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New insights into the regulation of bile acids synthesis during the early stages of liver regeneration: A human and experimental study
No full textBackground and aims: Liver regeneration is essential for the preservation of homeostasis and survival. Bile acids
(BAs)-mediated signaling is necessary for liver regeneration, but BAs levels need to be carefully controlled to
avoid hepatotoxicity. We studied the early response of the BAs-fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) axis in
healthy individuals undergoing hepatectomy for living donor liver transplant. We also evaluated BAs synthesis in
mice upon partial hepatectomy (PH) and acute inflammation, focusing on the regulation of cytochrome-7A1
(CYP7A1), a key enzyme in BAs synthesis from cholesterol.
Methods: Serum was obtained from twelve human liver donors. Mice underwent 2/3-PH or sham-operation.
Acute inflammation was induced with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice fed control or antoxidant-supplemented diets. BAs and 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4) levels were measured by HPLC-MS/MS;
serum FGF19 by ELISA. Gene expression and protein levels were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western-blot.
Results: Serum BAs levels increased after PH. In patients with more pronounced hypercholanemia, FGF19
concentrations transiently rose, while C4 levels (a readout of CYP7A1 activity) dropped 2 h post-resection in all
cases. Serum BAs and C4 followed the same pattern in mice 1 h after PH, but C4 levels also dropped in shamoperated and LPS-treated animals, without marked changes in CYP7A1 protein levels. LPS-induced serum C4
decline was attenuated in mice fed an antioxidant-supplemented diet. Conclusions: In human liver regeneration FGF19 upregulation may constitute a protective response from BAs
excess during liver regeneration. Our findings suggest the existence of post-translational mechanisms regulating
CYP7A1 activity, and therefore BAs synthesis, independent from CYP7A1/Cyp7a1 gene transcription
Exploring indoor thermal comfort and its causes and consequences amid heatwaves in a Southern European city—An unsupervised learning approach
No full textThis study investigates indoor thermal comfort during heatwaves in dwellings of the Southern European city of
Pamplona, Spain. Utilizing K-means and Hierarchical clustering, it explores clustering patterns from occupants’
survey responses (n = 189) to thermal comfort-related questions (i.e. day and night thermal sensation, thermal
satisfaction and thermal preference) as well as causal links (i.e. indoor temperatures, building/occupant features)
and consequences (i.e. sleep quality, heat-related symptoms) of such clusterings. Both unsupervised learning
techniques coherently revealed two groups: the comfortable and uncomfortable clusters. Uncomfortable occupants
coherently experience more sensation to heat, greater preference for cooler temperatures, and more thermal
dissatisfaction, especially during daytime hours. Dwellings of comfortable occupants experience median indoor
temperatures ranging 25.7–26 ◦C; dwellings of uncomfortable occupants 27.4 ◦C, with median temperatures
above 28 ◦C during 15:00–23:00 and 23:00–07:00 periods. Discomfort or overheating—coherently expressed by
the thermally uncomfortable cluster—is alleviated by multiple factors related to the presence of active cooling
technologies in all rooms, and use of passive and low-energy cooling measures (e,g. fans); exacerbated by
heatwave conditions. As coherently expressed by the uncomfortable cluster heat worsens the sleep quality of
occupants (3 to 6-fold) and increases the likelihood of occupants to experience heat-related symptoms (10–19-fold). This study is particularly important to policymakers, as it sheds light, from dwellers’ first-hand experience
in a Southern Europe city, on relevant factors that should be taken in consideration to allow them to cope better
with heatwaves without compromising their comfort and health
All road user casualties (killed) in Great Britain from 1926. Linear and nonlinear trends with persistent data
No full textThis paper deals with the analysis of road casualties in Great Britain, using annual data since 1926. Based on the persistent nature of the data, fractional integration methods are used that include linear and non-linear (structural breaks) models. The results indicate that when the whole data set is employed the series is nonstationary I(1) implying permanency of shocks. However, considering data starting in 1964 we observe a significant negative time trend along with a lower degree of integration that implies transitory shocks. In order to avoid the abrupt change produced by the break, a nonlinear deterministic trend model based on Chebyshev polynomials in time is also considered with the whole sample, and though the order of integration is much lower than 1, the unit root null hypothesis cannot yet be rejected
Towards sustainable fashion: Zara's case
No full textSustainability has become a pressing need across sectors, and the fashion industry is no
exception. This thesis focuses on Zara, a prominent fast fashion brand, to examine its
integration of sustainable practices. Zara, known for its rapid production cycles and trenddriven designs, has traditionally been criticized for contributing to overconsumption and
environmental degradation. However, recent initiatives aim to shift this narrative.
Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research combines a quantitative survey,
gathering data from a broad consumer base, with an in-depth qualitative case study of
Zara's business model and sustainability efforts. The study explores key factors
influencing consumer perceptions of Zara's sustainability initiatives and assesses the
effectiveness of these efforts in mitigating the brand's negative image as a fast fashion
leader. Findings reveal significant drivers behind consumer engagement with sustainable
fashion, the role of transparency and accountability in shaping brand trust, and the impact
of Zara's sustainability measures on its market position. This comprehensive analysis
contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable fashion, providing actionable insights
that can contribute to the advancement of sustainability in fashion, offering guidance for
brands striving to balance profitability with social and environmental responsibilit
Cortical activation in REM behavior disorder mimics voluntary movement. An electroencephalography study
No full textObjectives: Motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease improve during REM sleep behavior disorder movement episodes. Our aim was to study cortical activity during these movement episodes, in patients with
and without Parkinson’s disease, in order to investigate the cortical involvement in the generation of its
electromyographic activity and its potential relationship with Parkinson’s disease.
Methods: We looked retrospectively in our polysomnography database for patients with REM sleep
behavior disorder, analyzing fifteen patients in total, seven with idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder
and eight associated with Parkinson’s disease. We selected segments of REM sleep with the presence of
movements (evidenced by electromyographic activation), and studied movement-related changes in cortical activity by averaging the electroencephalographic signal (premotor potential) and by means of time/
frequency transforms.
Results: We found a premotor potential and an energy decrease of alpha–beta oscillatory activity preceding the onset of electromyographic activity, together with an increase of gamma activity for the duration
of the movement. All these changes were similarly present in REM sleep behavior disorder patients with
and without Parkinson’s disease.
Conclusions: Movement-related changes in electroencephalographic activity observed in REM sleep
behavior disorder are similar to those observed during voluntary movements, regardless of the presence
of Parkinson’s disease motor symptoms.
Significance: These results suggest a main involvement of the cortex in the generation of the movements
during REM sleep
Current-dependent temperature change model of a thermoelectric window frame
No full textCompared to conventional air-conditioning systems, Thermoelectric (TE) window systems exhibit a lower coefficient of performance (COP). To improve their COPs for practical use, it is essential to establish and validate a numerical model for optimizing the system in the pre-design phase. This work develops a thermoelectric window frame (TEWF) and validates its current-dependent temperature change model based on experimental results. The TEWF is integrated as an auxiliary window frame to address the limitations observed in existing TE window systems and its model enables simulations of the operation of the TEWF under various operating currents without the assumptions of the object-side temperature, the temperature difference between the two sides, or the desired supply air temperature. The results indicate that as the operating current increases, the hot-side temperature exhibits a more significant rise than the cold-side temperature, resulting in an increasing temperature difference between the hot and cold sides. Simultaneously, both thermal capacities at the hot and cold sides demonstrate a growing trend. However, the COP on both sides drops with the increasing current. Most variables in the simulation exhibit errors of less than 5% compared to the experimental results under identical conditions. Furthermore, their CV (RMSE) values all comply with the acceptable tolerances of 15% according to the ASHRAE 14 and FEMP standards. Therefore, the proposed current-dependent temperature change model of the TEWF demonstrates good accuracy and proves helpful in optimizing TE systems by simulating their thermal behavior under different operating conditions
Barreras y facilitadores que afectan a la continuidad de la lactancia materna (LM) de las madres
No full textIntroducción: La LM tiene beneficios adicionales tanto para la salud materna como infantil.
Actualmente, a pesar del deseo de las madres por amamantar las tasas de LM en todo el mundo son
más bajas de lo recomendado. Las madres encuentran múltiples obstáculos que impiden la
continuidad de esta práctica.
Objetivo: Explorar y describir las barreras y facilitadores que encuentran las madres durante el
periodo de lactancia y que pueden influir en su continuidad.
Metodología: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en las bases de datos PubMed, CINAHL y
PsycINFO, durante el mes de noviembre del 2023.
Resultados: De la búsqueda fueron seleccionados 17 artículos. En cuanto a las barreras, se
encuentran cinco subtemas, las barreras físicas, psicológicas, de desconocimiento, de falta de apoyo
y el regreso al trabajo. En cuanto a los facilitadores, se clasifican en tres principales, psicológicos,
prácticos y de apoyo.
Conclusiones: La revisión ha identificado barreras y facilitadores que experimentan las madres
durante la LM y que afectan en su continuidad. Asimismo, ayuda a los profesionales a realizar nuevas
intervenciones que apoyen la LM.Introduction: BF has additional benefits for both maternal and infant health. Currently, despite
mothers' desire to breastfeed, BF rates worldwide are lower than recommended. Mothers find multiple
barriers that impede the continuation of this practice.
Objective: To explore and describe the barriers and facilitators that mothers find during the
breastfeeding period and that may influence their continuity.
Methodology: A bibliographic search was carried out in the databases PubMed, CINAHL and
PsycINFO, during the month of November 2023.
Results: 17 articles were selected from the search. In terms of barriers, five subthemes were found:
physical, psychological, lack of knowledge, lack of support and return to work. As for facilitators, they
are classified into three main ones, psychological, practical and supportive.
Conclusions: The review has identified barriers and facilitators experienced by mothers during BF
that affect their continuity. It also helps professionals to develop new interventions to support BF
Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS)-Thalamotomy for essential tremor: lesion location and clinical outcomes
No full textBackground: Factors predicting
clinical outcomes after MR-guided focused ultrasound
(MRgFUS)-thalamotomy in patients with essential tremor
(ET) are not well known.
Objective: To examine the clinical outcomes and their
relationship with patients’ baseline demographic and
clinical features and lesion characteristics at 6-month
follow-up in ET patients.
Methods: A total of 127 patients were prospectively
evaluated at 1 (n = 122), 3 (n = 102), and 6 months
(n = 78) after MRgFUS-thalamotomy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained at 6 months (n = 60).
Primary outcomes included: (1) change in the Clinical
Rating Scale of Tremor (CRST)-A+B score in the treated
hand and (2) frequency and severity of adverse events
(AEs) at 6 months. Secondary outcomes included
changes in all subitems of the CRST scale in the treated
hand, CRST-C, axial tremor (face, head, voice, tongue),
AEs, and correlation of primary outcomes at 6 months
with lesion characteristics. Statistical analysis included
linear mixed, standard, and logistic regression models.
Results: Scores for CRST-A+B, CRST-A, CRST-B in the
treated hand, CRST-C, and axial tremor were improved
at each evaluation (P < 0.001). Five patients had severe
AEs at 1 month that became mild throughout the follow-up. Mild AEs occurred in 71%, 45%, and 34% of
patients at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. Lesion volume was associated with the reduction in the CRST-A
(P = 0.003) and its overlapping with the ventralis intermedius nucleus (Vim) nucleus with the reduction in
CRST-A+B (P = 0.02) and CRST-B (P = 0.008) at
6 months.
Conclusions: MRgFUS-thalamotomy improves hand
and axial tremor in ET patients. Transient and mild AEs
are frequent. Lesion volume and location are associated
with tremor reduction. © 2024 The Authors. Movement
Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf
of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder
Society
Effect of an intensive lifestyle intervention on the structural and functional substrate for atrial fibrillation in people with metabolic syndrome
No full textAims: To evaluate the effect of an intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) on the structural and functional cardiac substrate of atrial fibrillation (AF) in overweight or obese people with metabolic syndrome (Mets).
Methods and results: Participants of the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterranea-Plus trial (n = 6874) were randomized 1:1 to an ILI programme based on an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet, increased physical activity, and cognitive-behavioural weight management or to a control intervention of low-intensity dietary advice. A core echocardiography lab evaluated left atrial (LA) strain, function, and volumes in 534 participants at baseline, 3-year, and 5-year follow-ups. Mixed models were used to evaluate the effect of the ILI on LA structure and function. In the subsample, the baseline mean age was 65 years [standard deviation (SD) 5 years], and 40% of the participants were women. The mean weight change after 5 years was -3.9 kg (SD 5.3 kg) in the ILI group and -0.3 kg (SD 5.1 kg) in the control group. Over the 5-year period, both groups experienced a worsening of LA structure and function, with increases in LA volumes and stiffness index and decreases in LA longitudinal strain, LA function index, and LA emptying fraction over time. Changes in the ILI and control groups were not significantly different for any of the primary outcomes {LA emptying fraction: -0.95% [95% confidence interval (CI) -0.93, -0.98] in the control group, -0.97% [95% CI -0.94, -1.00] in the ILI group, Pbetween groups = 0.80; LA longitudinal strain: 0.82% [95% CI 0.79, 0.85] in the control group, 0.85% [95% CI 0.82, 0.89] in the ILI group, Pbetween groups = 0.24} or any of the secondary outcomes.
Conclusion: In overweight or obese people with Mets, an ILI had no impact on the underlying structural and functional LA substrate measurements associated with AF risk