Bathymetric origin shapes the physiological responses of Pterygophora californica (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae) to deep marine heatwaves.

Kelp communities are experiencing exacerbated heat-related impacts from more intense, frequent, and deeper marine heatwaves (MHWs), imperiling the long-term survival of kelp forests in the climate change scenario. The occurrence of deep thermal anomalies is of critical importance, as elevated temperatures can impact kelp populations across their entire bathymetric range. This study evaluates the impact of MHWs on mature sporophytes of Pterygophora californica (walking kelp) from the bathymetric extremes (8-10 vs. 25-27 m) of a population situated in Baja California (Mexico). The location is near the southernmost point of the species's broad distribution (from Alaska to Mexico). The study investigated the ecophysiological responses (e.g., photobiology, nitrate uptake, oxidative stress) and growth of adult sporophytes through a two-phase experiment: warming simulating a MHW and a post-MHW phase without warming. Generally, the effects of warming differed depending on the bathymetric origin of the sporophytes. The MHW facilitated essential metabolic functions of deep-water sporophytes, including photosynthesis, and promoted their growth. In contrast, shallow-water sporophytes displayed metabolic stress, reduced growth, and oxidative damage. Upon the cessation of warming, certain responses, such as a decline in nitrate uptake and net productivity, became evident in shallow-water sporophytes, implying a delay in heat-stress response. This indicates that variation in temperatures can result in more prominent effects than warming alone. The greater heat tolerance of sporophytes in deeper waters shows convincing evidence that deep portions of P. californica populations have the potential to serve as refuges from the harmful impacts of MHWs on shallow reefs.

Selective filtering of excitatory inputs to nucleus accumbens by dopamine and serotonin.

The detailed mechanisms by which dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) act in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) to influence motivated behaviors in distinct ways remain largely unknown. Here, we examined whether DA and 5-HT selectively modulate excitatory synaptic transmission in NAc medium spiny neurons in an input-specific manner. DA reduced excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) generated by paraventricular thalamus (PVT) inputs but not by ventral hippocampus (vHip), basolateral amygdala (BLA), or medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) inputs. In contrast, 5-HT reduced EPSCs generated by inputs from all areas except the mPFC. Release of endogenous DA and 5-HT by methamphetamine (METH) and (±)3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), respectively, recapitulated these input-specific synaptic effects. Optogenetic inhibition of PVT inputs enhanced cocaine-conditioned place preference, whereas mPFC input inhibition reduced the enhancement of sociability elicited by MDMA. These findings suggest that the distinct, input-specific filtering of excitatory inputs in the NAc by DA and 5-HT contribute to their discrete behavioral effects.

Mortality, Functional Status, and Quality of Life after 5 Years of Patients Admitted to Critical Care for Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to assess long-term outcome in patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage admitted to the intensive care unit. METHODS: Mortality and Glasgow Outcome Scale, Barthel Index, and 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L) scores were analyzed in a multicenter cohort study of three Spanish hospitals (336 patients). Mortality was also analyzed in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III (MIMIC-III) database. RESULTS: The median (25th percentile-75th percentile) age was 62 (50-70) years, the median Glasgow Coma Score was 7 (4-11) points, and the median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health disease Classification System II (APACHE-II) score was 21 (15-26) points. Hospital mortality was 54.17%, mortality at 90 days was 56%, mortality at 1 year was 59.2%, and mortality at 5 years was 66.4%. In the Glasgow Outcome Scale, a normal or disabled self-sufficient situation was recorded in 21.5% of patients at 6 months, in 25.5% of patients after 1 year, and in 22.1% of patients after 5 years of follow-up (4.5% missing). The Barthel Index score of survivors improved over time: 50 (25-80) points at 6 months, 70 (35-95) points at 1 year, and 90 (40-100) points at 5 years (p < 0.001). Quality of life evaluated with the EQ-5D-5L at 1 year and 5 years indicated that greater than 50% of patients had no problems or slight problems in all items (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort, and anxiety/depression). In the MIMIC-III study (N = 1354), hospital mortality was 31.83% and was 40.5% at 90 days and 56.2% after 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: In patients admitted to the intensive care unit with a diagnosis of nontraumatic intracerebral hemorrhage, hospital mortality up to 90 days after admission is very high. Between 90 days and 5 years after admission, mortality is not high. A large percentage of survivors presented a significant deficit in quality of life and functional status, although with progressive improvement over time. Five years after the hemorrhagic stroke, a survival of 30% was observed, with a good functional status seen in 20% of patients who had been admitted to the hospital.

Correction: Voltammetric pH sensor based on electrochemically modified pseudo-graphite.

Correction for 'Voltammetric pH sensor based on electrochemically modified pseudo-graphite' by Haoyu Zhu et al., Analyst, 2020, 145, 7252-7259, https://doi.org/10.1039/D0AN01405B.

Comparison of automated subcutaneous defibrillator screening between different pacing sites in cardiac pacing device carriers.

AIMS: The compatibility of cardiac pacing with the presence of a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) has been investigated, but S-ICD screening test results have not been compared among different pacing sites. The objective was to compare S-ICD screening results among different cardiac pacing sites and to assess the electrocardiographic predictors of success. METHODS AND RESULTS: This prospective single-centre study conducted automated S-ICD screening in 102 carriers of cardiac pacing devices in conduction system (CSP), biventricular (BVP), right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), or right ventricular apex (RVA) pacing sites. The study included 102 patients: 40 with CSP (20 left bundle pacing and 20 His bundle pacing), 21 with BVP, and 20 and 21 with RVOT and RVA pacing, respectively. The percentage of positive screenings was significantly higher for CSP (97.5%) than for the other patient groups (BVP 71.4%, RVOT 70%, and RVA 19%). In multivariate analysis, positive screening was associated with a narrower QRS (OR 0.95 [0.92-0.98] P = 0.001) and higher R/T ratio in precordial leads (1.76 [1.18-2.61]). CONCLUSION: A higher S-ICD eligibility rate of cardiac pacing device carriers was obtained in CSP than in conventional pacing (RVA or RVOT) or BVP. The presence of narrower paced QRS width and paced corrected QT interval and of higher R/T ratio in precordial and limb leads are electrocardiographic predictors of a positive response to screening.

Iron uptake, transport and storage in marine brown algae.

Iron is a vital although biologically inaccessible trace nutrient for nearly all forms of life but "free" iron can be deleterious to cells and thus iron uptake and storage must be carefully controlled. The marine environment is particularly iron poor making mechanisms for its uptake and storage even more imperative. In this brief review we explore the known and potential iron uptake and storage pathways for the biologically and economically important marine brown macroalgae (seaweeds/kelps).

Shading by giant kelp canopy can restrict the invasiveness of Undaria pinnatifida (Laminariales, Phaeophyceae).

The spread of non-indigenous and invasive seaweeds has increased worldwide, and their potential effects on native seaweeds have raised concern. Undaria pinnatifida is considered among the most prolific non-indigenous species. This species has expanded rapidly in the Northeast Pacific, overlapping with native communities such as the iconic giant kelp forests (Macrocystis pyrifera). Canopy shading by giant kelp has been argued to be a limiting factor for the presence of U. pinnatifida in the understory, thus its invasiveness capacity. However, its physiological plasticity under light limitation remains unclear. In this work, we compared the physiology and growth of juvenile U. pinnatifida and M. pyrifera sporophytes transplanted to the understory of a giant kelp forest, to juveniles growing outside of the forest. Extreme low light availability compared to that outside (~0.2 and ~4.4 mol photon ⋅ m-2 ⋅ d-1 , respectively) likely caused a "metabolic energy crisis" in U. pinnatifida, thus restricting its photoacclimation plasticity and nitrogen acquisition, ultimately reducing its growth. Despite M. pyrifera juveniles showing photoacclimatory responses (e.g., increases in photosynthetic efficiency and lower compensation irradiance, Ec ), their physiological/vegetative status deteriorated similarly to U. pinnatifida, which explains the low recruitment inside the forest. Generally, our results revealed the ecophysiological basis behind the limited growth and survival of juvenile U. pinnatifida sporophytes in the understory.

A novel kinetic model for a cocoa waste fermentation to ethanol reaction and its experimental validation.

A non-segregated kinetic model is proposed to describe a fermentation process of agro-industrial residues derived via cocoa (mucilage juice) by Pichia kudriavzevii. The novel proposed hybrid model is based on a multiple coupling reaction mechanisms (structured) to describe the kinetics of substrate consumption, biomass, carbon dioxide, and ethanol, coupled to an unstructured model for the activity enzyme. The parameters of the kinetic model are estimated by non-linear least-squares curve fitting using the Marquardt-Levenberg algorithm. In addition, numerical simulations were compared with the experimental data via residual graphs. The effectiveness of the model was statistically evaluated using dimensionless efficiency coefficients under different initial conditions. A global sensitivity analysis was applied (Fisher's information matrix). The experimental results of the batch reactor showed a maximum ethanol concentration of 29 g/L, with a yield of 0.48 g-ethanol/g-glucose and a productivity of 0.30 g/L h. The method determined that the cell formation coefficient and the specific substrate consumption rate (θ1 and θ2) directly influence most of the states of our system. The proposed scheme is particularly suitable to assist in the rational design of cell factory properties or fermentation processes because it can represent the complex biochemistry in more detail and under different initial experimental conditions; the above reveals that the generated model is robust and can be considered for control and optimization purposes.

Comparison of Nasal Analysis by Photographs (2D) against Low-cost Surface Laser Imaging (3D) and against Computed Axial Tomography Imaging.

Introduction In aesthetic surgery, we have a few evaluation tools that numerically and objectively measure the changes we make in patients. This article aimed to evaluate the nasal systematic analysis and compare findings between the three systems of nasal evaluation: photographs 2D, 3D surface imaging with the Kinect system, and 3D CT scan imaging. Methods We designed a longitudinal and descriptive prospective study with simple non-blind randomization. To compare the systematic nasal analysis between the three methods. If the findings are similar, all three methods would be useful in independent clinical scenarios. Results A total of 42 observations were included finding a minimum age of 21 with a mean of 28 years old. Also, 64% were female, 93% had adequate facial proportions, and 50% were Fitzpatrick III. For outcome statistics, we found differential nasal deviation between 3D images with a mean of 6.53 mm. While when comparing the nasal dorsum length, we found a statistical significance of p = 0.051. When comparing the nasal dorsum length index, we found no significant difference p = 0.32. Also, we did not find statistical significance when comparing the nasofrontal angle and tip rotation angle p = 1 for both. Conclusion We found that the population we serve has characteristics of Hispanic mestizo nose. The three methods seem to evaluate systematic nasal analysis in a very similar way, and any of them can be used depending on the scenario and the needs of plastic surgeons.

Monkeypox outbreak in Spain: clinical and epidemiological findings in a prospective cross-sectional study of 185 cases.

BACKGROUND: Since May 2022, a new outbreak of monkeypox has been reported in several countries, including Spain. The clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the cases in this outbreak may differ from those in earlier reports. OBJECTIVES: To document the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of cases of monkeypox in the current outbreak. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study in multiple medical facilities in Spain to describe the cases of monkeypox in the 2022 outbreak. RESULTS: In total, 185 patients were included. Most cases started with primarily localized homogeneous papules, not pustules, in the probable area of inoculation, which could be cutaneous or mucous, including single lesions. Generalized small pustules appeared later in some of them. Heterogeneous lesions occurred during this generalized phase. All patients had systemic symptoms. Less common lesions included mucosal ulcers (including pharyngeal ulcers and proctitis) and monkeypox whitlows. Four patients were hospitalized, none died. Smallpox vaccination and well-controlled HIV disease were not associated with markers of severity. Contact during sex is the most likely mechanism of transmission. In this outbreak, cases have been described in men who have sex with men and are strongly associated with high-risk sexual behaviours. Seventy-six per cent of the patients had other sexually transmitted diseases upon screening. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical findings in this outbreak differ from previous findings and highly suggest contact transmission and initiation at the entry site. The characterization of the epidemiology of this outbreak has implications for control. What is already known about this topic? Monkeypox eruption is described as consisting of pustules. The roles of HIV and previous smallpox vaccination in the prognosis are unknown. The transmission route was initially described as respiratory droplets and was later suggested to be via sexual contact. What does this study add? Initial lesions at the probable inoculation area were homogeneous and papular (pseudopustules). Generalized small pustules appeared later in some of them. Heterogeneous lesions occurred during this generalized phase. All patients had systemic symptoms. Less common signs included mucosal ulcers (including pharyngeal ulcers and proctitis) and monkeypox whitlows. Well-controlled HIV and previous smallpox vaccination were not associated with severity. No patient died. The data support the hypothesis of transmission via contact during sex. Although this might change, the outbreak is currently limited mostly to men who have sex with men, with high-risk factors for sexually transmitted diseases.

Incidence, Clinical Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in Patients With COVID-19: Results of the UMC-19-S12.

OBJECTIVE: The authors investigated the incidence, risk factors, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGB) in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), who were attending the emergency department (ED), before hospitalization. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all COVID-19 patients diagnosed with UGB in 62 Spanish EDs (20% of Spanish EDs, case group) during the first 2 months of the COVID-19 outbreak. We formed 2 control groups: COVID-19 patients without UGB (control group A) and non-COVID-19 patients with UGB (control group B). Fifty-three independent variables and 4 outcomes were compared between cases and controls. RESULTS: We identified 83 UGB in 74,814 patients with COVID-19 who were attending EDs (1.11%, 95% CI=0.88-1.38). This incidence was lower compared with non-COVID-19 patients [2474/1,388,879, 1.78%, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.71-1.85; odds ratio (OR)=0.62; 95% CI=0.50-0.77]. Clinical characteristics associated with a higher risk of COVID-19 patients presenting with UGB were abdominal pain, vomiting, hematemesis, dyspnea, expectoration, melena, fever, cough, chest pain, and dysgeusia. Compared with non-COVID-19 patients with UGB, COVID-19 patients with UGB more frequently had fever, cough, expectoration, dyspnea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, interstitial lung infiltrates, and ground-glass lung opacities. They underwent fewer endoscopies in the ED (although diagnoses did not differ between cases and control group B) and less endoscopic treatment. After adjustment for age and sex, cases showed a higher in-hospital all-cause mortality than control group B (OR=2.05, 95% CI=1.09-3.86) but not control group A (OR=1.14, 95% CI=0.59-2.19) patients. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of UGB in COVID-19 patients attending EDs was lower compared with non-COVID-19 patients. Digestive symptoms predominated over respiratory symptoms, and COVID-19 patients with UGB underwent fewer gastroscopies and endoscopic treatments than the general population with UGB. In-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients with UGB was increased compared with non-COVID patients with UGB, but not compared with the remaining COVID-19 patients.

Initial Histological Evaluation of a Novel Dura Mater Graft Based on Capsule Granulation Harvested From Subcutaneous Tissue: Experimental Model.

INTRODUCTION: Autografts are useful but unfortunately are limited in big dural defects, in such cases, synthetic implants have been recommended. Extensive evidence in the literature suggests that sometimes synthetic implants had high rates of complications like infections. This paper aims to present a novel dura matter graft based on capsule granulation tissue harvested from subcutaneous space as a dura substitute and its histological findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats between 240 and 430 grams of both genders were included. First stage procedure introducing silicon spheres in the subcutaneous tissue. Second stage procedure 4 weeks later harvested de capsule granulation tissue that contain them. Then a craniectomy was performed to create a dura mater defect. This defect was reconstructed with the granulation tissue was placed onlay the defect. After another 4 weeks the subjects were euthanized and sent to an external pathology unit for analysis with validated integration scales. RESULTS: A total of 5 subjects were included (3 males and 2 females) with weight between 240 and 430 grams. Only 2 outcome out of 6 scales had significance difference between the samples: adhesions P = 0.011 and integration P = 0.006. CONCLUSIONS: The histological findings shown that capsule granulation graft is a compatible, autologous compatible substitute for dura mater. It has a great potential of full integration and an acceptable grade of adhesions.

Bioremediation of an agricultural saline soil contaminated with endosulfan and Escherichia coli by an active surface agent induced in a Penicillium crustosum culture.

This study evaluates the production of a biological active surface agent (BASA) through its surface tension (ST) and emulsifying activity (E24) for endosulfan degradation (ED) and Escherichia coli growth inhibition (EcGI) in an agricultural saline soil. The fungus, identified as Penicillium crustosum was isolated from the Citrus sinensis peel (CsP), then the surface properties were evaluated in 9 culture media through a Taguchi L9 experimental design. The culture conditions included: stirring speed, pH, carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) sources; being glucose, NH4N03, 120 rpm and pH of 5, the most significant parameters in the BASA production. The BASA identified as a lipopeptide type, showed a ST = 38 mN m-1 and E24=71%. Both properties were stable at 80 °C, while ST presented stability in the pH range of 2 - 12, and a saline concentration of 200 g L-1; E24 was also stable at a pH between 8-12. Further application of BASA and fungal inoculum to a contaminated agricultural saline soil presented an EcGI of 99.8% on the 8th day, and ED of 92.9 ± 4.7% in 30 days, respectively; being the first report that uses this fungus for pesticide and bacteria elimination from an agricultural saline soil.

The influence of vector-borne disease on human history: socio-ecological mechanisms.

Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) are embedded within complex socio-ecological systems. While research has traditionally focused on the direct effects of VBDs on human morbidity and mortality, it is increasingly clear that their impacts are much more pervasive. VBDs are dynamically linked to feedbacks between environmental conditions, vector ecology, disease burden, and societal responses that drive transmission. As a result, VBDs have had profound influence on human history. Mechanisms include: (1) killing or debilitating large numbers of people, with demographic and population-level impacts; (2) differentially affecting populations based on prior history of disease exposure, immunity, and resistance; (3) being weaponised to promote or justify hierarchies of power, colonialism, racism, classism and sexism; (4) catalysing changes in ideas, institutions, infrastructure, technologies and social practices in efforts to control disease outbreaks; and (5) changing human relationships with the land and environment. We use historical and archaeological evidence interpreted through an ecological lens to illustrate how VBDs have shaped society and culture, focusing on case studies from four pertinent VBDs: plague, malaria, yellow fever and trypanosomiasis. By comparing across diseases, time periods and geographies, we highlight the enormous scope and variety of mechanisms by which VBDs have influenced human history.

Incidence, clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of meningoencephalitis in patients with COVID-19.

We investigated the incidence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcome of meningoencephalitis (ME) in patients with COVID-19 attending emergency departments (ED), before hospitalization. We retrospectively reviewed all COVID patients diagnosed with ME in 61 Spanish EDs (20% of Spanish EDs, COVID-ME) during the COVID pandemic. We formed two control groups: non-COVID patients with ME (non-COVID-ME) and COVID patients without ME (COVID-non-ME). Unadjusted comparisons between cases and controls were performed regarding 57 baseline and clinical characteristics and 4 outcomes. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biochemical and serologic findings of COVID-ME and non-COVID-ME were also investigated. We identified 29 ME in 71,904 patients with COVID-19 attending EDs (0.40‰, 95%CI=0.27-0.58). This incidence was higher than that observed in non-COVID patients (150/1,358,134, 0.11‰, 95%CI=0.09-0.13; OR=3.65, 95%CI=2.45-5.44). With respect to non-COVID-ME, COVID-ME more frequently had dyspnea and chest X-ray abnormalities, and neck stiffness was less frequent (OR=0.3, 95%CI=0.1-0.9). In 69.0% of COVID-ME, CSF cells were predominantly lymphocytes, and SARS-CoV-2 antigen was detected by RT-PCR in 1 patient. The clinical characteristics associated with a higher risk of presenting ME in COVID patients were vomiting (OR=3.7, 95%CI=1.4-10.2), headache (OR=24.7, 95%CI=10.2-60.1), and altered mental status (OR=12.9, 95%CI=6.6-25.0). COVID-ME patients had a higher in-hospital mortality than non-COVID-ME patients (OR=2.26; 95%CI=1.04-4.48), and a higher need for hospitalization (OR=8.02; 95%CI=1.19-66.7) and intensive care admission (OR=5.89; 95%CI=3.12-11.14) than COVID-non-ME patients. ME is an unusual form of COVID presentation (<0.5‰ cases), but is more than 4-fold more frequent than in non-COVID patients attending the ED. As the majority of these MEs had lymphocytic predominance and in one patient SARS-CoV-2 antigen was detected in CSF, SARS-CoV-2 could be the cause of most of the cases observed. COVID-ME patients had a higher unadjusted in-hospital mortality than non-COVID-ME patients.

Preservation of Renal Function after Major Bleeding Events due to Ultrasound-Guided Parenchymal Renal Biopsy.

The clinical outcomes of major bleeding events following ultrasound-guided native and allograft parenchymal renal biopsy were evaluated. Forty-eight bleeding complications after biopsy (Society of Interventional Radiology adverse event grade ≥ 2) from 2002 to 2018 were identified. The primary outcome assessed was renal function. The clinical outcomes and interventions performed, including blood transfusion, angiography with or without embolization, nephrostomy tube placement, surgery, nephrectomy, hospitalization, intensive care unit admission, dialysis, and survival, were noted. Renal function may be moderately diminished in the short-term periprocedural setting. None of the patients studied died or required nephrectomy or the initiation of dialysis as a result of a major bleeding complication after the renal biopsy.

Cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis: diagnosis and monitoring.

INTRODUCTION: Cognitive impairment (CI) has a prevalence of 45-70% in people with multiple sclerosis (MS), producing a negative impact on their quality of life, personal life, and work. Early detection of CI has become an important aspect to be considered for an adequate follow-up, to optimize social adaptation and to implement specific cognitive rehabilitation strategies. The aim of this work is to propose a suitable cognitive evaluation of patients with MS based on available and efficient tools for diagnosis and monitoring purposes well supported by literature review and clinical experience. METHODS: A multidisciplinary panel of professionals from the field of neurology, neuropsychology, and neuroimaging performed a literature review of the topic of cognitive impairment assessment. This was combined and completed with their clinical experience to produce a set of recommendations. RESULTS: Some limitations to cognitive evaluation are described: shortage of time and resources during the neurology consultation, scarceness or absence of specialized professionals' availability, importance of tests adaptation, and doubts about its use to define therapeutic efficiency. We recommend a baseline and annual screening evaluation, and we suggest a baseline and periodic neuropsychological assessment. The latter ought to change to a recommendation with the presence of either positive screening test, or subjective to cognitive complaints, screening-test results and patient or family report mismatch, or in specific social/work situations. CONCLUSIONS: Cognitive evaluation should be performed on all patients diagnosed with MS and throughout follow-up. It is necessary to support the creation of multidisciplinary MS teams to optimize the evaluation and follow-up of MS patients.

The GacS/A-Rsm Pathway Positively Regulates Motility and Flagella Synthesis in Azotobacter vinelandii.

Azotobacter vinelandii is a motile bacterium that possesses an unusual pattern of peritrichous flagellation for members of the Pseudomonadaceae family. Unlike what has been reported for Pseudomonas spp. FleQ is not the master regulator of motility in A. vinelandii, this role is performed by FlhDC. Other factors involved in the regulation of motility are AlgU (σE) and CydR which act as negative regulators. In some members of the Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonadaceae families, the GacS/A-Rsm pathway is another important factor regulating motility. In the present study, the involvement of the GacS/A-Rsm pathway in regulating the motility of A. vinelandii was explored; we found that contrary to what has been reported for most of the strains studied of Pseudomonas species, GacS/A, through the Rsm system, positively controlled swimming motility. We show that the target of this regulation is the synthesis of flagella, which most likely occurs in an FlhDC-independent manner.

Time Reduction by Prebending Osteosynthesis Plates Using 3D-Printed Anatomical Models, In Patients Treated With Open Reduction and Internal Fixation.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of facial bones fractures is 18 to 32 for each 100,000 inhabitants. The most affected population are young working people. Fractures are most commonly caused by assaults and motor vehicle accidents. Its cost of care reaches 1.06 billion dollars. Premodeling osteosynthesis plates with anatomical models can decrease surgical time, bleeding, and increase patient satisfaction. This study aims to evaluate the impact of premodeled osteosynthesis plates, using anatomical models in patients with facial fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with facial fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation were included-Group A without premolding plates and Group B with premolding. The variables studied were: age, sex, etiology of the fractures, number of fractures, among other variables that reflect the quality of the results. RESULTS: A total of 17 osteosynthesis plates were included in 6 patients. The age was 22 to 47 years; all patients were male. The maximum surgery time was 129 to 300 minutes. The average time to start work was 4.8 weeks. When comparing the variables between the groups, we found no difference between the groups for bleeding P = 0.24, the start of work P = 0.19, the time of surgery P = 0.082, or for osteosynthesis time P = 0.15. There was only a significant difference in patient satisfaction, P = 0.04. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence collected shows that premodeling the plates only improves patients' satisfaction among facial fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation.

Autonomous UAV System for Cleaning Insulators in Power Line Inspection and Maintenance.

The inspection and maintenance tasks of electrical installations are very demanding. Nowadays, insulator cleaning is carried out manually by operators using scaffolds, ropes, or even helicopters. However, these operations involve potential risks for humans and the electrical structure. The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to reduce the risk of these tasks is rising. This paper presents an UAV to autonomously clean insulators on power lines. First, an insulator detection and tracking algorithm has been implemented to control the UAV in operation. Second, a cleaning tool has been designed consisting of a pump, a tank, and an arm to direct the flow of cleaning liquid. Third, a vision system has been developed that is capable of detecting soiled areas using a semantic segmentation neuronal network, calculating the trajectory for cleaning in the image plane, and generating arm trajectories to efficiently clean the insulator. Fourth, an autonomous system has been developed to land on a charging pad to charge the batteries and potentially fill the tank with cleaning liquid. Finally, the autonomous system has been validated in a controlled outdoor environment.