial tuberosity advancement (LTTA) injury using computer vision analysis on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The experiments were carried out on a database obtained from the Vue PACS-Carestream software, which contained 132 images of ATFL and normal (healthy) ankles. Because there were only a few images, image augmentation techniques was used to increase the number of images in the database. Following that, various feature extraction algorithms (GLCM, LBP, and HU invariant moments) and classifiers such as Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), Support Vector Machine (SVM), k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN), and Random Forest (RF) were used. Based on the results from this analysis, for cases that lack clear morphologies, the method delivers a hit rate of 85.03% with an increase of 22% over the human expert-based analysis.

ECG Measurement Uncertainty Based on Monte Carlo Approach: An Effective Analysis for a Successful Cardiac Health Monitoring System.

Measurement uncertainty is one of the widespread concepts applied in scientific works, particularly to estimate the accuracy of measurement results and to evaluate the conformity of products and processes. In this work, we propose a methodology to analyze the performance of measurement systems existing in the design phases, based on a probabilistic approach, by applying the Monte Carlo method (MCM). With this approach, it is feasible to identify the dominant contributing factors of imprecision in the evaluated system. In the design phase, this information can be used to identify where the most effective attention is required to improve the performance of equipment. This methodology was applied over a simulated electrocardiogram (ECG), for which a measurement uncertainty of the order of 3.54% of the measured value was estimated, with a confidence level of 95%. For this simulation, the ECG computational model was categorized into two modules: the preamplifier and the final stage. The outcomes of the analysis show that the preamplifier module had a greater influence on the measurement results over the final stage module, which indicates that interventions in the first module would promote more significant performance improvements in the system. Finally, it was identified that the main source of ECG measurement uncertainty is related to the measurand, focused towards the objective of better characterization of the metrological behavior of the measurements in the ECG.

Bis(benzimidazole)amino thio- and selenoether Iron(II) complexes as proton reduction electrocatalysts.

Two novel Iron (II) complexes featuring tetrapodal bis(benzimidazole)amino thio- and selenoether ligands (LS and LSe) were synthesized, characterized, and tested as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction. The bromide complexes [Fe(LS,LSe)Br2] (1-2) are highly insoluble, but their DMSO solvates were characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, revealing an octahedral coordination environment that does not feature coordination of the chalcogen atoms. The corresponding triflate derivatives [Fe(LS,LSe)(MeCN)3]OTf2 (1c-2c) were employed for electrocatalytic proton reduction, with 1c exhibiting higher activity, thus suggesting that the thioether may participate as a more competent pendant ligand for proton transfer.

Performance of the Health System Network in Formosa, Argentina, in the Diagnosis of Leprosy.

Leprosy is a chronic, neglected tropical infectious disease, currently endemic in Formosa, a province in northwestern Argentina. To analyze the performance, distribution, and effectiveness of the health system in leprosy diagnosis in Formosa, we estimated the trend of the number of new cases of leprosy diagnosed between 2002 and 2019 and estimated a forecast for 2022 at the primary health care centers (PHCCs) of at the first level of care (1stLC), at district hospitals (DHs) of the second level of care (2ndLC), high-complexity hospitals at the third level of care (3rdLC), and in rural and urban areas. The general trend was calculated based on the new cases detection rate (NCDR) using the autoregressive-moving average model (ARMA). The 1stLC, 2ndLC, and 3rdLC and the rural/urban variables were assessed using a proportional Bayesian trend ARMA (TrARMA) model. A predictive model was used for estimated forecasts. Markov-Monte Carlo chains were applied with A Metropolis-Hastings's algorithm. The highest median proportion (Mp) of new cases of leprosy was diagnosed at the 2ndLC (Mp, 0.67; 97.5% credibility interval [CI] [0.56-0.77]), at the 3rdLC (Mp, 0.11; 97.5% CI [0.08-0.15]), and in urban areas (urban median proportion (uMp), 0.86; 97.5% CI [0.83- 0.88]), whereas the lowest proportion of new cases was diagnosed at the 1stLC (Mp, 0.082; 97.5% CI [0.061-0.108]) and in rural areas (rural median proportion (rMp), 0.13; 97.5% CI [0.11-0.16]). Our model predicts for 2022 that a median number of new cases of leprosy of 19.70 will be diagnosed in urban areas (97.5% CI [15.94-23.80]), and will continue to be diagnosed at the 2ndLC (median number of cases, 15.33; 97.5% CI [12.40-10.52]) and 3rdLC (median number of cases, 2.43; 97.5% CI [1.97-2.94]).

NEDD4-1 deficiency impairs satellite cell function during skeletal muscle regeneration

BACKGROUND: Satellite cells are tissue-specific stem cells primarily responsible for the regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle. Satellite cell function and maintenance are regulated by extrinsic and intrinsic mechanisms, including the ubiquitin-proteasome system, which is key for maintaining protein homeostasis. In this context, it has been shown that ubiquitin-ligase NEDD4-1 targets the transcription factor PAX7 for proteasome-dependent degradation, promoting muscle differentiation in vitro. Nonetheless, whether NEDD4-1 is required for satellite cell function in regenerating muscle remains to be determined. RESULTS: Using conditional gene ablation, we show that NEDD4-1 loss, specifically in the satellite cell population, impairs muscle regeneration resulting in a significant reduction of whole-muscle size. At the cellular level, NEDD4-1-null muscle progenitors exhibit a significant decrease in the ability to proliferate and differentiate, contributing to the formation of myofibers with reduced diameter. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that NEDD4-1 expression is critical for proper muscle regeneration in vivo and suggest that it may control satellite cell function at multiple levels.

Cardiovascular autonomic modulation differences between moderate-intensity continuous and high-intensity interval aerobic training in women with PCOS: A randomized trial.

Background: Moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) is strongly recommended for polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) treatment. However, recent studies have suggested that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) would promote great benefits for cardiac autonomic control. Therefore, we investigated whether the benefits of HIIT related to cardiovascular autonomic control were greater than those of MICT in women with PCOS. Methods: Women with PCOS were randomly allocated through a blind draw into three groups: control, MICT, and HIIT. The control group did not undergo exercise, whereas those in the MICT and HIIT groups underwent 16 weeks of aerobic physical training. All groups were evaluated before and after the 16 weeks of intervention in the following aspects: quantification of serum lipids, testosterone, fasting insulin and blood glucose; physical fitness through cardiopulmonary testing; analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) by linear (time domain and frequency domain) and non-linear (symbolic analysis) methods, analysis of blood pressure variability (BPV) and spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Results: The final analysis, each group comprised 25 individuals. All groups had similar baseline parameters. After 16 weeks, intragroup comparison showed that the MICT and HIIT groups had a reduction in baseline heart rate (P < 0.001; P < 0.001, respectively) and testosterone levels P < 0.037; P < 0.012, respectively) associated with an increase in VO2peak (MICT, P < 0.001; HIIT, P < 0.001). The MICT (P < 0.36) and HIIT (P < 0.17) groups also showed an increase in cardiac vagal modulation, however only observed in the non-linear analysis. The intergroup comparison showed no differences between the MICT and HIIT groups in any of the hormonal, metabolic and autonomic parameters evaluated, including testosterone, peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), HRV, BPV and BRS. Conclusion: HIIT and MICT showed similar results for the different parameters evaluated. This suggests that both training protocols can be recommended for the treatment of PCOS. Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (RBR-78qtwy).

Criminalización y juvenicidio de culturas juveniles asociadas a organizaciones delincuenciales: caso colombianos / Criminalization and youthcide of youth cultures associated with criminal organizations: the case of the Cholombianos / Criminalização e juvenicídio de culturas juvenis associadas a organizações criminosas: o caso Cholombianos

Resumen (analítico) El artículo propone caracterizar y comprender los procesos de inserción de jóvenes en las organizaciones delincuenciales, tomando el caso de una cultura juvenil del noreste mexicano: los cholombianos. Plantea un marco de referencia construido por la articulación de categorías como violencia posestructural, desciudadanización, construcción de pánicos morales, estigmatización territorial, criminalización y sujeción criminal, para debatir y ampliar la conceptualización sobre el juvenicidio en México. Para ello, se analizan casos documentados por antropólogos y periodistas de jóvenes de distintas clases sociales que participan o son vinculados con la delincuencia organizada. A partir de un análisis teórico conceptual, se realizan observaciones sobre cómo los grupos delincuenciales forjan fuentes de pertenencia, respeto e identidad, y cómo estos y los poderes públicos llevan a cabo acciones de desciudadanización que destruyen culturas juveniles como la de los cholombianos.

Abstract (analytical) This article aims to characterize and comprehend the processes of young people joining criminal organizations by using a case study of a youth culture in the northeastern region of Mexico, the Cholombianos. The authors propose a reference framework based on the articulation of categories such as post-structural violence, de-citizenization, fabrication of moral panic, territorial stigmatization, criminalization and criminal subjection to discuss and expand the conceptualization of youthcide in Mexico. To achieve this process, the authors analyze cases documented by anthropologists and journalists of young people from different social classes who participate in or are linked to organized crime. Using a conceptual theoretical analysis, the authors discuss how criminal groups fabricate senses of belonging, respect and identity and how they and public authorities carry out de-citizenization actions that destroy youth cultures like the Cholombianos.

Resumo (analítico) O artigo se propõe a caracterizar e compreender os processos de inserção de jovens em organizações criminosas, tomando o caso de uma cultura juvenil do nordeste mexicano, os cholombianos, propõe um quadro de referência construído pela articulação de categorias como violência pós-estrutural, descidadania, construção de pânicos morais, estigmatização territorial, criminalização e sujeição criminal, para debater e ampliar a conceituação do assassinato juvenil no México. Para isso, são analisados casos, documentados por antropólogos e jornalistas, de jovens de diferentes classes sociais que participam ou estão ligados ao crime organizado. A partir de uma análise teórica conceitual, são feitas observações sobre como grupos criminosos forjam fontes de pertencimento, respeito e identidade, como eles e o poder público realizam ações de descidadania que destroem culturas juvenis como a dos cholombianos.

Mammogram Image Enhancement Techniques for Online Breast Cancer Detection and Diagnosis.

Breast cancer is the type of cancer with the highest incidence and global mortality of female cancers. Thus, the adaptation of modern technologies that assist in medical diagnosis in order to accelerate, automate and reduce the subjectivity of this process are of paramount importance for an efficient treatment. Therefore, this work aims to propose a robust platform to compare and evaluate the proposed strategies for improving breast ultrasound images and compare them with state-of-the-art techniques by classifying them as benign, malignant and normal. Investigations were performed on a dataset containing a total of 780 images of tumor-affected persons, divided into benign, malignant and normal. A data augmentation technique was used to scale up the corpus of images available in the chosen dataset. For this, novel image enhancement techniques were used and the Multilayer Perceptrons, k-Nearest Neighbor and Support Vector Machines algorithms were used for classification. From the promising outcomes of the conducted experiments, it was observed that the bilateral algorithm together with the SVM classifier achieved the best result for the classification of breast cancer, with an overall accuracy of 96.69% and an accuracy for the detection of malignant nodules of 95.11%. Therefore, it was found that the application of image enhancement methods can help in the detection of breast cancer at a much earlier stage with better accuracy in detection.

Age-linked suppression of lipoxin A4 associates with cognitive deficits in mice and humans.

Age increases the risk for cognitive impairment and is the single major risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent form of dementia in the elderly. The pathophysiological processes triggered by aging that render the brain vulnerable to dementia involve, at least in part, changes in inflammatory mediators. Here we show that lipoxin A4 (LXA4), a lipid mediator of inflammation resolution known to stimulate endocannabinoid signaling in the brain, is reduced in the aging central nervous system. We demonstrate that genetic suppression of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), the enzyme mediating LXA4 synthesis, promotes learning impairment in mice. Conversely, administration of exogenous LXA4 attenuated cytokine production and memory loss induced by inflammation in mice. We further show that cerebrospinal fluid LXA4 is reduced in patients with dementia and positively associated with cognitive performance, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and AD-linked amyloid-ß. Our findings suggest that reduced LXA4 levels may lead to vulnerability to age-related cognitive disorders and that promoting LXA4 signaling may comprise an effective strategy to prevent early cognitive decline in AD.

Integrative physiological study of adaptations induced by aerobic physical training in hypertensive hearts.

Aerobic physical training reduces arterial pressure in patients with hypertension owing to integrative systemic adaptations. One of the key factors is the decrease in cardiac sympathetic influence. Thus, we hypothesized that among other causes, cardiac sympathetic influence reduction might be associated with intrinsic cardiac adaptations that provide greater efficiency. Therefore, 14 spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR group) and 14 normotensive Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY group) were used in this study. Half of the rats in each group were trained to swim for 12 weeks. All animals underwent the following experimental protocols: double blockade of cardiac autonomic receptors with atropine and propranolol; echocardiography; and analysis of coronary bed reactivity and left ventricle contractility using the Langendorff technique. The untrained SHR group had a higher sympathetic tone, cardiac hypertrophy, and reduced ejection fraction compared with the untrained WKY group. In addition, reduced coronary bed reactivity due to increased flow, and less ventricular contractile response to dobutamine and salbutamol administration were observed. The trained SHR group showed fewer differences in echocardiographic parameters as the untrained SHR group. However, the trained SHR group showed a reduction in the cardiac sympathetic influence, greater coronary bed reactivity, and increased left intraventricular pressure. In conclusion, aerobic physical training seems to reduce cardiac sympathetic influence and increase contractile strength in SHR rats, besides the minimal effects on cardiac morphology. This reduction suggests intrinsic cardiac adaptations resulting in beneficial adjustments of coronary bed reactivity associated with greater left ventricular contraction.

Efectos de la rehabilitación cardíaca de fase I. Revisión sistemática / Effects of phase I of cardiac rehabilitation. Systematic review

Resumen Introducción: La rehabilitación cardíaca de fase I es un programa hospitalario que tiene como objetivo reducir los efectos que se pueden derivar del reposo prolongado en cama e instruir al paciente para el ingreso a la fase ambulatoria de rehabilitación. Objetivo: Analizar los efectos de la rehabilitación cardíaca de fase I en pacientes sometidos a revascularización miocárdica y cambios valvulares, mediante una revisión sistemática de la literatura. Método: La revisión incluyó ensayos clínicos controlados aleatorizados que analizaran los efectos de la rehabilitación cardíaca de fase I. Se emplearon las bases de datos Scopus, ScienceDirect, Embase y Embase classic OVID. La búsqueda se limitó a los artículos publicados entre los años 2000 y 2017, en inglés, portugués y español. Los estudios que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión recibieron un análisis de la calidad metodológica, el nivel de evidencia y el grado de recomendación según las escalas PEDro y Scottish. Resultados: Fueron elegibles 298 artículos, de los cuales cuatro fueron seleccionados y analizados; todos estos incluyeron población que había sido sometida a revascularización quirúrgica cardíaca y dos a población con reparación o reemplazo valvular quirúrgico. En cuanto a la calidad metodológica, dos fueron categorizados como de buena calidad con un nivel de evidencia 1+ y 1++ y un grado de recomendación A y B. Los protocolos de tratamiento utilizados fueron las técnicas respiratorias, los ejercicios activos de extremidades y la deambulación. Conclusiones: La literatura analizada sugiere incluir los procesos de rehabilitación cardíaca de fase I, lo cual puede mejorar la función pulmonar y disminuir la ansiedad, variable que se asoció de manera directa con la estancia hospitalaria en los pacientes posquirúrgicos cardíacos.

Abstract Introduction: The phase I of cardiac rehabilitation have the proposed decrease the effects on the bed rest and better adherence at the phase II. Objective: To analyze the effects of phase I CR in patients undergoing myocardial revascularization and valve changes, through a systematic review of the literature. Method: The review includes randomized clinical trials looking at the effects of phase I. The base date Scopus, Science Direct, Embase & Embase classic OVID. The search was limited between 2000 and 2017, in English Portuguese and Spanish. Results: 298 articles were were eligible, and only four were selected and analyzed. The articles included a population with bypass coronary and two articles with surgery to valve replacement or repair. Regarding quality methodology, Two were rated to be good quality with an evidence level of 1+ and 1++ and a degree of recommendation A y B. The protocols used for treatment include breathing techniques, upper and lower limps exercise and ambulation. Conclusions: The phase I cardiac rehabilitation, could improve lung function and reduce anxiety, this is associated directly with stay hospital post-surgical cardiac patients