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Topics in Cognitive Science Jul 2020Learning and processing natural language requires the ability to track syntactic relationships between words and phrases in a sentence, which are often separated by... (Review)
Review
Learning and processing natural language requires the ability to track syntactic relationships between words and phrases in a sentence, which are often separated by intervening material. These nonadjacent dependencies can be studied using artificial grammar learning paradigms and structured sequence processing tasks. These approaches have been used to demonstrate that human adults, infants and some nonhuman animals are able to detect and learn dependencies between nonadjacent elements within a sequence. However, learning nonadjacent dependencies appears to be more cognitively demanding than detecting dependencies between adjacent elements, and only occurs in certain circumstances. In this review, we discuss different types of nonadjacent dependencies in language and in artificial grammar learning experiments, and how these differences might impact learning. We summarize different types of perceptual cues that facilitate learning, by highlighting the relationship between dependent elements bringing them closer together either physically, attentionally, or perceptually. Finally, we review artificial grammar learning experiments in human adults, infants, and nonhuman animals, and discuss how similarities and differences observed across these groups can provide insights into how language is learned across development and how these language-related abilities might have evolved.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Biological Evolution; Human Development; Humans; Infant; Language; Learning; Linguistics
PubMed: 32729673
DOI: 10.1111/tops.12381 -
Nutrients Jul 2023Physical activity (PA) is of benefit and particularly important for cardiovascular disease risk factors as being sedentary becomes a lifestyle habit. Research into... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
The Mediation and Moderation Effect Association among Physical Activity, Body-Fat Percentage, Blood Pressure, and Serum Lipids among Chinese Adults: Findings from the China Health and Nutrition Surveys in 2015.
Physical activity (PA) is of benefit and particularly important for cardiovascular disease risk factors as being sedentary becomes a lifestyle habit. Research into Chinese complex association among physical activity, body-fat percentage (BF%), blood pressure, and serum lipids is limited. The present study is based on an observational study among adults (>18 years old) residing in fifteen provinces in China. Data of 10,148 adult participants in the 2015 China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) were analyzed. The simple mediation effect models with covariates were utilized to assess the association among PA and blood pressure or serum lipids, and BF% was played as a mediator. The serial multiple-mediator models with covariates were constructed to the further analysis of the relationship between PA and blood pressure, and BF% was the mediator 1 and blood lipids were the mediator 2. Based on the above hypothesis, the moderated mediation models with covariates were used to analyze the association among PA, BF%, and blood pressure; in addition, BF% was used as the mediator and blood lipids played as the moderator. In the simple mediation models, the model with a dependent variable was high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C); BF% was played as the partly mediation effect and the proportion of contribution was 0.23 and 0.25, respectively. In the serial multiple-mediator models, blood lipids, as the second mediator, played the mediation effect; however, the effect was smaller than the BF%. In the moderated mediation model, blood lipids had the moderation effect as the moderator variable. HDL-C played a moderating role in the latter pathway of the "PA→BF%→SBP/DBP" mediation model, and LDL-C/TC played a moderating role in the direct effect of the "PA→BF%→DBP". In conclusion, BF% played a mediating role in the relationship between PA and blood pressure. HDL-C, LDL-C, and TC were more likely to act as moderating variables in the mediation model "PA→BF%→SBP/DBP". PA could directly and indirectly benefit to control the CVD risk factors simultaneously.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Blood Pressure; Body Mass Index; Cholesterol, HDL; Cholesterol, LDL; East Asian People; Exercise; Lipids; Nutrition Surveys; Triglycerides; Adiposity
PubMed: 37513531
DOI: 10.3390/nu15143113 -
American Family Physician Sep 2015The preparticipation physical evaluation is a commonly requested medical visit for amateur and professional athletes of all ages. The overarching goal is to maximize the...
The preparticipation physical evaluation is a commonly requested medical visit for amateur and professional athletes of all ages. The overarching goal is to maximize the health of athletes and their safe participation in sports. Although studies have not found that the preparticipation physical evaluation prevents morbidity and mortality associated with sports, it may detect conditions that predispose the athlete to injury or illness and can provide strategies to prevent injuries. Clearance depends on the outcome of the evaluation and the type of sport (and sometimes position or event) in which the athlete participates. All persons undergoing a preparticipation physical evaluation should be questioned about exertional symptoms, presence of a heart murmur, symptoms of Marfan syndrome, and family history of premature serious cardiac conditions or sudden death. The physical examination should focus on the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. U.S. medical and athletic organizations discourage screening electrocardiography and blood and urine testing in asymptomatic patients. Further evaluation should be considered for persons with heart or lung disease, bleeding disorders, musculoskeletal problems, history of concussion, or other neurologic disorders.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Health; Athletes; Humans; Mass Screening; Medical History Taking; Physical Examination; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Sports; United States
PubMed: 26371570
DOI: No ID Found -
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira... Mar 2022This study examined the association between handgrip strength and body composition, physical fitness, and biomarkers in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.
OBJECTIVES
This study examined the association between handgrip strength and body composition, physical fitness, and biomarkers in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.
METHODS
A total of 75 postmenopausal women were diagnosed with metabolic syndrome participated in this study. Muscle strength was assessed via a hydraulic grip strength dynamometer; physical fitness tests included a timed-up-and-go, arm curl test, and 30-s chair stand. Body composition was assessed via bioelectrical impedance, from which estimates of fat mass, body fat percentage, fat-free mass, and visceral fat area were determined. Fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin were measured via blood sample analyses. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using handgrip strength as the dependent variable and using body composition, physical fitness, and biomarkers as independent variables.
RESULTS
The results revealed that 52% of the total sample were classified as obese, 37.3% as overweight, and only 10.7% as normal weight. Significant correlations were present between handgrip strength and fat-free mass (p=0.002; R=0.590), mean blood pressure (p=0.002; R=0.450), and arm curl (p=0.001; R=0.795).
CONCLUSION
This study showed that handgrip strength was predictive of fat-free mass, blood pressure, and upper limb strength performance.
Topics: Biomarkers; Body Composition; Body Mass Index; Female; Hand Strength; Humans; Metabolic Syndrome; Muscle Strength; Physical Fitness; Postmenopause
PubMed: 35442358
DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20210673 -
International Maritime Health 2021Military physical readiness largely depends on soldiers maintaining their general health and physical fitness at a level which enables them to perform their requisite...
BACKGROUND
Military physical readiness largely depends on soldiers maintaining their general health and physical fitness at a level which enables them to perform their requisite occupational duties in garrison and deployment environments. Understanding the physical fitness of naval cadets throughout its formative stages will help us define a training programme tailored to their needs. The objective of this study was to analyse the physical fitness of cadets enrolled in military training in the academic year 2018-2019 in the Military Naval Academy in Marín, Spain.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A longitudinal correlational-descriptive design was undertaken. 167 of the 292 students who participated in the global analysis participated in the pre and post (first and second semester) physical fitness tests (153 males and 14 females, mean age 21.9 ± 3.5) and were stratified into age groups. Anthropometric measurements and data from the Spanish army physical fitness assessment system (2 min push-ups, 1000 and 50 m races, vertical jump and 50 m swimming) were used. A descriptive, inferential, and correlational analysis was carried out and the level of significance set for the study was p ≤ 0.05.
RESULTS
Inferential analysis between age group markers and over the total sample shows statistical differences for the total sample in the 1000 m and 50 m race (p < 0.001) and in vertical jump test (p < 0.010). There was significant statistical correlation between all five tests undertaken.
CONCLUSIONS
The level of physical fitness of cadets at the Military Naval Academy in Marín, Spain appears to be acceptable when compared to other countries' military naval corps. Coherence between training and evaluation is extremely important, and a re-evaluation of stamina and strength training is probably advisable.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Exercise Test; Female; Humans; Male; Military Personnel; Physical Examination; Physical Fitness; Swimming; Young Adult
PubMed: 33829468
DOI: 10.5603/IMH.2021.0002 -
Respiratory Physiology & Neurobiology Nov 2022Despite the relevant presence of nonlinear components on heart period (HP) likely due to cardiorespiratory coupling (CRC), the HP is frequently analyzed in absence of...
PURPOSE
Despite the relevant presence of nonlinear components on heart period (HP) likely due to cardiorespiratory coupling (CRC), the HP is frequently analyzed in absence of concomitant recordings of respiratory movements (RESP). This study aims to assess the cardiovascular dynamics and CRC during postural challenge in athletes and non-athletes via joint symbolic analysis (JSA).
METHODS
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 50 men, aged between 20 and 40 yrs, divided into athletes (n = 25) and non-athletes (n = 25) groups. The electrocardiogram, blood pressure and RESP signals were recorded during 15 min in both supine position (REST) and after active postural maneuver (STAND). From the beat-to-beat series of HP, systolic arterial pressure (SAP) and RESP, we computed the time and frequency domain indexes and baroreflex sensitivity. The JSA was based on the definition of symbolic HP and RESP patterns and on the evaluation of the rate of their simultaneous occurrence in both HP and RESP series.
RESULTS
The JSA analysis was able to identify higher CRC strength at REST in athletes. Moreover, the response of CRC to STAND depended on the time scales of the analysis and was much more evident in athletes than in non-athletes, thus indicating a more reactive autonomic control in athletes.
CONCLUSION
Assessing CRC in athletes via JSA provides additional information compared to standard linear time and frequency domain tools likely due to the more relevant presence of nonlinearities in HP-RESP variability relationship.
Topics: Adult; Autonomic Nervous System; Baroreflex; Blood Pressure; Cross-Sectional Studies; Electrocardiography; Heart Rate; Humans; Male; Young Adult
PubMed: 35835289
DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2022.103943 -
Trends in Cognitive Sciences May 2018Based on modern theories of signal evolution and animal communication, the behavioral ecology view of facial displays (BECV) reconceives our 'facial expressions of... (Review)
Review
Based on modern theories of signal evolution and animal communication, the behavioral ecology view of facial displays (BECV) reconceives our 'facial expressions of emotion' as social tools that serve as lead signs to contingent action in social negotiation. BECV offers an externalist, functionalist view of facial displays that is not bound to Western conceptions about either expressions or emotions. It easily accommodates recent findings of diversity in facial displays, their public context-dependency, and the curious but common occurrence of solitary facial behavior. Finally, BECV restores continuity of human facial behavior research with modern functional accounts of non-human communication, and provides a non-mentalistic account of facial displays well-suited to new developments in artificial intelligence and social robotics.
Topics: Animals; Cross-Cultural Comparison; Emotions; Facial Expression; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Peer Influence; Social Behavior
PubMed: 29544997
DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2018.02.006 -
Techniques in Vascular and... Mar 2023The evaluation of a patient with knee osteoarthritis (OA) has 3 main components: clinical history, physical examination, and radiographic imaging. The clinician should...
The evaluation of a patient with knee osteoarthritis (OA) has 3 main components: clinical history, physical examination, and radiographic imaging. The clinician should assess for inciting and aggravating factors for the knee pain as well as for the presence of any mechanical symptoms. A history of prior knee injury or surgery can suggest the development of early osteoarthritis. A thorough physical examination of the knee should be performed. Some features of OA include limited range of motion, crepitus in the patellofemoral compartment, and joint line tenderness. Depending on the severity of OA varus or valgus alignment can develop. Special tests such as the McMurray for meniscal tears may cause increased pain as patients with OA will often have degenerative meniscal tears. Weight bearing radiographs can confirm the diagnosis of OA. Several scales exist to grade the severity of OA with the Kellgren-Lawrence being one that is often used. Radiographic features of OA include joint space narrowing, osteophytes, sclerosis of bone and bone end deformities. If after the above evaluation the diagnosis is still unclear, advanced imaging or laboratory testing can be performed to evaluate for alternative diagnoses.
Topics: Humans; Knee Joint; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Radiography; Pain
PubMed: 36889841
DOI: 10.1016/j.tvir.2022.100876 -
Journal of Mid-life Health 2016Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a transient episode of neurologic dysfunction caused due to loss of blood flow to the brain or spinal cord without acute infarction.... (Review)
Review
Transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a transient episode of neurologic dysfunction caused due to loss of blood flow to the brain or spinal cord without acute infarction. Depending on the area of the brain involved, symptoms of TIA vary widely from patient to patient. Since the blockage period in TIA is very short-lived, there is no permanent damage. Risk factors for TIA include family history of stroke or TIA, age above 55 years or older, higher risk of TIA in males than females, high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and tobacco smoking. Genetics, race, and imbalance in lipid profile are other risk factors of TIA. TIA is usually diagnosed after taking a thorough history and a physical examination. Several radiological tests such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are useful in the evaluation of patients who have had a TIA. Ultrasound of the neck and an echocardiogram of the heart are other tests useful in the diagnosis and evaluation of the attack. The treatment following acute recovery from a TIA depends on the underlying cause. Patients who have more than 70% stenosis of the carotid artery, removal of atherosclerotic plaque is usually done by carotid endarterectomy surgery. One-third of the people with TIA can later have recurrent TIAs and one-third can have a stroke because of permanent nerve cell loss. Having a TIA is a risk factor for eventually having a stroke. Educating the patients and inculcating lifestyle modifications in them are initial steps to minimize the prevalence of transient ischemic attack.
PubMed: 27134474
DOI: 10.4103/0976-7800.179166 -
Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical... 2020The contributors to and consequences of disordered health are increasingly complex with sociodemographic, ecological, economic and food system change. But there are...
The contributors to and consequences of disordered health are increasingly complex with sociodemographic, ecological, economic and food system change. But there are opportunities for any adversity to be mitigated by advances in the understanding of human, especially nutritional, ecobiology and in its more accessible and affordable evaluation and monitoring. Viral pandemics are on the rise with climate change and loss of ecosystems. They threaten human civilisation and planetary habitability. Human security is dependent on sustainable livelihoods of which food and water systems are a vital part. We are socioecological beings and depend for our health on biodiversity and the food diversity that ensures; and on connectedness and communication, made more difficult in pandemics. Rapid and accessible point-of-care (POC) tools are now becoming available to compliment other selfmonitoring network approaches, whether checklist or questionnaire, physical, chemical, or biological, for healthcare and nutritional health. They can provide information as several complimentary and interdependent health indices to facilitate personal, group and community action and management plans. This applies to indices of both communicable and non-communicable disease which problems separately and together are compromising health prospects. These indices include ones of physical and mental activities, dietary patterns, metabolites, blood pressure and now the presence and severity of viruses like Covid-19.Of imminent relevance and promise are optically- readable biosensor based strips for nasal, pharyngeal or salivary samples to check viral presence or finger prick blood for immunoglobulins and interleukins. These should allow less socially prohibitive measures to curb viral transmission and promote personal and societal wellbeing.
Topics: Betacoronavirus; Blood Pressure; COVID-19; Climate Change; Coronavirus Infections; Ecosystem; Food Supply; Health Behavior; Humans; Hypertension; Pandemics; Physical Examination; Pneumonia, Viral; Point-of-Care Systems; SARS-CoV-2; Self Care; Social Behavior; Spike Glycoprotein, Coronavirus; Telemedicine
PubMed: 32990602
DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.202009_29(3).0001