Hydrogels in Soft Robotics: Past, Present, and Future.

The rise of soft robotics in recent years has motivated significant developments in smart materials (and vice versa), as these materials allow for more compact robotic designs thanks to the embodied intelligence that they provide. Hydrogels have long been postulated as one of the potential candidates to be used in soft robotics due to their softness, elasticity, and smart properties that can be tuned with nanomaterials. However, nowadays they represent only a small percentage of the materials used in the field. In this perspective, the drawbacks that have hindered their utilization so far are analyzed as well as the current state of hydrogel-based soft actuators, sensors, and manufacturing possibilities. The future improvements that need to be made to achieve a real application of hydrogels in soft robotics are also discussed.

Proprioception and Control of a Soft Pneumatic Actuator Made of a Self-Healable Hydrogel.

The current evolutionary trends in soft robotics try to exploit the capacities of smart materials to achieve compact robotics designs with embodied intelligence. In this way, the number of elements that compose the soft robot can be reduced, as the smart material can cover different aspects (e.g., structure and sensorization) all in one. This work follows this tendency and presents a custom-designed hydrogel that exhibits two smart features, self-healing and ionic conductivity, used to build a pneumatic actuator. The self-healing capability provides the actuator's structure with the ability to self-repair from damages (e.g., punctures or cuts), an important quality to prolong the life cycle of the actuator. The ionic conductivity enables the actuator's proprioception: the structure itself serves as a curvature sensor. The behavior of this proprioceptive curvature sensor is analyzed in this work, studying its linearity, stability, and performance after a self-healing process. This sensor is also proposed as feedback in a closed-loop scheme to automatically control the actuator's curvature. A proportional-integral-derivative controller is designed based on an empirical model of the actuator's dynamics, and then validated in experimental tests, proving the proprioceptive sensor as proper feedback. These control tests are performed over undamaged and self-healed actuators, thus demonstrating all the capabilities of our soft material.

Prediction of physical realizations of the coordinated universal time with gated recurrent unit.

Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), produced by the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), is the official worldwide time reference. Given that there is no physical signal associated with UTC, physical realizations of the UTC, called UTC(k), are very important for demanding applications such as global navigation satellite systems, communication networks, and national defense and security, among others. Therefore, the prediction of the time differences UTC-UTC(k) is important to maintain the accuracy and stability of the UTC(k) timescales. In this paper, we report for the first time the use of a deep learning (DL) technique called Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU) to predict a sequence of H futures values of the time differences UTC-UTC(k) for ten different UTC(k) timescales. UTC-UTC(k) time differences published on the monthly Circular T document of the BIPM are used as training samples. We utilize a multiple-input, multiple-output prediction strategy. After a training process where about 300 past values of the difference UTC-UTC(k) are used, H (H = 6) values of the Circular T can be predicted using p (typically p = 6) past values. The model has been tested with data from ten different UTC(k) timescales. When comparing GRU results with other standard DL algorithms, we found that the GRU approximation has a good performance in predicting UTC(k) timescales. According to our results, the GRU error in predicting UTC-UTC(k) values is typically 1 ns. The frequency instability of the UTC(k) timescale is the main limitation in reducing the GRU error in the time difference prediction.

Asociación de la comorbilidad y biomarcadores con el riesgo de morir por COVID-19 en pacientes graves

Introducción: el síndrome respiratorio agudo grave se convirtió en una pandemia, y ocasionó elevada morbilidad y mortalidad a nivel mundial, al no contarse con un tratamiento eficaz ni el reconocimiento oportuno de los individuos de peor pronóstico. Objetivo: evaluar la capacidad de pronosticar el riesgo de morir en los pacientes con la COVID-19, mediante un modelo basado en factores pronósticos. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de analítico de cohorte en pacientes con la COVID-19 atendidos en los servicios del hospital "Covid-19" del hospital provincial general "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes" del municipio Bayamo, provincia de Granma, desde el 1ero de enero 2020 hasta el 31 de diciembre de 2022. Resultados: el modelo de regresión logística binaria ajustado por el método introducir, demostró que los factores sobresalientes fueron padecer de cáncer (OR= 8,21; IC 95% = 1,58-11,35; p= 0,023) seguido de proteína C reactiva (OR= 7,91; IC 95% = 4,46-9,87; p= 0,000) y la hipertensión arterial (OR= 7,15; IC 95 %= 4,41-11,42; p= 0,000). La prueba de Hosmer y Lemeshow con valor de p= 0,582 con indicador de buena calibración del modelo. El área bajo la curva COR fue de 0,894 (intervalo de confianza: 0,846-0,942; p=0,000) demostrando la validez del modelo. Conclusiones: se demuestra el lugar que ocupan el antecedente de cáncer y de hipertensión arterial como comorbilidad relacionada con el riesgo de morir por la COVID-19, así como los reactantes de inflamación, donde sobresalen la proteína C reactiva, la deshidrogenasa láctica y la eritrosedimentación. Se obtiene un modelo con capacidad discriminativa adecuada.

Introduction: severe acute respiratory syndrome became a pandemic, and caused high morbidity and mortality worldwide, since there was no effective treatment or timely recognition of individuals with the worst prognosis. Objective: to assess the ability to predict the risk of dying in patients with COVID-19, using a model based on prognostic factors. Methodos: a cohort analytical study was carried out in patients with covid-19 treated in the services of the "COVID-19" hospital of the "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes" provincial general hospital of the Bayamo municipality, Granma province, since january 1, 2020 until december 31, 2022. Results: the binary logistic regression model adjusted by the introduce method showed that the outstanding factors were, in order of importance, suffering from cancer (OR= 8.21; 95 % CI= 1.58-11.35; p= 0.023) followed by protein C reactive (OR= 7.91; 95 % CI= 4.46-9.87; p= 0.000) and arterial hypertension (OR= 7.15; 95 % CI= 4.41-11.42; p= 0.000). The Hosmer and Lemeshow test with a value of p= 0.582 with an indicator of good calibration of the model. The area under the ROC curve was 0.894 (confidence interval: 0.846-0.942; p=0.000), demonstrating the validity of the model. Conclusions: the place of a history of cancer and high blood pressure as comorbidity related to the risk of dying from COVID-19is demonstrated, as well as inflammation reactants, where C-reactive protein, lactic dehydrogenase and erythrocyte sedimentation rate stand out. A model with adequate discriminative capacity is obtained.

Introdução: a síndrome respiratória aguda grave tornou-se uma pandemia, causando alta morbidade e mortalidade em todo o mundo, pois não houve tratamento efetivo ou reconhecimento oportuno de indivíduos com pior prognóstico. Objetivo: avaliar a capacidade de prever o risco de morte em pacientes com COVID-19, utilizando um modelo baseado em fatores prognósticos. Métodos: foi realizado um estudo de coorte analítico em pacientes com COVID-19 tratados nos serviços do hospital geral provincial "Covid-19" do hospital geral provincial "Carlos Manuel de Céspedes" no município de Bayamo, província de Granma, de 1º de janeiro de 2020 a 31 de dezembro de 2022. Resultados: o modelo de regressão logística binária ajustado pelo método introduce mostrou que os fatores de destaque foram ter câncer (OR= 8,21; IC 95% = 1,58-11,35; p= 0,023), seguida da proteína C reativa (OR= 7,91; IC 95% = 4,46-9,87; p= 0,000) e hipertensão arterial (OR= 7,15; IC 95%= 4,41-11,42; p= 0,000). O teste de Hosmer e Lemeshow com valor de p = 0,582 com indicador de boa calibração do modelo. A área sob a curva COR foi de 0,894 (intervalo de confiança: 0,846-0,942; p=0,000), demonstrando a validade do modelo. Conclusões: demonstra-se o lugar ocupado pela história de câncer e hipertensão como comorbidade relacionada ao risco de morrer por COVID-19, bem como os reagentes da inflamação, onde se destacam a proteína C-reativa, a desidrogenase lática e a hemossedimentação. Obtém-se um modelo com adequada capacidade discriminativa.

Creación y validación de un nuevo índice para predecir la neumonía asociada al ictus isquémico

Fundamento: la neumonía asociada al ictus isquémico es la complicación médica con mayor impacto en este grupo de pacientes por aumentar el riesgo de recurrencia, disminuir la recuperación funcional y triplicar el número de muertes. Objetivo: crear y validar un nuevo índice predictivo de neumonía asociada al ictus isquémico. Métodos: se estudiaron 725 pacientes con diagnóstico de ictus isquémico, pertenecientes a una cohorte prospectiva, atendidos en el Hospital General Provincial Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, de Bayamo, provincia de Granma. La muestra se dividió aleatoriamente en una cohorte de construcción con 509 pacientes para la creación del índice, y otra cohorte de validación con 216 pacientes. Se obtuvo un nuevo índice cuantitativo de cuatro categorías de riesgo, a partir de los coeficientes de regresión correspondientes de cada predictor independiente. Resultados: las variables que mayor puntuación aportaron al índice fueron la disfagia (28), la escala de NIHSS ≥ 12 puntos (24) y la insuficiencia cardiaca (22). El nuevo índice presentó buena capacidad discriminativa (área bajo la curva ROC = 0,94). En la muestra de validación mostró mejor capacidad de discriminación, mayor validez y confiabilidad al compararse con los índices internacionales A2DS2 e ISAN. Conclusión: el nuevo índice creado y validado permite predecir satisfactoriamente el desarrollo de la neumonía asociada al ictus isquémico. Es una herramienta útil y segura para su empleo en la práctica asistencial.

Background pneumonia associated with ischemic stroke is the medical complication with the greatest impact in this group of patients, as it increases the risk of recurrence, decreases functional recovery and triples the number of deaths. Objective to create and validate a new predictive index of pneumonia associated with ischemic stroke. Methods 725 patients with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke, belonging to a prospective cohort, treated at the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Provincial General Hospital in Bayamo, Granma province, were studied. The sample was randomly divided into a construction cohort with 509 patients for the creation of the index, and another validation cohort with 216 patients. A new quantitative index of four risk categories was obtained from the corresponding regression coefficients of each independent predictor. Results the variables that contributed the highest score to the index were dysphagia (28), the NIHSS scale ≥ 12 points (24) and heart failure (22). The new index presented good discriminative capacity (area under the ROC curve = 0.94). In the validation sample, it showed better discrimination capacity, greater validity and reliability when compared with the international A2DS2 and ISAN indices. Conclusion the new index created and validated allows to satisfactorily predict the development of pneumonia associated with ischemic stroke. It is a useful and safe tool for use in healthcare practice.

Factores asociados al desarrollo de la neumonía asociada al ictus isquémico / Factors related to the development of pneumonia associated with ischemic stroke

RESUMEN Fundamento la neumonía asociada al ictus está relacionada con un incremento de la mortalidad, disminución de la recuperación funcional y prolongación de la estadía hospitalaria, con el consiguiente impacto económico en los servicios de salud. Objetivo identificar los factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de la neumonía asociada al ictus isquémico. Métodos estudio observacional analítico, de cohorte prospectiva, con 725 pacientes con diagnóstico de ictus isquémico, atendidos en el hospital Carlos Manuel de Céspedes (Bayamo, provincia de Granma), desde enero de 2015 hasta el julio de 2019. La asociación de las variables sociodemográficas, antecedentes patológicos personales, hábitos tóxicos, condiciones propias del ictus, la disfagia, los marcadores bioquímicos y de inmunonutrición con el desarrollo de la neumonía asociada al ictus isquémico se determinó con el uso de la regresión logística binaria. Resultados del total de pacientes estudiados el 21,5 % desarrolló neumonía asociada al ictus. Los principales factores de riesgo fueron la disfagia (OR= 13,9), la EPOC (OR= 13,9) y una puntuación en la escala de NIHSS ≥ 12 puntos (OR= 8,31). El germen que se aisló con mayor frecuencia fue el Enterobacter aerogenes (26,3 %). Con relación a los criterios clínicos cumplidos, el 89,1 % presentó alteración leucocitaria. Conclusión el modelo de regresión logística permitió identificar los factores relacionados con el desarrollo de la neumonía asociada al ictus isquémico basado en datos disponibles de modo habitual en la práctica asistencial.

ABSTRACT Background stroke-associated pneumonia is related to increased mortality, decreased functional recovery and prolonged hospital stay, with the consequent economic impact on health services. Objective to identify the risk factors for the development of pneumonia associated with ischemic stroke. Methods analytical observational study, prospective cohort, with 725 patients diagnosed with ischemic stroke, treated at the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes Hospital (Bayamo, province of Granma), from January 2015 to July 2019. The association of the variables Sociodemographic, personal pathological history, toxic habits, stroke conditions, dysphagia, biochemical and immunonutritional markers with the development of pneumonia associated with ischemic stroke were determined using binary logistic regression. Results Of the total number of patients studied, 21.5% developed pneumonia associated with stroke. The main risk factors were dysphagia (OR= 13.9), COPD (OR= 13.9) and a score on the NIHSS scale ≥ 12 points (OR= 8.31). The most frequently isolated germ was Enterobacter aerogenes (26.3%). In relation to the fulfilled clinical criteria, 89.1% presented leukocyte alteration. Conclusion the logistic regression model made it possible to identify the factors related to the development of pneumonia associated with ischemic stroke based on data available on a regular basis in healthcare practice.

Antinociceptive effect of Mansoa alliacea polar extracts involves opioid receptors and nitric oxide in experimental nociception in mice.

To evaluate the antinociceptive effect and the possible mechanism of action of two polar extracts of Mansoa alliacea, a medicinal plant used in Perú, Brazil, and Mexico to treat rheumatic pain, we used the formalin and hot-plate tests in mice. We found that ethanolic (MA-EtOH) and aqueous (MA-AQ) extracts of M. alliacea induced antinociceptive effects in both nociceptive tests. The antinociceptive efficacy of the highest dosage (300 mg/kg) of both extracts were also compared by using intraperitoneal and oral administration in the formalin test. Results showed that intraperitoneal injection of the two extracts produced better antinociceptive effects than that obtained by their oral administration. The mechanism of action involved in their antinociceptive activity was determined in the formalin test. Results showed that the presence of A784168 (TRPV1 antagonist) did not alter the antinociceptive effect induced by any of the M. alliacea extracts, whereas naltrexone (opioid antagonist) partially prevented the antinociceptive effect only of MA-EtOH in both phases of the formalin test. Furthermore, the effects of the extracts were diminished by L-NAME (inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase), but not by ODQ (inhibitor of the soluble guanylyl cyclase) or glibenclamide (blocker of K+ATP channels) in the neurogenic phase. However, the effect of MA-AQ was diminished by all the inhibitors in the inflammatory phase. These results support the use of M. alliacea as a potential natural product with efficacy for pain relief depending on the form of preparation and the route of administration by involving opioid receptors and the production of nitric oxide.

Intraoperative Neurovascular Bundle Preservation with Hyaluronic Acid during Radical Brachytherapy for Localized Prostate Cancer: Technique and MicroMosfet In Vivo Dosimetry.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the reduction in the absorbed dose delivered to the neurovascular bundle (NB) in patients with localized prostate cancer treated with only HDR brachytherapy and NB protection with hyaluronic acid (HA) on the side of the prostate to increase the distance from NB to the radioactive sources. METHODS: This is the first published report in the medical literature that studies a new approach to decrease neurovascular bundle toxicity and improve quality of life for patients with prostate cancer treated with radical brachytherapy as monotherapy. Transperineal HA injection on the side of the prostate into the lateral aspect of the prostate fat was used to consistently displace several autonomic fibers and vessels on the lateral wall of the prostate away from radiation sources. RESULTS: When a protection in the form of an HA layer is placed, the reduction effect at the maximum dose is between 46% and 54% (calculated values), which means that the method for protection is highly recommended. The values of the absorbed dose calculated in this project have been compared with the ones given by the treatment planning system. CONCLUSIONS: This newly created space decreases absorbed dose in the NB, calculated with the TPS and measured by microMOSFET due to the thickness of HA.

Modelo teórico explicativo de la discapacidad moderada y grave por migraña

RESUMEN Introducción: la migraña es una enfermedad frecuente y discapacitante, sin embargo, existen pocas investigaciones sobre los factores predictivos de la discapacidad. Objetivo: crear un modelo teórico explicativo de la interrelación dinámica entre los factores asociados a la discapacidad por migraña y a su vez la relación individual de cada uno de estos factores con la discapacidad. Métodos: para la realización de esta investigación se asumió el enfoque racionalista-deductivo como postura epistemológica, y los métodos hipotético-deductivo y sistémico-estructural para su consecución. Resultados: se expusieron elementos teóricos reveladores de la compleja relación que existe entre la discapacidad por migraña y sus factores determinantes. Conclusiones: se creó un modelo explicativo de la interrelación dinámica entre los diferentes factores con influencia independiente sobre la discapacidad por migraña y a su vez la relación individual de cada uno de estos factores con la discapacidad.

ABSTRACT Introduction: migraine is a common and disabling disease, however, there is little research on the predictive factors of disability. Objective: to create an explanatory theoretical model of the dynamic interrelation between the factors associated with migraine disability and, in turn, the individual relationship of each of these factors with disability. Methods: to carry out this research, the rationalist-deductive approach was assumed as an epistemological position, and the hypothetical-deductive and systemic-structural methods were used to achieve it. Results: revealing theoretical elements of the complex relationship that exists between disability due to migraine and its determining factors were exposed. Conclusions: an explanatory model of the dynamic interrelation between the different factors with independent influence on migraine disability and, in turn, the individual relationship of each of these factors with disability was created.

RESUMO Introdução: a enxaqueca é uma doença comum e incapacitante, entretanto, há poucas pesquisas sobre os fatores preditivos de incapacidade. Objetivo: criar um modelo teórico explicativo da inter-relação dinâmica entre os fatores associados à incapacidade da enxaqueca e, por sua vez, a relação individual de cada um desses fatores com a incapacidade. Métodos: para a realização desta pesquisa, assumiu-se como posição epistemológica a abordagem racionalista-dedutiva, e para alcançá-la foram utilizados os métodos hipotético-dedutivo e sistêmico-estrutural. Resultados: foram expostos elementos teóricos reveladores da complexa relação que existe entre a incapacidade por enxaqueca e seus fatores determinantes. Conclusões: foi criado um modelo explicativo da inter-relação dinâmica entre os diferentes fatores com influência independente na incapacidade da enxaqueca e, por sua vez, a relação individual de cada um desses fatores com a incapacidade.

Deep Learning Architecture Reduction for fMRI Data.

In recent years, deep learning models have demonstrated an inherently better ability to tackle non-linear classification tasks, due to advances in deep learning architectures. However, much remains to be achieved, especially in designing deep convolutional neural network (CNN) configurations. The number of hyper-parameters that need to be optimized to achieve accuracy in classification problems increases with every layer used, and the selection of kernels in each CNN layer has an impact on the overall CNN performance in the training stage, as well as in the classification process. When a popular classifier fails to perform acceptably in practical applications, it may be due to deficiencies in the algorithm and data processing. Thus, understanding the feature extraction process provides insights to help optimize pre-trained architectures, better generalize the models, and obtain the context of each layer's features. In this work, we aim to improve feature extraction through the use of a texture amortization map (TAM). An algorithm was developed to obtain characteristics from the filters amortizing the filter's effect depending on the texture of the neighboring pixels. From the initial algorithm, a novel geometric classification score (GCS) was developed, in order to obtain a measure that indicates the effect of one class on another in a classification problem, in terms of the complexity of the learnability in every layer of the deep learning architecture. For this, we assume that all the data transformations in the inner layers still belong to a Euclidean space. In this scenario, we can evaluate which layers provide the best transformations in a CNN, allowing us to reduce the weights of the deep learning architecture using the geometric hypothesis.

Colchicine in Recently Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: A Randomized Controlled Trial (COL-COVID).

BACKGROUND: Colchicine has been proposed as a potential therapy in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) due to their anti-inflammatory actions. METHODS: The COL-COVID study was a prospective, randomized, controlled and open-label clinical trial that compared colchicine added to standard treatment vs standard treatment in hospitalized COVID-19 patients that do not need mechanical ventilatory support. Colchicine was initiated within the first 48 hours of admission at a 1.5 mg loading dose, followed by 0.5 mg b.i.d. for one week and 0.5 mg per day for 28 days. The study endpoints were clinical status (7-points WHO ordinal scale) and inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6 and CRP). RESULTS: A total of 103 patients (51±12 years, 52% male) were randomly allocated to colchicine arm (n=52) and control arm (n=51). At day 28, all patients in the colchicine group were alive and discharged, whereas in the control group, two patients died in-hospital and one patient remained hospitalized. Clinical improvement in terms of changes on WHO scale at day 14 and 28 and time to 1-point clinical improvement did not differ between the two groups. Clinical deterioration (increase of at least 1-point in WHO scale) was observed in a higher proportion of cases in colchicine group (13.8%) vs control group (5.8%) (p=0.303); after adjustment by baseline risk factors and concomitant therapies, colchicine therapy was associated with a lower risk of clinical deterioration (p=0.030). Inflammatory biomarkers CRP and IL-6 concentrations course did not differ between the two arms. CONCLUSION: In hospitalized COVID-19 patients, colchicine treatment neither improved the clinical status, nor the inflammatory response, over the standard treatment. Nevertheless, a preventive effect for further clinical deterioration might be possible. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04350320.

COVID-19 Burden and Risk Among People With HIV.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated COVID-19 risk and burden among people with HIV (PWH) in a US city with high rates of HIV and SARS-CoV-2 transmissions and examined the interrelationship between psychosocial factors and COVID-19 risk and burden. SETTING: Participants were drawn from an existing consent to contact database of PWH. Database candidates were PWH, adults older than 18 years, people who had received HIV care at the University of Miami HIV clinics, people who spoke English or Spanish, and people who had agreed to be contacted for future research. METHODS: An adapted version of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study/Women's Interagency HIV Study Combined Cohort Study COVID-19 survey was telephonically administered, requiring 15-30 minutes. RESULTS: Psychological stress was a predictor of COVID-19 burden (financial and social burden) and COVID-19 risk (health factors associated with an increased risk of severe health outcomes due to infection with COVID-19). Having a history of traumatic events was associated with increased COVID-19 risk, and stress was associated with increased COVID-19 burden and COVID-19 risk. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, results suggest that the intersection of the HIV and COVID-19 pandemics may be most profound among those who have experienced traumatic events; and traumatic events may be associated with heightened vigilance regarding illness and infection.

Clonal Hematopoiesis and Risk of Progression of Heart Failure With Reduced Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction.

BACKGROUND: Clonal hematopoiesis driven by somatic mutations in hematopoietic cells, frequently called clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP), has been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in population-based studies and in patients with ischemic heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Yet, the impact of CHIP on HF progression, including nonischemic etiology, is unknown. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical impact of clonal hematopoiesis on HF progression irrespective of its etiology. METHODS: The study cohort comprised 62 patients with HF and LVEF <45% (age 74 ± 7 years, 74% men, 52% nonischemic, and LVEF 30 ± 8%). Deep sequencing was used to detect CHIP mutations with a variant allelic fraction >2% in 54 genes. Patients were followed for at least 3.5 years for various adverse events including death, HF-related death, and HF hospitalization. RESULTS: CHIP mutations were detected in 24 (38.7%) patients, without significant differences in all-cause mortality (p = 0.151). After adjusting for risk factors, patients with mutations in either DNA methyltransferase 3 alpha (DNMT3A) or Tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) exhibited accelerated HF progression in terms of death (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.79; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.31 to 5.92; p = 0.008), death or HF hospitalization (HR: 3.84; 95% CI: 1.84 to 8.04; p < 0.001) and HF-related death or HF hospitalization (HR: 4.41; 95% CI: 2.15 to 9.03; p < 0.001). In single gene-specific analyses, somatic mutations in DNMT3A or TET2 retained prognostic significance with regard to HF-related death or HF hospitalization (HR: 4.50; 95% CI: 2.07 to 9.74; p < 0.001, for DNMT3A mutations; HR: 3.18; 95% CI: 1.52 to 6.66; p = 0.002, for TET2 mutations). This association remained significant irrespective of ischemic/nonischemic etiology. CONCLUSIONS: Somatic mutations that drive clonal hematopoiesis are common among HF patients with reduced LVEF and are associated with accelerated HF progression regardless of etiology.

Sex Differences in the Association Between Stress, Loneliness, and COVID-19 Burden Among People with HIV in the United States.

Little is known about the psychological implications of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on people with HIV. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 among men and women with HIV in Miami, Florida. We hypothesized that the burden of the COVID-19 pandemic will be higher for women, and psychological factors will increase COVID-19 burden among them. People with (n = 231) and without HIV (n = 42) residing in Miami, Florida completed a survey assessing psychological outcomes such as loneliness, depression, and stress, as well as the burden of COVID-19, on their daily lives. t-Tests and chi-square analyses were used to assess sex differences in study variables. Logistic regression was used to compare the interaction effects predicting stress and loneliness by COVID-19 burden and sex. A total of 273 completed the survey; the outcomes of the study, loneliness, and stress did not differ by HIV status (p = .458 and p = .922). Overall, men and women reported similar prevalence of COVID-19 burden. However, a greater proportion of women reported losing childcare than men (18% vs. 9%, p = .029, respectively), as well as losing mental health care (15% vs. 7%, p = .049, respectively). There was a significant interaction between COVID-19 burden and sex for loneliness and stress such that the association between COVID-19 burden and loneliness was greater for women (p < .001) than for men (p = .353) and the association between COVID-19 burden and stress was greater for women (p = .013) than men (p = .628). Both men and women with HIV are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but women may experience higher levels of stress and loneliness than men. Sex differences may require tailored interventions to more effectively mitigate the impact of the pandemic on mental health.

Emergency department attendance and reasons for consultation after cryoballoon ablation for pulmonary vein isolation of atrial fibrillation.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: There are few data on emergency visits after cryoballoon-based pulmonary vein isolation. The aim of this study was to quantify emergency department visits during the first 3 months after the procedure and to identify the reasons for consultation, final diagnoses, and the therapeutic approach. METHODS: Observational, retrospective study of 330 consecutive patients undergoing a first cryoballoon-based ablation procedure. Patients were followed up for 90 days after the procedure. We recorded emergency visits, symptoms, electrocardiographic data, and the therapeutic approach. Final diagnoses were classified as rhythm disorder, confirmed complication, possible complication, and unrelated to the procedure or to the arrhythmic disorder. RESULTS: A total of 112 (34%) patients attended the emergency department, 50 (44.6%) for palpitations. Sustained atrial arrhythmias were documented in 44 (39.3%) patients. Among the 29 (25.9%) visits for complications potentially related to the procedure, 5 were confirmed inguinal puncture complications and 10 were classified as unconfirmed possible complications. Forty-one visits were unrelated to the procedure or to the arrhythmic disorder. A total of 21.4% of the visits were due to palpitations requiring no therapeutic action. CONCLUSIONS: A third of the patients attended the emergency department at least once, with the most frequent reason being arrhythmia-related symptoms. Late complications were rare and generally mild. Up to 20% of emergency visits could potentially be avoided by the availability of a teleconsulting system with remote electrocardiogram transmission.

Focal high-dose-rate brachytherapy for localized prostate cancer: toxicity and preliminary biochemical results.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes and the toxicity of focal high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy in selected localized prostate cancer patients. METHODS: Fifty patients were treated with focal high-dose-rate brachytherapy between March 2013 and November 2017, representing 5% of the cases treated by our group during this period. Only patients with very limited and localized tumors, according to strict criteria, were selected for the procedure. The prescribed dose for the focal volume was 24 Gy. RESULTS: The treated volume corresponded to a mean value of 32% of the total prostatic volume. The mean focal D90 in our series was 23 Gy (range 16-26 Gy). The mean initial IPSS was 8.2 (range 0-26), at 6 months 7.5 (range 0-23), and at 24 months 6.7 (range 0-18). No acute or late urinary retention was seen. When the ICIQ-SF score was 0 at the end of treatment, it remained nil thereafter at 1 and 2 years for all patients. No intraoperative or perioperative complications occurred. No rectal toxicity was reported after treatment. Of the total patients identified as potent, only three patients had a very slight decrease of the mean IIEF5. The mean initial PSA was 6.9 ng/mL (range 1.9-13.4). At the last follow-up visit, the mean PSA was 3 ng/ml (range 0.48-8.11). CONCLUSION: HDR focal brachytherapy in selected patients with low intermediate-risk prostate cancer could achieve the same satisfactory results in terms of relapse-free survival as conventional whole prostate brachytherapy with less toxicity.

A plug-and-play Hyperspectral Imaging Sensor using low-cost equipment.

Hyperspectral Imaging Sensors (HSI) obtain spectral information from an object, and they are used to solve problems in Remote Sensing, Food Analysis, Precision Agriculture, and others. This paper took advantage of modern high-resolution cameras, electronics, and optics to develop a robust, low-cost, and easy to assemble HSI device. This device could be used to evaluate new algorithms for hyperspectral image analysis and explore its feasibility to develop new applications on a low-budget. It weighs up to 300 g, detects wavelengths from 400 nm-1052 nm, and generates up to 315 different wavebands with a spectral resolution up to 2.0698 nm. Its spatial resolution of 116 × 110 pixels works for many applications. Furthermore, with only 2% of the cost of commercial HSI devices with similar characteristics, it has shown high spectral accuracy in controlled light conditions as well as ambient light conditions. Unlike related works, the proposed HSI system includes a framework to build the proposed HSI from scratch. This framework decreases the complexity of building an HSI device as well as the processing time. It contains every needed 3D model, a calibration method, the image acquisition software, and the methodology to build and calibrate the proposed HSI device. Therefore, the proposed HSI system is portable, reusable, and lightweight.

Índice para predecir neumonía asociada al ictus isquémico agudo / Index to predict pneumonia associated with acute ischemic stroke

RESUMEN Fundamento: La neumonía constituye la complicación más importante del ictus isquémico agudo. Tiene un serio impacto en el pronóstico, en la estadía y en la recuperación funcional de los pacientes. Objetivo: elaborar un índice para predecir la neumonía asociada al ictus isquémico agudo. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio comparativo, basado en una cohorte prospectiva de pacientes con diagnóstico clínico y por tomografía axial computarizada de infarto cerebral isquémico agudo (N=375), atendidos en el Hospital General Universitario Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, desde enero del 2016 hasta diciembre 2018. Se obtuvo un índice cuantitativo, a partir de los coeficientes de regresión correspondientes a cada predictor independiente, el cual fue subdividido en cuatro categorías de riesgo. Resultados: el 22,1 % de los pacientes desarrolló neumonía asociada al ictus isquémico agudo. El índice presentó buena capacidad discriminativa (área bajo la curva ROC 0,928), con un valor predictivo positivo de 97,60 %, una sensibilidad de 92,23 %, especificidad de 89,39 %, y una razón de verosimilitud positiva de 8,70. El valor del coeficiente de asociación Eta fue de 0,740. Conclusión: el índice formulado está compuesto por parámetros fiables, fácilmente disponibles y rápidos de aplicar en las primeras 24-48 horas del infarto cerebral isquémico agudo, y permite predecir el desarrollo de la neumonía asociada a este.

ABSTRACT Foundation: Pneumonia is the most important complication of acute ischemic stroke. It has a serious impact on prognosis, on stay and on patients´ functional recovery. Objective: to prepare an index aimed at predicting pneumonia associated with acute ischemic stroke. Methods: A comparative study was conducted, based on a prospective cohort of patients with clinical diagnosis and confirmed by computed tomography of acute ischemic cerebral infarction (N = 375), treated at the Carlos Manuel de Céspedes University General Hospital, from January 2016 to December 2018. A quantitative index was obtained, based on the regression coefficients corresponding to each independent predictor, which was subdivided into four risk categories. Results: 22.1 % of the patients developed pneumonia associated with acute ischemic stroke. The index presented good discriminative capacity (area under the ROC curve 0.928), with a positive predictive value of 97.60 %, a sensitivity of 92.23 %, specificity of 89.39%, and a positive likelihood ratio of 8,70. The value of the Eta association coefficient was 0.740. Conclusion: the formulated index is composed of reliable parameters, easily available and quick to apply in the first 24-48 hours of acute ischemic cerebral infarction, and allows predicting the development of pneumonia associated with it.

Passing through Open/Closed Doors: A Solution for 3D Scanning Robots.

In this article, a traversing door methodology for building scanning mobile platforms is proposed. The problem of passing through open/closed doors entails several actions that can be implemented by processing 3D information provided by dense 3D laser scanners. Our robotized platform, denominated as MoPAD (Mobile Platform for Autonomous Digitization), has been designed to collect dense 3D data and generate basic architectural models of the interiors of buildings. Moreover, the system identifies the doors of the room, recognises their respective states (open, closed or semi-closed) and completes the aforementioned 3D model, which is later integrated into the robot global planning system. This document is mainly focused on describing how the robot navigates towards the exit door and passes to a contiguous room. The steps of approaching, door-handle recognition/positioning and handle-robot arm interaction (in the case of a closed door) are shown in detail. This approach has been tested using our MoPAD platform on the floors of buildings composed of several rooms in the case of open doors. For closed doors, the solution has been formulated, modeled and successfully tested in the Gazebo robot simulation tool by using a 4DOF robot arm on board MoPAD. The excellent results yielded in both cases lead us to believe that our solution could be implemented/adapted to other platforms and robot arms.

Coronary artery vasospasm after misoprostol treatment for incomplete abortion: a case report.

Misoprostol is widely used for the medical management of incomplete abortion. Few serious adverse events have been reported, so it is considered a safe drug. We present a case of a 40-year-old woman in which misoprostol preceded coronary artery spasm.