Spatial release from masking in the median plane with non-native speakers using individual and mannequin head related transfer functions.

Spatial release from masking (SRM) in speech-on-speech tasks has been widely studied in the horizontal plane, where interaural cues play a fundamental role. Several studies have also observed SRM for sources located in the median plane, where (monaural) spectral cues are more important. However, a relatively unexplored research question concerns the impact of head-related transfer function (HRTF) personalisation on SRM, for example, whether using individually-measured HRTFs results in better performance if compared with the use of mannequin HRTFs. This study compares SRM in the median plane in a speech-on-speech virtual task rendered using both individual and mannequin HRTFs. SRM is obtained using English sentences with non-native English speakers. Our participants show lower SRM performances compared to those found by others using native English participants. Furthermore, SRM is significantly larger when the source is spatialised using the individual HRTF, and this effect is more marked for those with lower English proficiency. Further analyses using a spectral distortion metric and the estimation of the better-ear effect, show that the observed SRM can only partially be explained by HRTF-specific factors and that the effect of the familiarity with individual spatial cues is likely to be the most significant element driving these results.

ANTEGRADE NAILING VERSUS LOCKING PLATE OF 2-AND 3-PART PROXIMAL HUMERUS FRACTURES.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the proportions of complications and radiographic findings of osteosynthesis of 2- and 3-part proximal humerus fractures with two methods of treatment: third-generation antegrade nailing and locking plate. Methods: 46 patients with a mean age of 58.9 ± 16.6 years between January 2020 and January 2021 were evaluated. In sixteen cases (34.8%), antegrade nailing was used, and in thirty cases (65, 2%), a locking proximal humerus plate. The method used included the rate of complications with a minimum follow-up of 6 months after surgery and radiographic evaluation. Results: There was no difference between the groups regarding the proportion of complications (nail group 18.8%, plate group 13.3%; p = 0.681). The nail group had less residual varus loss (cervicodiaphyseal angle nail group with 132.1º ± 2.3º, plate group 123.8º ± 10.1º; p < 0.001). In the plate group, women had the lowest value (1.43 ± 0.22) of the deltoid tuberosity index (DTI) compared to men (1.58 ± 0.11) (p = 0.022). Conclusion: Osteosynthesis, with a locking plate and antegrade nailing, did not show differences in the proportion of complications. The nail group had less change in the postoperative cervicodiaphyseal angle, however, there were two serious complications with screw cut-out and varus deviation, requiring surgical reapproach. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective Observational Study.

Objetivo: Avaliar retrospectivamente e comparar proporções de complicações e achados radiográficos da osteossíntese da fratura do úmero proximal em duas e três partes com dois métodos de tratamento: haste intramedular bloqueada de terceira geração e placa bloqueada. Métodos: Foram avaliados 46 pacientes com idade média de 58,9 ± 16,6 entre janeiro de 2020 a janeiro de 2021. Em 16 casos (34,8%), utilizou-se a haste intramedular e, em 30 casos (65,2%), a placa bloqueada de úmero proximal. A avaliação incluiu a taxa de complicações com seguimento mínimo de seis meses de pós-operatório e avaliação radiográfica. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto à proporção de complicações (grupo haste: 18,8%; grupo placa: 13,3%; p = 0,681). O grupo haste apresentou menor perda residual em varo (ângulo cervicodiafisário: grupo haste com 132,1º ± 2,3º; grupo placa com 123,8º ± 10,1º; p < 0,001). No grupo placa, as mulheres apresentaram menor índice de tuberosidade-deltoide (DTI) (1,43 ± 0,22) em relação aos homens (1,58 ± 0,11) (p = 0,022). Conclusão: No seguimento de curto prazo, a osteossíntese, com placa bloqueada ou haste intramedular, não apresentou diferenças nas proporções de complicações. O grupo haste apresentou menor alteração do ângulo cervicodiafisário no pós-operatório; entretanto, ocorreram duas complicações graves com cut out e desvio em varo com necessidade de reabordagem cirúrgica no grupo haste. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo Retrospectivo Observacional.

The dynamic atmospheric and aeolian environment of Jezero crater, Mars.

Despite the importance of sand and dust to Mars geomorphology, weather, and exploration, the processes that move sand and that raise dust to maintain Mars' ubiquitous dust haze and to produce dust storms have not been well quantified in situ, with missions lacking either the necessary sensors or a sufficiently active aeolian environment. Perseverance rover's novel environmental sensors and Jezero crater's dusty environment remedy this. In Perseverance's first 216 sols, four convective vortices raised dust locally, while, on average, four passed the rover daily, over 25% of which were significantly dusty ("dust devils"). More rarely, dust lifting by nonvortex wind gusts was produced by daytime convection cells advected over the crater by strong regional daytime upslope winds, which also control aeolian surface features. One such event covered 10 times more area than the largest dust devil, suggesting that dust devils and wind gusts could raise equal amounts of dust under nonstorm conditions.

Radiation and Dust Sensor for Mars Environmental Dynamic Analyzer Onboard M2020 Rover.

The Radiation and Dust Sensor is one of six sensors of the Mars Environmental Dynamics Analyzer onboard the Perseverance rover from the Mars 2020 NASA mission. Its primary goal is to characterize the airbone dust in the Mars atmosphere, inferring its concentration, shape and optical properties. Thanks to its geometry, the sensor will be capable of studying dust-lifting processes with a high temporal resolution and high spatial coverage. Thanks to its multiwavelength design, it will characterize the solar spectrum from Mars' surface. The present work describes the sensor design from the scientific and technical requirements, the qualification processes to demonstrate its endurance on Mars' surface, the calibration activities to demonstrate its performance, and its validation campaign in a representative Mars analog. As a result of this process, we obtained a very compact sensor, fully digital, with a mass below 1 kg and exceptional power consumption and data budget features.

Antegrade nailing versus locking plate of 2-and 3-part proximal humerus fractures / Haste intramedular versus placa bloqueada no tratamento da fratura do úmero proximal em duas e três partes

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate and compare the proportions of complications and radiographic findings of osteosynthesis of 2- and 3-part proximal humerus fractures with two methods of treatment: third-generation antegrade nailing and locking plate. Methods: 46 patients with a mean age of 58.9 ± 16.6 years between January 2020 and January 2021 were evaluated. In sixteen cases (34.8%), antegrade nailing was used, and in thirty cases (65, 2%), a locking proximal humerus plate. The method used included the rate of complications with a minimum follow-up of 6 months after surgery and radiographic evaluation. Results: There was no difference between the groups regarding the proportion of complications (nail group 18.8%, plate group 13.3%; p = 0.681). The nail group had less residual varus loss (cervicodiaphyseal angle nail group with 132.1º ± 2.3º, plate group 123.8º ± 10.1º; p < 0.001). In the plate group, women had the lowest value (1.43 ± 0.22) of the deltoid tuberosity index (DTI) compared to men (1.58 ± 0.11) (p = 0.022). Conclusion: Osteosynthesis, with a locking plate and antegrade nailing, did not show differences in the proportion of complications. The nail group had less change in the postoperative cervicodiaphyseal angle, however, there were two serious complications with screw cut-out and varus deviation, requiring surgical reapproach. Level of Evidence II, Retrospective Observational Study.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar retrospectivamente e comparar proporções de complicações e achados radiográficos da osteossíntese da fratura do úmero proximal em duas e três partes com dois métodos de tratamento: haste intramedular bloqueada de terceira geração e placa bloqueada. Métodos: Foram avaliados 46 pacientes com idade média de 58,9 ± 16,6 entre janeiro de 2020 a janeiro de 2021. Em 16 casos (34,8%), utilizou-se a haste intramedular e, em 30 casos (65,2%), a placa bloqueada de úmero proximal. A avaliação incluiu a taxa de complicações com seguimento mínimo de seis meses de pós-operatório e avaliação radiográfica. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto à proporção de complicações (grupo haste: 18,8%; grupo placa: 13,3%; p = 0,681). O grupo haste apresentou menor perda residual em varo (ângulo cervicodiafisário: grupo haste com 132,1º ± 2,3º; grupo placa com 123,8º ± 10,1º; p < 0,001). No grupo placa, as mulheres apresentaram menor índice de tuberosidade-deltoide (DTI) (1,43 ± 0,22) em relação aos homens (1,58 ± 0,11) (p = 0,022). Conclusão: No seguimento de curto prazo, a osteossíntese, com placa bloqueada ou haste intramedular, não apresentou diferenças nas proporções de complicações. O grupo haste apresentou menor alteração do ângulo cervicodiafisário no pós-operatório; entretanto, ocorreram duas complicações graves com cut out e desvio em varo com necessidade de reabordagem cirúrgica no grupo haste. Nível de Evidência II, Estudo Retrospectivo Observacional.

Evaluation of the Glenoid Track Tomographic Method in Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Arthro-MRI.

Objective To evaluate and compare the glenoid track method in 3D-reconstructed computed tomography (3D-CT) scans with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or arthro-MRI. Methods Forty-four shoulders with clinical and radiographic diagnosis of traumatic anterior instability were assessed using 3D-CT, MRI, and/or arthro-MRI scans. Glenoid track (GT), Hill-Sachs interval (HSI), and glenoid bone loss (GBL) were determined by a radiologist using 3D-CT images, and classified as on-track/off-track. Three surgeons, blinded to the radiologist's evaluation, performed the same determinations using MRI/arthro-MRI. Descriptive analysis, variance analysis, results disagreement analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed. Results Results from the 4 examiners were fully consistent in 61.4% of the cases. Magnetic resonance imaging/arthro-MRI diagnosed off-track injuries with 35 to 65% sensitivity and on-track injuries, with 91.67 to 95.83% specificity. Accuracy ranged from 68.1 to 79.5%. The greatest data divergence occurred for off-track injuries diagnosed by MRI/arthro-MRI. The greatest data variability referred to HSI calculation. Higher HSI and GBL values were associated with greater disagreement among examiners. Hill-Sachs interval values were lower at MRI/arthro-MRI when compared to 3D-CT. Agreement between CT and MRI/arthro-MRI for the GT method was only moderate (kappa value, 0.325-0.579). Conclusion Magnetic resonance imaging/arthro-MRI showed low accuracy and moderate agreement for the GT method; as such, it should be used with caution by surgeons.

Evaluation of the Glenoid Track Tomographic Method in Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Arthro-MRI / A avaliação do método tomográfico glenoid track na ressonância magnética/artro RM

Abstract Objective To evaluate and compare the glenoid track method in 3D-reconstructed computed tomography (3D-CT) scans with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or arthro-MRI. Methods Forty-four shoulders with clinical and radiographic diagnosis of traumatic anterior instability were assessed using 3D-CT, MRI, and/or arthro-MRI scans. Glenoid track (GT), Hill-Sachs interval (HSI), and glenoid bone loss (GBL) were determined by a radiologist using 3D-CT images, and classified as on-track/off-track. Three surgeons, blinded to the radiologist's evaluation, performed the same determinations using MRI/arthro-MRI. Descriptive analysis, variance analysis, results disagreement analysis, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were performed. Results Results from the 4 examiners were fully consistent in 61.4% of the cases. Magnetic resonance imaging/arthro-MRI diagnosed off-track injuries with 35 to 65% sensitivity and on-track injuries, with 91.67 to 95.83% specificity. Accuracy ranged from 68.1 to 79.5%. The greatest data divergence occurred for off-track injuries diagnosed by MRI/arthro-MRI. The greatest data variability referred to HSI calculation. Higher HSI and GBL values were associated with greater disagreement among examiners. Hill-Sachs interval values were lower at MRI/arthro-MRI when compared to 3D-CT. Agreement between CT and MRI/arthro-MRI for the GT method was only moderate (kappa value, 0.325-0.579). Conclusion Magnetic resonance imaging/arthro-MRI showed low accuracy and moderate agreement for the GT method; as such, it should be used with caution by surgeons.

Resumo Objetivo Comparar a avaliação do método glenoid-track (GT) em exames de tomografia computadorizada com reconstrução 3-D (TC-3D) com a avaliação realizada em exames de ressonância magnética (RM) e/ou artro-ressonância magnética (ARM). Métodos Quarenta e quatro ombros com diagnóstico clínico e radiográfico de instabilidade anterior traumática foram avaliados por meio de exames de TC-3D, RM e/ou ARM. As variáveis GT, intervalo de Hill-Sachs (IHS) e a perda óssea da glenoide (POG) foram realizadas por um médico radiologista, utilizando imagens de TC-3D, e classificadas em on-track/off-track. Três cirurgiões cegos à avaliação do radiologista realizaram o mesmo método utilizando RM/ARM. O estudo realizou análise descritiva, de variância, de associação da discordância de resultados, de concordância e curva característica de operação do receptor. Resultados Os resultados dos 4 examinadores foram totalmente concordantes em 61,4%. A RM/ARM diagnosticou lesões off-track com a sensibilidade variando de 35 a 65%, e lesões on-track com a especificidade variando de 91,67 a 95,83%. A acurácia variou de 68,1 a 79,5%. A maior divergência de dados ocorreu para o diagnóstico por RM/ARM de lesões off-track. A maior variabilidade dos dados ocorreu para o cálculo do IHS. Valores maiores de IHS e de POG foram associados a maior discordância entre os examinadores. A RM/ARM apresentou menor medida de valores de IHS quando comparado com a TC-3D. Ocorreu apenas moderada concordância no método GT entre a TC e a RM/ARM (Kappa 0,325-0,579). Conclusão A RM/ARM apresentou baixa acurácia e moderada concordância para o método GT, devendo ser utilizada com cautela por cirurgiões.

Protocolo para realizar la traqueostomía en pacientes con COVID-19 / A Protocol for Performing Tracheostomy in Patients with COVID-19

Introducción: Los cirujanos pueden desempeñar un papel valioso en la realización de traqueostomía para apoyar a los equipos de cuidados críticos durante la pandemia global de la COVID-19. Objetivo: Diseñar un protocolo para realizar la traqueostomía en pacientes con la COVID-19. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo durante el periodo de marzo a diciembre del año 2020 en el Hospital "Comandante Manuel Fajardo Rivero", de Santa Clara, Villa Clara. Se emplearon como métodos teóricos: el análisis-síntesis e inductivo-deductivo; y como empíricos: análisis documental, grupo nominal y el criterio de especialistas para la valoración del producto diseñado. Resultados: El protocolo fue estructurado en: título, propósito, normas organizativas institucionales, indicaciones, procedimiento de actuación y evaluación. Según el criterio de los especialistas consultados el protocolo diseñado, es pertinente, factible y válido. Conclusiones: Para el diseño del protocolo fue fundamental aplicar y adaptar cuidadosamente la mejor evidencia existente sobre la realización de la traqueostomía. Su estructura permite brindar la mejor atención al paciente con la COVID-19 al tiempo que protege al equipo quirúrgico(AU)

Introduction: Surgeons can play a valuable role in performing tracheostomy, as a support for critical care teams during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To design a protocol for performing the tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out, during the period from March to December 2020, at Comandante Manuel Fajardo Rivero Hospital, in Santa Clara City, Villa Clara Province. The following theoretical methods were used: analysis-synthesis and inductive-deductive; as well as empirical ones: documentary analysis, nominal group and criteria of specialists for the evaluation of the designed product. Results: The protocol was structured into title, purpose, institutional organizational norms, indications, procedure of action and evaluation. According to the criteria of the specialists consulted, the designed protocol is pertinent, feasible and valid. Conclusions: For the design of the protocol, it was essential to apply and adapt, carefully, the best existing evidence on tracheostomy performance. Its structure allows to provide the best care to the patient with COVID-19 while protecting the surgical team(AU)

Influence of the glenoid track and glenoid bone loss on the apprehension test for shoulder instability.

BACKGROUND: The investigation of Hill-Sachs and bony Bankart lesions continues to evolve. Patients with large bone lesions can present with a positive apprehension test even at ranges below 45° of abduction and external rotation of the shoulder. Modern concepts, such as glenoid track and quantification of glenoid bone loss, have been increasingly applied to shoulder instability. The objective of this study was to assess the correlation of the glenoid track and glenoid bone loss on the apprehension test conducted at 0°, 45°, and 90° of shoulder abduction. METHODS: Ninety-four shoulders of 90 patients with anterior glenohumeral instability were retrospectively assessed. The apprehension test was performed at 0°, 45°, and 90° of shoulder abduction. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or magnetic resonance arthrogram scans were performed to calculate the glenoid track and glenoid bone loss. A descriptive analysis, an association analysis, and a logistic regression analysis were used in this study. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the influence of glenoid track and glenoid bone loss when the apprehension test was positive in lower degrees of abduction. RESULTS: A positive apprehension test at 0°, 45°, and 90° of abduction revealed significant association with off-track lesions, glenoid bone losses greater than 13.5%, and bipolar bone lesions. Shoulders classified as off-track were 36.4 times more likely to test positive at 0°, 45°, and 90° than on-track shoulders. The logistic regression analysis revealed that the positive apprehension test at 0°, 45°, and 90° of abduction seems to be more influenced by off-track lesions than by glenoid bone loss greater than the 13.5% threshold. CONCLUSION: Shoulders with a positive apprehension test at 0°, 45°, and 90° are significantly associated with off-track lesions, bipolar bone lesions, and glenoid bone losses greater than 13.5%.

Impact of non-individualised head related transfer functions on speech-in-noise performances within a synthesised virtual environment.

When performing binaural spatialisation, it is widely accepted that the choice of the head related transfer functions (HRTFs), and in particular the use of individually measured ones, can have an impact on localisation accuracy, externalization, and overall realism. Yet the impact of HRTF choices on speech-in-noise performances in cocktail party-like scenarios has not been investigated in depth. This paper introduces a study where 22 participants were presented with a frontal speech target and two lateral maskers, spatialised using a set of non-individual HRTFs. Speech reception threshold (SRT) was measured for each HRTF. Furthermore, using the SRT predicted by an existing speech perception model, the measured values were compensated in the attempt to remove overall HRTF-specific benefits. Results show significant overall differences among the SRTs measured using different HRTFs, consistently with the results predicted by the model. Individual differences between participants related to their SRT performances using different HRTFs could also be found, but their significance was reduced after the compensation. The implications of these findings are relevant to several research areas related to spatial hearing and speech perception, suggesting that when testing speech-in-noise performances within binaurally rendered virtual environments, the choice of the HRTF for each individual should be carefully considered.

Concordancia entre el índice de salud cardiovascular ideal y el índice Fuster-BEWAT / Concordance between the ideal cardiovascular health score and the Fuster-BEWAT score

RESUMEN Introducción: Cinco indicadores de salud cardiovascular: presión arterial, actividad física, índice de masa corporal, consumo de fruta y verdura y fumar tabaco, pueden ser suficientes para predecir el riesgo cardiovascular en individuos sanos a través del índice de Fuster BEWAT. Objetivo: Comparar los resultados de los índices de Fuster BEWAT y el de salud cardiovascular ideal para determinar la salud. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo transversal en el servicio de Atención Primaria del Hospital Manuel Fajardo Rivero de Santa Clara, en el período enero-junio de 2019, se valoró el estado de salud cardiovascular de 347 individuos sanos, sin antecedentes de enfermedad cardiovascular con edades comprendidas entre 40 y 59 años. Se usó el índice de Kappa de Cohen para determinar la concordancia entre el índice de salud cardiovascular ideal y el índice Fuster-BEWAT. Resultados: La escasa actividad física (79,8%), la dieta no balanceada (74,9 %) y la presión arterial no controlada fueron los peores marcadores encontrados. Solo un 15,3% de los hombres y mujeres analizados cumplían con el estado ideal para todos los marcadores del índice de Fuster BEWAT y 17,8% del índice de salud cardiovascular ideal. La concordancia obtenida entre ambos índices, a través del coeficiente Kappa de Cohen (0.935), demostró una relación casi perfecta. Conclusiones: Las puntuaciones de los dos índices mostraron valores similares. El índice Fuster-BEWAT es más sencillo y no requiere resultados analíticos; puede considerarse la primera opción en contextos en los que el acceso a análisis de laboratorio es limitado.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The following five indicators of cardiovascular health: blood pressure, physical activity, body mass index, fruit and vegetable consumption and tobacco smoking, may be sufficient to predict cardiovascular risk in healthy individuals through the Fuster-BEWAT score. Objective: To compare the results of the Fuster-BEWAT score and the ideal cardiovascular health score to determine health. Method: A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in the Primary Care Service of the Hospital Manuel Fajardo Rivero in Santa Clara, from January to June 2019, evaluating the cardiovascular health status of 347 healthy individuals without a history of cardiovascular disease, between the ages of 40 and 59 years old. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to determine the concordance between the ideal cardiovascular health score and the Fuster-BEWAT score. Results: Low physical activity (79.8%), unbalanced diet (74.9%), and uncontrolled blood pressure were the worst markers found. Only 15.3% of the analyzed men and women met the ideal condition for all markers of the Fuster-BEWAT score and 17.8% of the ideal cardiovascular health score. The concordance obtained between both scores, through Cohen's kappa coefficient (0.935), showed an almost perfect relationship. Conclusions: Both scores showed similar values. The Fuster-BEWAT score is simpler and does not require analytical results; it can be considered as a first option in contexts where access to laboratory tests is limited.

Ice Giant Circulation Patterns: Implications for Atmospheric Probes.

Atmospheric circulation patterns derived from multi-spectral remote sensing can serve as a guide for choosing a suitable entry location for a future in situ probe mission to the Ice Giants. Since the Voyager-2 flybys in the 1980s, three decades of observations from ground- and space-based observatories have generated a picture of Ice Giant circulation that is complex, perplexing, and altogether unlike that seen on the Gas Giants. This review seeks to reconcile the various competing circulation patterns from an observational perspective, accounting for spatially-resolved measurements of: zonal albedo contrasts and banded appearances; cloud-tracked zonal winds; temperature and para-H2 measurements above the condensate clouds; and equator-to-pole contrasts in condensable volatiles (methane, ammonia, and hydrogen sulphide) in the deeper troposphere. These observations identify three distinct latitude domains: an equatorial domain of deep upwelling and upper-tropospheric subsidence, potentially bounded by peaks in the retrograde zonal jet and analogous to Jovian cyclonic belts; a mid-latitude transitional domain of upper-tropospheric upwelling, vigorous cloud activity, analogous to Jovian anticyclonic zones; and a polar domain of strong subsidence, volatile depletion, and small-scale (and potentially seasonally-variable) convective activity. Taken together, the multi-wavelength observations suggest a tiered structure of stacked circulation cells (at least two in the troposphere and one in the stratosphere), potentially separated in the vertical by (i) strong molecular weight gradients associated with cloud condensation, and by (ii) transitions from a thermally-direct circulation regime at depth to a wave- and radiative-driven circulation regime at high altitude. The inferred circulation can be tested in the coming decade by 3D numerical simulations of the atmosphere, and by observations from future world-class facilities. The carrier spacecraft for any probe entry mission must ultimately carry a suite of remote-sensing instruments capable of fully constraining the atmospheric motions at the probe descent location.

3D Tune-In Toolkit: An open-source library for real-time binaural spatialisation.

The 3D Tune-In Toolkit (3DTI Toolkit) is an open-source standard C++ library which includes a binaural spatialiser. This paper presents the technical details of this renderer, outlining its architecture and describing the processes implemented in each of its components. In order to put this description into context, the basic concepts behind binaural spatialisation are reviewed through a chronology of research milestones in the field in the last 40 years. The 3DTI Toolkit renders the anechoic signal path by convolving sound sources with Head Related Impulse Responses (HRIRs), obtained by interpolating those extracted from a set that can be loaded from any file in a standard audio format. Interaural time differences are managed separately, in order to be able to customise the rendering according the head size of the listener, and to reduce comb-filtering when interpolating between different HRIRs. In addition, geometrical and frequency-dependent corrections for simulating near-field sources are included. Reverberation is computed separately using a virtual loudspeakers Ambisonic approach and convolution with Binaural Room Impulse Responses (BRIRs). In all these processes, special care has been put in avoiding audible artefacts produced by changes in gains and audio filters due to the movements of sources and of the listener. The 3DTI Toolkit performance, as well as some other relevant metrics such as non-linear distortion, are assessed and presented, followed by a comparison between the features offered by the 3DTI Toolkit and those found in other currently available open- and closed-source binaural renderers.

In Vitro Cellular Division of Trypanosoma abeli Reveals Two Pathways for Organelle Replication.

Since the observation of the great pleomorphism of fish trypanosomes, in vitro culture has become an important tool to support taxonomic studies investigating the biology of cultured parasites, such as their structure, growth dynamics, and cellular cycle. Relative to their biology, ex vivo and in vitro studies have shown that these parasites, during the multiplication process, duplicate and segregate the kinetoplast before nucleus replication and division. However, the inverse sequence (the nucleus divides before the kinetoplast) has only been documented for a species of marine fish trypanosomes on a single occasion. Now, this previously rare event was observed in Trypanosoma abeli, a freshwater fish trypanosome. Specifically, from 376 cultured parasites in the multiplication process, we determined the sequence of organelle division for 111 forms; 39% exhibited nucleus duplication prior to kinetoplast replication. Thus, our results suggest that nucleus division before the kinetoplast may not represent an accidental or erroneous event occurring in the main pathway of parasite reproduction, but instead could be a species-specific process of cell biology in trypanosomes, such as previously noticed for Leishmania. This "alternative" pathway for organelle replication is a new field to be explored concerning the biology of marine and freshwater fish trypanosomes.

Gastric neobladders: surgical outcomes of 91 cases using different techniques

ABSTRACT Introduction: We report on the surgical results of a series of 91 patients who received gastric neobladders as urinary diversion after radical cystectomies performed for the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancers. Materials and Methods: We report on a retrospective case series of 91 patients who received gastric neobladders as urinary diversion after radical cystectomies performed for the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancers. Different techniques of gastric neobladders were employed from 1988 to 2013 at a university hospital in the South of Brazil. Results: Initial outcomes utilizing Leong (Antral) and Nguyen-Mitchell (Wedge) technique were unsatisfactory, yielding high pressure, low capacity reservoirs. Further developments of these techniques, with the detubularized gastric neobladder and the "spherical" gastric neobladders resulted in low pressure, high capacity reservoirs, with better surgical and urodynamic outcomes. Complication and perioperative mortality rates of our series of gastric neobladders were significantly higher than historical results of techniques using ileum or colon. Conclusions: Stomach is an exceptional option for the creation of neobladders after radical cystectomies, but due to the increased complication rates it should be reserved for specific situations (e.g., renal insufficiency, previous pelvic/abdominal radiotherapy, short bowel syndromes).

Gastric neobladders: surgical outcomes of 91 cases using different techniques.

INTRODUCTION: We report on the surgical results of a series of 91 patients who received gastric neobladders as urinary diversion after radical cystectomies performed for the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report on a retrospective case series of 91 patients who received gastric neobladders as urinary diversion after radical cystectomies performed for the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancers. Different techniques of gastric neobladders were employed from 1988 to 2013 at a university hospital in the South of Brazil. RESULTS: Initial outcomes utilizing Leong (Antral) and Nguyen-Mitchell (Wedge) technique were unsatisfactory, yielding high pressure, low capacity reservoirs. Further developments of these techniques, with the detubularized gastric neobladder and the "spherical" gastric neobladders resulted in low pressure, high capacity reservoirs, with better surgical and urodynamic outcomes. Complication and perioperative mortality rates of our series of gastric neobladders were significantly higher than historical results of techniques using ileum or colon. CONCLUSIONS: Stomach is an exceptional option for the creation of neobladders after radical cystectomies, but due to the increased complication rates it should be reserved for specific situations (e.g., renal insufficiency, previous pelvic/abdominal radiotherapy, short bowel syndromes).

Corrigendum: Lipid Bodies as Sites of Prostaglandin E2 Synthesis During Chagas Disease: Impact in the Parasite Escape Mechanism.

[This corrects the article on p. 499 in vol. 9, PMID: 29616011.].

Alteraciones en el neurodesarrollo en preescolares con antecedente de prematurez: un estudio de corte / Neurodevelopment alterations in preschool children with a history of prematurity: a cross-sectional study / Alterações no neuro desenvolvimento em pré-escolares com antecedente de prematuridade: um estudo de corte

Resumen Antecedentes. Existe evidencia de la relación de la prematurez con alteraciones en el neurodesarrollo y desenlaces negativos en la salud mental. En Colombia no se han realizado estudios a la fecha sobre el tema. Método. Se realizó un estudio transversal que analizó una muestra aleatoria de 96 historias clínicas de preescolares (p=0,05) del Hospital Militar Central en Bogotá, Colombia, excluyendo lesiones neurológicas no relacionadas con el periodo neonatal como secuelas de trauma cráneoencefálico, malformaciones cerebrales, síndromes genéticos identificados y maltrato infantil. Se aplicó la escala abreviada del desarrollo (EAD-1) y la Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) y se tomaron datos sociodemográficos. Resultados. Se presentaron correlaciones positivas y significativas estadísticamente, entre la edad gestacional y la mayoría de las subescalas de neurodesarrollo, excepto en la subescala de motor grueso (p=0,063): fino/adaptativo (p=0,019), audición/lenguaje (p=0,011) y personal/social (p=0,041); y, de forma similar, entre el peso al nacer y la mayoría de las subescalas de neurodesarrollo, excepto en la subescala de motor grueso (p=0,60): fino/adaptativo (p=0,007), audición/lenguaje (p=0,010) y personal/social (p=0,010). Esta última fue la mayor correlación de todas. Conclusiones. Este estudio muestra que los niños con antecedente de prematurez presentan mayor riesgo de problemas en el desarrollo, sobre todo quienes presentaron peso al nacer inferior a 1500 gramos o menos de 32 semanas de edad gestacional, lo que correlaciona las alteraciones en el neurodesarrollo con las alteraciones comportamentales en el grupo de niños estudiado. Existen pocos reportes del cuidado de la salud y la rehabilitación durante la infancia para los niños pretérmino; en el Hospital Militar Central, por ser un hospital que cuenta con un programa de seguimiento de alto riesgo neurológico, lo resultados sugieren que la identificación temprana de los trastornos del neurodesarrollo y sus factores de riesgo así como la intervención oportuna son importantes en el cuidado continuo de esta población.

Summary Background: There is evidence linking prematurity with alterations in neurodevelopment and negative outcomes in mental health. To date, there have been no studies caried out on the subject in Colombia. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in order to analyze a random sample of 96 preschool children's clinical records (p=0.05) from the Central Military Hospital in Bogotá, Colombia, excluding neurological injuries unrelated to the neonatal period, such as consequences of traumatic brain injury, brain malformations, identified genetic syndromes, and child abuse. The abbreviated scale of development (EAD-1) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) were applied and sociodemographic data was obtained. Results: Positive and statistically significant correlations were found between gestational age and most of the neurodevelopmental subscales, except for the coarse motor subscale (p=0.063): fine/adaptive (p=0.019), hearing/language (p=0.011), and personal/social (p=0.041); and, similarly, between birth weight and most of the neurodevelopmental subscales, except for the coarse motor subscale (p=0.60): fine/adaptive (p=0.007), hearing/language (p=0.010), and personal/social (p=0.010). The latter had the highest correlation of all. Conclusions: This study shows that children which were born prematurely have an increased risk of developmental problems, especially those whose birth weight was lower than 1500 grams or those who had had a gestational age of less than 32 weeks; in turn, correlating the neurodevelopment alterations with behavioral alterations in the group of children studied. There are not many reports related to health care and rehabilitation during infancy for children born prematurely. Given that the Central Military Hospital is a hospital with a high-risk neurological follow-up program, the results suggest that early identification of neurodevelopmental disorders and their risk factors, as well as timely intervention, are important for continued care of this population.

Resumo Antecedentes. Existe evidencia da relação da prematuridade com alterações no neuro desenvolvimento e desenlaces negativos na saúde mental. Na Colômbia, até a presente data não se realizaram estudos sobre o tema. Método. Fez-se um estudo transversal que analisou uma amostra aleatória de 96 histórias clínicas de pré-escolares (p=0,05) do Hospital Militar Central em Bogotá, Colômbia, excluindo lesões neurológicas não relacionadas com o período neonatal como sequelas de trauma crâneo encefálico, malformações cerebrais, síndromes genéticas identificadas e maltrato infantil. Aplicou-se a escala abreviada do desenvolvimento (EAD-1) e a Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) e se tomaram dados sócio demográficos. Resultados. Apresentaram-se correlações positivas e significativas estatisticamente, entre a idade gestacional e a maioria das subescalas de neurodesenvolvimento, exceto na subescala de motor grosso (p=0,063): fino/adaptativo (p=0,019), audição/linguagem (p=0,011) e pessoal/social (p=0,041); e, de forma similar, entre o peso ao nascer e a maioria das subescalas de neurodesenvolvimento, exceto na subescala de motor grosso (p=0,60): fino/adaptativo (p=0,007), audição/linguagem (p=0,010) e pessoal/social (p=0,010). Esta última foi a maior correlação de todas. Conclusões. Este estudo mostra que as crianças com antecedente de prematuridade apresentam mais risco de problemas no desenvolvimento, sobretudo aquelas que apresentaram peso ao nascer inferior a 1.500 gramos ou menos de 32 semanas de idade gestacional, o que correlaciona as alterações no neuro desenvolvimento com as alterações comportamentais no grupo de crianças estudado. Existem poucos relatórios do cuidado da saúde e reabilitação durante a infância para as crianças prematuras; no Hospital Militar Central, por ser um hospital que conta com um programa de seguimento de alto risco neurológico, os resultados sugerem que a identificação precoce dos transtornos do neuro desenvolvimento e seus fatores de risco assim como a intervenção oportuna são importantes no cuidado contínuo desta população.

Trastorno del espectro autista: caracterización clínica en pacientes de dos centros de referencia en bogotá, colombia / Autism spectrum disorder: clinical characterization of patients at two reference centers in bogotá, colombia / Transtorno do espectro autista: caracterização clínica em pacientes de dois centros de referência em bogotá, colômbia

Resumen Introducción. Los pacientes con trastornos del espectro autista (TEA) presentan gran heterogeneidad en sus características comportamentales, cognitivas, médicas y psiquiátricas. En nuestro medio, no existe una descripción de tales variables. Si bien otros estudios han descrito un perfil clínico característico, es necesario conocer nuestra población blanco. Objetivo. Caracterizar clínicamente los pacientes con diagnóstico de TEA de dos centros de referencia, en Bogotá. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo observacional y descriptivo de serie de casos documentados en historias clínicas de enero de 2010 a enero de 2014. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de todos los pacientes con TEA confirmada por diagnóstico, incluyendo datos sociodemográficos, antecedentes personales y familiares, así como factores de riesgo descritos en la literatura en relación con la aparición de TEA; ayudas diagnósticas, comorbilidades y tratamiento. Resultados. Ochenta y un casos cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. En la serie, se encontró predominio en el género masculino (94,1 %), complicaciones perinatales (43 %) y prematurez (7,6 %). Las principales comorbilidades fueron trastornos conductuales (63 %), epilepsia (23,5 %) y trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad (23 %). Fue significativa la asociación entre epilepsia y discapacidad intelectual: 84 % (p<0,001). La asociación con síndromes genéticos o errores innatos del metabolismo fue mínima en nuestra serie. Los estudios complementarios fueron normales en la mayoría de los casos. Conclusiones. En nuestra serie predominó el autismo no sindrómico; la presentación clínica, el abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico concuerdan con lo reportado en la literatura mundial. Los elementos clínicos constituyen la principal herramienta diagnóstica, el manejo conductual es el pilar de tratamiento. Estudios analíticos enfocados hacia las variables más significativas, permitirán la creación de estrategias terapéuticas dirigidas a nuestra población.

Summary Introduction: Patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) present great heterogeneity in their behavioral, cognitive, medical and psychiatric characteristics. In our environment, there is no description of such variables. Even though other studies have described a characteristic clinical profile, it is necessary to know our white population. Objective: Clinically characterize patients diagnosed with ASD at two reference centers in Bogotá. Patients and methods: Retrospective, observational and descriptive study of a series of cases documented in medical records from January 2010 to January 2014. The clinical histories of all patients with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD were reviewed, including sociodemographic data, personal and family history, as well as risk factors described in the literature in relation to the occurrence of ASD; diagnostic aids, comorbidities, and treatment. Results: Eighty-one cases met the inclusion criteria. In the series, predominance was found in the male gender (94.1%), perinatal complications (43%) and prematurity (7.6%). The main comorbidities were behavioral disorders (63%), epilepsy (23.5%) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (23%). The association between epilepsy and intellectual disability was significant at 84% (p <0.001). The association with genetic syndromes or inborn errors of metabolism was minimal in our series. Complementary studies were normal in most cases. Conclusions: In our series, non-syndromic autism predominated; the clinical presentation, the diagnostic and therapeutic approach all agree with what is reported in the world literature. The clinical elements constitute the main diagnostic tool, and behavioral management is the pillar of treatment. Analytical studies focused on the most significant variables will allow for the creation of therapeutic strategies aimed at our population.

Resumo Introdução. Os pacientes com transtornos do espectro autista (TEA) apresentam grande heterogeneidade em suas características comportamentais, cognitivas, médicas e psiquiátricas. Em nosso meio, não existe uma descrição de tais variáveis. Se bem que outros estudos têm descrito um perfil clínico característico, é necessário conhecer nossa população alvo. Objetivo. Caracterizar clinicamente os pacientes com diagnóstico de TEA de dois centros de referência em Bogotá. Pacientes e Métodos. Estudo retrospectivo observacional e descritivo de serie de casos documentados em histórias clínicas de janeiro de 2010 a janeiro de 2014. Revisaram-se as histórias clínicas de todos os pacientes com TEA con firmada por diagnóstico, incluindo dados sócio demográficos, antecedentes pessoais e familiares, assim como fatores de risco descritos na literatura em relação com a aparição de TEA; ajudas diagnósticas, co-morbilidades e tratamento. Resultados. Oitenta e um casos cumpriram os critérios de inclusão. Na série, se encontrou predomínio no gênero masculino (94,1 %), complicações perinatais (43 %) e prematuridade (7,6 %). As principais co-morbilidades foram transtornos de conduta (63 %), epilepsia (23,5 %) e transtorno por déficit de atenção e hiperatividade (23 %). Foi significativa a associação entre epilepsia e incapacidade intelectual: 84 % (p<0,001). A associação com síndromes genéticas ou erros inatos do metabolismo foi mínima em nossa série. Os estudos complementares foram normais na maioria dos casos. Conclusões. Em nossa série predominou o autismo não sindrômico; a apresentação clínica, a abordagem diagnóstica e terapêutica concordam com a informação reportada na literatura mundial. Os elementos clínicos constituem a principal ferramenta diagnóstica, o manejo da conduta é o pilar de tratamento. Estudos analíticos enfocados às variáveis mais significativas permitirão a criação de estratégias terapêuticas dirigidas a nossa população.

Lipid Bodies as Sites of Prostaglandin E2 Synthesis During Chagas Disease: Impact in the Parasite Escape Mechanism.

During Chagas disease, the Trypanosoma cruzi can induce some changes in the host cells in order to escape or manipulate the host immune response. The modulation of the lipid metabolism in the host phagocytes or in the parasite itself is one feature that has been observed. The goal of this mini review is to discuss the mechanisms that regulate intracellular lipid body (LB) biogenesis in the course of this parasite infection and their meaning to the pathophysiology of the disease. The interaction host-parasite induces LB (or lipid droplet) formation in a Toll-like receptor 2-dependent mechanism in macrophages and is enhanced by apoptotic cell uptake. Simultaneously, there is a lipid accumulation in the parasite due to the incorporation of host fatty acids. The increase in the LB accumulation during infection is correlated with an increase in the synthesis of PGE2 within the host cells and the parasite LBs. Moreover, the treatment with fatty acid synthase inhibitor C75 or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as NS-398 and aspirin inhibited the LB biogenesis and also induced the down modulation of the eicosanoid production and the parasite replication. These findings show that LBs are organelles up modulated during the course of infection. Furthermore, the biogenesis of the LB is involved in the lipid mediator generation by both the macrophages and the parasite triggering escape mechanisms.