Long-Term Differences in Autonomic Alterations After Cryoballoon vs Radiofrequency Atrial Fibrillation Ablation.

BACKGROUND: The long-term natural history of autonomic alterations following catheter ablation of drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation is poorly defined. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to define the long-term impact of thermal catheter ablation on the cardiac autonomic system. METHODS: The study included 346 patients with drug-refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation undergoing pulmonary vein isolation using thermal ablation energy (radiofrequency or cryoballoon ablation). All patients underwent insertion of a Reveal LINQ implantable cardiac monitor prior to ablation. The implantable cardiac monitor continuously recorded physical activity, heart rate variability (HRV) (measured as the standard deviation of the average normal-to-normal), daytime heart rate, and nighttime heart rate (NHR). Longitudinal autonomic data in the 2-month period prior to the date of ablation were compared with the 3 years following ablation. RESULTS: Following ablation, there was a significant decrease in HRV (10-20 ms; P < 0.0001) and significant increases in daytime heart rate and NHR (10 beats/min [P < 0.0001] and 7 beats/min [P < 0.0001], respectively). Changes in autonomic parameters were greatest in the first 3 months following ablation but remained significantly different from baseline for 36 months following ablation. Greater changes in NHR and HRV were associated with improved freedom from recurrent arrhythmia. The type of thermal ablation energy had no influence on the heart rate and autonomic parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary vein isolation using thermal ablation energy results in significant sustained changes in the heart rate parameters related to autonomic function. These changes are independent of the ablation technology employed and are associated with procedural success. (Cryoballoon vs Irrigated Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation: Double Short vs Standard Exposure Duration [CIRCA-DOSE]; NCT01913522).

Overcoming Access Challenges to Treat Arrhythmias in Patients with Congenital Heart Disease Using Robotic Magnetic-Guided Catheter Ablation.

The prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) has surged in recent decades, owing to a substantial reduction in mortality. As individuals with CHD age, they become increasingly susceptible to late complications including arrhythmias. These arrhythmias often arise decades after surgical intervention and significantly impact quality of life, hospitalizations, and mortality. Catheter ablation has gained widespread acceptance as a critical intervention for managing arrhythmias in patients with CHD. However, anatomical and physiological features unique to this population pose challenges to standard manual ablation procedures, potentially impacting safety and efficacy. Robotic magnetic-guided navigation (RMN) has emerged as a technological solution to address these challenges. By utilizing soft and flexible catheters equipped with magnets at their tips, RMN enables robotic steering and orientation of catheters in three-dimensional space. This technology overcomes obstacles such as distorted vascular pathways and complex post-surgical reconstructions to facilitate access to target chambers and improve maneuverability within the heart. In this review, we present an overview of the safety and efficacy evidence for RMN-guided catheter ablation in CHD patients and highlight potential advantages. Additionally, we provide a detailed case presentation illustrating the practical application of RMN technology in this population. Although the literature on RMN-guided ablation in patients with CHD remains limited, it has shown promise in achieving successful outcomes, particularly in cases where manual ablation failed or was deemed non-feasible. Further validation through large-scale prospective studies is necessary to fully ascertain the benefits of RMN technology in this patient population.

A Predictive Model of the Start of Annual Influenza Epidemics.

Influenza is a respiratory disease that causes annual epidemics during cold seasons. These epidemics increase pressure on healthcare systems, sometimes provoking their collapse. For this reason, a tool is needed to predict when an influenza epidemic will occur so that the healthcare system has time to prepare for it. This study therefore aims to develop a statistical model capable of predicting the onset of influenza epidemics in Catalonia, Spain. Influenza seasons from 2011 to 2017 were used for model training, and those from 2017 to 2018 were used for validation. Logistic regression, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest models were used to predict the onset of the influenza epidemic. The logistic regression model was able to predict the start of influenza epidemics at least one week in advance, based on clinical diagnosis rates of various respiratory diseases and meteorological variables. This model achieved the best punctual estimates for two of three performance metrics. The most important variables in the model were the principal components of bronchiolitis rates and mean temperature. The onset of influenza epidemics can be predicted from clinical diagnosis rates of various respiratory diseases and meteorological variables. Future research should determine whether predictive models play a key role in preventing influenza.

Epidemiology of infectious diseases in migrant populations from endemic or high-endemic countries: A multicentric primary care-based study in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of seven infections (Chagas disease, strongyloidiasis, schistosomiasis, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C virus, and active tuberculosis) in migrant populations attended at primary care facilities in Catalonia, Spain. METHODS: This is a cross sectional study conducted from March to December 2018 at eight primary care centres in Catalonia, Spain where health professionals were recommended to systematically screen multiple infections in migrants considering the endemicity of the pathogens in their country of birth. Routine health data were retrospectively extracted from electronic health records of the primary care centres. The proportion of cases among individuals tested for each infection was estimated with its 95% confident interval (CI). Mixed-effects logistics regression models were conducted to assess any possible association between the exposure variables and the primary outcome. RESULTS: Out of the 15,780 migrants that attended primary care centres, 2410 individuals were tested for at least one infection. Of the 508 (21.1%) migrants diagnosed with at least one condition, a higher proportion originated from Sub-Saharan Africa (207, 40.7%), followed by South-East Europe (117, 23.0%) and Latin-America (88, 17.3%; p value <0.001). The proportion of migrants diagnosed with Chagas disease was 5/122 (4.1%, 95%CI 0.5-7.7), for strongyloidiasis 56/409 (13.7%, 95%CI 10.3-17.0) and for schistosomiasis 2/101 (2.0%, 95%CI 0.0-4.7) with very few cases tested. The estimated proportion for human immunodeficiency virus was 67/1176 (5.7%, 95%CI 4.4-7.0); 377/1478 (25.5%, 95%CI 23.3-27.7) for hepatitis B virus, with 108/1478 (7.3%, 95%CI 6.0-8.6) of them presenting an active infection, while 31/1433 (2.2%, 95%CI 1.4-2.9) were diagnosed with hepatitis C virus. One case of active tuberculosis was diagnosed after testing 172 migrant patients (0.6%, 95%CI 0.0-1.7). CONCLUSIONS: We estimated a high proportion of the studied infections in migrants from endemic areas. Country-specific estimations of the burden of infections in migrants are fundamental for the implementation of preventive interventions.

Observable Atrial and Ventricular Fibrillation Episode Durations Are Conformant With a Power Law Based on System Size and Spatial Synchronization.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) episodes exhibit varying durations, with some spontaneously ending quickly while others persist. A quantitative framework to explain episode durations remains elusive. We hypothesized that observable self-terminating AF and VF episode lengths, whereby durations are known, would conform with a power law based on the ratio of system size and correlation length ([Formula: see text]. METHODS: Using data from computer simulations (2-dimensional sheet and 3-dimensional left-atrial), human ischemic VF recordings (256-electrode sock, n=12 patients), and human AF recordings (64-electrode basket-catheter, n=9 patients; 16-electrode high definition-grid catheter, n=42 patients), conformance with a power law was assessed using the Akaike information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, coefficient of determination (R2, significance=P<0.05) and maximum likelihood estimation. We analyzed fibrillatory episode durations and [Formula: see text], computed by taking the ratio between system size ([Formula: see text], chamber/simulation size) and correlation length (xi, estimated from pairwise correlation coefficients over electrode/node distance). RESULTS: In all computer models, the relationship between episode durations and [Formula: see text] was conformant with a power law (Aliev-Panfilov R2: 0.90, P<0.001; Courtemanche R2: 0.91, P<0.001; Luo-Rudy R2: 0.61, P<0.001). Observable clinical AF/VF durations were also conformant with a power law relationship (VF R2: 0.86, P<0.001; AF basket R2: 0.91, P<0.001; AF grid R2: 0.92, P<0.001). [Formula: see text] also differentiated between self-terminating and sustained episodes of AF and VF (P<0.001; all systems), as well as paroxysmal versus persistent AF (P<0.001). In comparison, other electrogram metrics showed no statistically significant differences (dominant frequency, Shannon Entropy, mean voltage, peak-peak voltage; P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Observable fibrillation episode durations are conformant with a power law based on system size and correlation length.

Emotional experiences and gender roles of men with fibromyalgia syndrome: a cross-cultural qualitative study.

Introduction: Gender roles may impact men with fibromyalgia, causing a high number of negative emotional states and affective disorders. There are few studies that detect men's high emotional suffering. This study examined the emotional experience of men with fibromyalgia. Methods: A qualitative cross-cultural study utilized inductive thematic analysis was performed at the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Unit Santa Maria University Hospital in Spain, the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Clinic at Mayo Clinic in the US, and volunteers from the Winneshiek County in the US A total of 17 participants, 10 men from Spain and 7 men from the US were included. Results: Three themes related to feelings/emotions emerged: (1) psychological level; (2) social level; and (3) physical level. Men with fibromyalgia from Spain and the US experienced many negative emotions. Men often experience negative emotions that are worsened by common misunderstandings and social biases/stigma about their condition. Conclusion/implications: A proper assessment of emotions when evaluating the global health of men with fibromyalgia as well as the provision of emotional support would improve their mental health and therefore their overall physical health. Emotional management should be incorporated into all treatment protocols for fibromyalgia, especially for men given the gender stigma. Health policies designed by legislators, policymakers, and support agencies must be accompanied by education in gender role concepts to improve the emotions of men with FMS. The mass media will be essential for the disclosure of the emotional suffering of male patients so that society might better understand them.

Patient-specific quantification of cardiorespiratory motion for cardiac stereotactic radioablation treatment planning.

Background: Cardiac radioablation is a new treatment for patients with refractory ventricular tachycardia (VT). The target for cardiac radioablation is subject to cardiorespiratory motion (CRM), the heart's movement with breathing and cardiac contraction. Data regarding the magnitude of target CRM are limited but are highly important for treatment planning. Objectives: The study sought to assess CRM amplitude by using ablation catheter geometrical data. Methods: Electroanatomic mapping data of patients undergoing catheter ablation for VT at 3 academic centers were exported. The spatial position of the ablation catheter as a function of time while in contact with endocardium was analyzed and used to quantify CRM. Results: Forty-four patients with ischemic and nonischemic cardiomyopathy and VT contributed 1364 ablation lesions to the analysis. Average cardiac and respiratory excursion were 1.62 ± 1.21 mm and 12.12 ± 4.10 mm, respectively. The average ratio of respiratory to cardiac motion was approximately 11:1. CRM was greatest along the craniocaudal axis (9.66 ± 4.00 mm). Regional variations with respect to respiratory and cardiac motion were observed: basal segments had smaller displacements vs midventricular and apical segments. Patient characteristics (previous cardiac surgery, height, weight, body mass index, and left ventricular ejection fraction) had a statistically significant, albeit clinically moderate, impact on CRM. Conclusion: CRM is primarily determined by respiratory displacement and is modulated by the location of the target and the patient's biometric characteristics. The patient-specific quantification of CRM may allow to decrease treatment volume and reduce radiation exposure of surrounding organs at risk while delivering the therapeutic dose to the target.

Nutrition and Chronobiology as Key Components of Multidisciplinary Therapeutic Interventions for Fibromyalgia and Associated Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Narrative and Critical Review.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is often accompanied by chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It is a poorly understood disorder that mainly affects women and leads to chronic pain, fatigue, and insomnia, among other symptoms, which decrease quality of life. Due to the inefficiency of current pharmacological treatments, increasing interest is being directed towards non-pharmacological multicomponent therapies. However, nutrition and chronobiology are often overlooked when developing multicomponent therapies. This narrative and critical review explore the relevance of nutritional and chronobiological strategies in the therapeutic management of FM and the often-associated CFS. Reviewed literature offers scientific evidence for the association of dietary habits, nutrient levels, body composition, gut microbiota imbalance, chronobiological alterations, and their interrelation with the development and severity of symptoms. This review highlights the key role of nutrition and chronobiology as relevant and indispensable components in a multidisciplinary approach to FM and CFS.

Screening and routine diagnosis of mental disorders among migrants in primary care: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Migrants in host countries are at risk for the development of mental health conditions. The two aims of the study were to describe routine diagnoses of mental disorders among migrant patients at primary healthcare level and the associated risk factors, and to test the utility of an innovative migrant mental health assessment by evaluating whether the health professionals followed the recommendations proposed by the clinical decision support system (CDSS) tool. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in eight primary care centres (PCCs) in four non-randomly selected health regions of Catalonia, Spain from March to December 2018. Routine health data and mental health diagnoses based on the International Classification of Diseases (10th edition), including mental, behavioural and neuro developmental disorders (F01-F99), symptoms and signs involving emotional state (R45), and sleep disorders (G47), were extracted from the electronic health records. The proportion of mental health conditions was estimated and logistic regression models were used to assess any possible association with mental health disorders. The utility of the mental health assessment was assessed with the proportion of questionnaires performed by health professionals for migrants fulfilling the mental health screening criterion (country of origin with an active conflict in 2017) and the diagnoses given to the screened patients. Results: Of 14,130 migrants that visited any of the PCCs during the study period, 7,358 (52.1 %) were women with a median age of 38.0 years-old. There were 520/14,130 (3.7 %) migrant patients diagnosed with a mental disorder, being more frequent among women (342/7,358; 4.7 %, p-value < 0.001), migrants from Latin-America (177/3,483; 5.1 %, p < 0.001) and those who recently arrived in Spain (170/3,672; 4.6 %, p < 0.001). A lower proportion of mental disorders were reported in migrants coming from conflicted countries in 2017 (116/3,669, 3.2 %, p = 0.053).Out of the 547 mental health diagnoses reported in 520 patients, 69/14,130 (0.5 %) were mood disorders, 346/14,130 (2.5 %) anxiety disorders and 127/14,130 (0.9 %) sleeping disorders. Mood disorders were more common in migrants from Eastern Europe (25/2,971; 0.8 %, p < 0.001) and anxiety disorders in migrants from Latin-America (126/3,483; 3.6 %, p < 0.001), while both type of disorders were more often reported in women (p < 0.001).In the adjusted model, women (aOR: 1.5, [95 % CI 1.2-1.8, p < 0.001]), migrants with more than one visit to the health center during the study period (aOR: 4.4, [95 %CI 2.8-6.8, p < 0.001]) and who presented an infectious disease (aOR: 2.1, [95 %CI 1.5-3.1, p < 0.001]) had higher odds of having a mental disorder.Lastly, out of the 1,840 migrants coming from a conflicted country in 2017 who were attended in centres where the CDSS tool was implemented, 29 (1.6 %) had a mental health assessment performed and the tool correctly identified one individual. Conclusions: Mental health is a condition that may be overlooked in migrants at primary healthcare. Interventions at this level of care must be reinforced and adapted to the needs and circumstances of migrants to ensure equity in health services.

Clinical value of a tool for managing oral anticoagulation in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation in primary health care. Randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The management of atrial fibrillation is complex and requires improvement at strategic points, such as in the control of patients treated with vitamin K antagonists. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact on health outcomes of a nonvalvular atrial fibrillation decision support tool based on visualization of the time in therapeutic range in primary care. METHODS: The present randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2018 with a 1-year follow-up in 325 primary care centers in Catalonia. In the intervention centers, the decision support tool was installed to control the time in therapeutic range of patients treated with vitamin K antagonists. The tool was not visualized in the control group. This clinical trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03367325). RESULTS: In total, 44 556 patients were studied. The intervention protected against admission for stroke (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.70; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 0.55-0.88). The number needed to treat was 3502 (95%CI, 3305-3725) while the number of admissions for stroke avoided was 12.63 (95%CI, 11.88-13.38). The intervention also protected against mortality (adjusted OR, 0.78; 95%CI, 0.67-0.90), with a number needed to treat of 13 687 (95%CI, 10 789-18 714) and number of deaths avoided of 3.23 (95%CI, 2.36-4.10). CONCLUSIONS: The decision support tool was associated with slight reductions in the numbers of admissions for ischemic stroke and mortality. Although the follow-up time was short and the effect of the intervention was small, the results are valuable and could improve implementation of the tool.

Cost-utility of a multicomponent intervention for fibromyalgia versus usual care: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To perform an economic evaluation on a multicomponent intervention programme for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome compared with usual clinical practice in primary care. DESIGN: A cost-utility analysis was conducted alongside a pragmatic randomised controlled trial (ClinicalTrials.gov: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT04049006) from a societal perspective, a human capital approach, and a 1-year time horizon. PATIENTS: Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia  syndrome from the public health system in south Catalonia, Spain. METHODS: Crude and adjusted incremental cost- utility ratios were estimated to compare the treatment strategies based on cost estimations (direct medical costs and productivity losses) and quality-adjusted life years. One-way and 2-way deterministic sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: The final analysed sample comprised 297 individuals, 161 in the intervention group and 136 in the control group. A crude incremental cost-utility ratio of € 1,780.75 and an adjusted ratio of € 851.67 were obtained, indicating that the programme  significantly improved patients' quality of life with a cost-increasing outcome that fell below the cost-effectiveness threshold. The sensitivity analysis  confirmed these findings when  varying large cost components, and showed dominance when increasing session attendance. CONCLUSION: The proposed multicomponent intervention programme was cost-effective compared with usual care for fibromyalgia, which supports its addition to standard practice in the regional  primary care service.

Rationale and Design of the Randomized Bayesian Multicenter COME-TAVI Trial in Patients With a New Onset Left Bundle Branch Block.

Patients with new-onset left bundle branch block (LBBB) after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) are at risk of developing delayed high-degree atrioventricular block. Management of new-onset LBBB post-TAVI remains controversial. In the Comparison of a Clinical Monitoring Strategy Versus Electrophysiology-Guided Algorithmic Approach in Patients With a New LBBB After TAVI (COME-TAVI) trial, consenting patients with new-onset LBBB that persists on day 2 after TAVI, meeting exclusion/inclusion criteria, are randomized to an electrophysiological study (EPS)-guided approach or 30-day electrocardiographic monitoring. In the EPS-guided approach, patients with a His to ventricle (HV) interval ≥ 65 ms undergo permanent pacemaker implantation. Patients randomized to noninvasive monitoring receive a wearable continuous electrocardiographic recording and transmitting device for 30 days. Follow-up will be performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary endpoint is a composite outcome designed to capture net clinical benefit. The endpoint incorporates major consequences of both strategies in patients with new-onset LBBB after TAVI, as follows: (i) sudden cardiac death; (ii) syncope; (iii) atrioventricular conduction disorder requiring a pacemaker (for a class I or IIa indication); and (iv) complications related to the pacemaker or EPS. The trial incorporates a Bayesian design with a noninformative prior, outcome-adaptive randomization (initially 1:1), and 2 prespecified interim analyses once 25% and 50% of the anticipated number of primary endpoints are reached. The trial is event-driven, with an anticipated upper limit of 452 patients required to reach 77 primary outcome events over 12 months of follow-up. In summary, the aim of this Bayesian multicentre randomized trial is to compare 2 management strategies in patients with new-onset LBBB post-TAVI-an EPS-guided approach vs noninvasive 30-day monitoring. Trial registration number: NCT03303612.

Les patients chez qui un bloc de branche gauche (BBG) est récemment apparu à la suite de l'implantation valvulaire aortique par cathéter (IVAC) présentent un risque de bloc auriculoventriculaire de haut degré tardif. La prise en charge d'un BBG récemment apparu après une IVAC demeure controversée. Dans le cadre de l'essai COME-TAVI (Comparison of a ClinicalMonitoring Strategy VersusElectrophysiology-Guided Algorithmic Approach in Patients With a New LBBB AfterTAVI, ou comparaison d'une stratégie de surveillance clinique, par rapport à une approche guidée par étude électrophysiologique et fondée sur un algorithme, chez des patients présentant un BBG d'apparition récente à la suite d'une IVAC), des patients qui présentent un BBG d'apparition récente persistant le 2e jour après une IVAC, qui répondent aux critères d'admissibilité et qui ont donné leur consentement sont répartis aléatoirement pour être suivis à l'aide d'une approche guidée par une étude électrophysiologique (EEP) ou faire l'objet d'une surveillance électrocardiographique d'une durée de 30 jours. Un stimulateur cardiaque est implanté chez les patients du groupe de l'EEP dont l'intervalle HV (temps de conduction dans le tronc du faisceau de His jusqu'aux ventricules) est ≥ 65 ms. Les patients du groupe de surveillance non invasive reçoivent un dispositif portable d'enregistrement et de transmission continue de données électrocardiographiques pour une période de 30 jours. Le suivi sera réalisé aux 3e, 6e et 12e mois. Le critère d'évaluation principal est un paramètre composite conçu afin de saisir le bienfait clinique net. Il comprend les conséquences majeures des deux stratégies chez les patients présentant un BBG d'apparition récente après une IVAC, comme suit : (i) mort subite d'origine cardiaque; (ii) syncope; (iii) trouble de la conduction auriculoventriculaire nécessitant la pose d'un stimulateur cardiaque (pour une indication de classe I ou IIa); et (iv) complications relatives au stimulateur cardiaque ou à l'EEP. L'essai intègre une conception bayésienne avec une répartition aléatoire (dans un rapport initial de 1:1) antérieure non informative adaptée aux résultats et deux analyses intermédiaires définies au préalable lorsque 25 % et 50 % du nombre anticipé des critères d'évaluation principaux seront atteints. L'essai est axé sur les événements, et la limite supérieure anticipée pour atteindre 77 événements relatifs aux critères d'évaluation principaux sur 12 mois de suivi est de 452 patients. En résumé, l'objectif de cet essai bayésien multicentrique à répartition aléatoire est de comparer deux stratégies de prise en charge de patients présentant un BBG d'apparition récente après une IVAC, soit une approche guidée par une EEP, par rapport à une surveillance non invasive de 30 jours. Trial registration number: NCT03303612.

Effectiveness and health benefits of a nutritional, chronobiological and physical exercise primary care intervention in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: SYNCHRONIZE + mixed-methods study protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic pain, fatigue and insomnia are classic symptoms of fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and seriously affect quality of life. Nutrition and chronobiology are often overlooked in multicomponent approach despite their potential. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary group intervention based on nutrition, chronobiology, and physical exercise in the improvement of lifestyle and quality of life in FM and CFS. METHODS: Mixed-methods study based on a randomized clinical trial and qualitative analysis with a descriptive phenomenological approach. The study will be conducted in primary care in Catalonia. The control group will follow the usual clinical practice and the intervention group the usual practice plus the studied intervention (12 hours over 4 days). The intervention based on nutrition, chronobiology and physical exercise will be designed considering participants' opinions as collected in 4 focus groups. To evaluate effectiveness, EuroQol-5D, multidimensional fatigue inventory, VAS pain, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, erMEDAS-17, biological rhythms interview of assessment in neuropsychiatry, REGICOR-Short, FIQR and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale questionnaires will be collected at baseline, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-intervention. Food intake, body composition, resistance and, strength will also be evaluated. The effect size will be calculated using Cohen d and logistic regression models will be used to quantify the impact of the intervention by adjusting for different variables. DISCUSSION: It expected that the intervention will improve the patients' quality of life, fatigue, pain and insomnia, as well as food and physical exercise habits, providing effectiveness evidence of a new therapy in addressing these syndromes in Primary Heath Care. Improvements in the quality of life will have a positive socioeconomic impact by reducing health expenditure on recurrent medical consultation, medication, complementary medical tests, etc and favor the maintenance of an active working life and productivity.

Intraclass Image Augmentation for Defect Detection Using Generative Adversarial Neural Networks.

Surface defect identification based on computer vision algorithms often leads to inadequate generalization ability due to large intraclass variation. Diversity in lighting conditions, noise components, defect size, shape, and position make the problem challenging. To solve the problem, this paper develops a pixel-level image augmentation method that is based on image-to-image translation with generative adversarial neural networks (GANs) conditioned on fine-grained labels. The GAN model proposed in this work, referred to as Magna-Defect-GAN, is capable of taking control of the image generation process and producing image samples that are highly realistic in terms of variations. Firstly, the surface defect dataset based on the magnetic particle inspection (MPI) method is acquired in a controlled environment. Then, the Magna-Defect-GAN model is trained, and new synthetic image samples with large intraclass variations are generated. These synthetic image samples artificially inflate the training dataset size in terms of intraclass diversity. Finally, the enlarged dataset is used to train a defect identification model. Experimental results demonstrate that the Magna-Defect-GAN model can generate realistic and high-resolution surface defect images up to the resolution of 512 × 512 in a controlled manner. We also show that this augmentation method can boost accuracy and be easily adapted to any other surface defect identification models.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome Pain in Men and Women: A Scoping Review.

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic musculoskeletal disorder of unknown etiology that affects up to 5.0% of the world population. It has a high female predominance, between 80 and 96%. Due to the low number of diagnosed men, research work has focused mainly on women. The extensive body of literature on sex differences in pain in the general population suggests that men and women differ in their responses to pain, with greater sensitivity to pain and a higher risk of clinical pain commonly observed among women. This review aims to: (1) determine how pain is assessed or what types of questionnaires are used, (2) examine whether there are differences in pain characteristics between men and women with FMS and (3) describe how pain is conceptualized or manifested in patients at a qualitative level. In this study, the scoping review method of articles published in the last 5 years (2016-2022) was used. Ten articles were included. The most used questionnaires and scales to assess pain were the PVAS (Pain Visual Analogue Scale) and the FIQ (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire). On the other hand, five categories were obtained: (1) qualities of pain, (2) uncertainty and chaos, (3) pain as an aggravating factor, (4) adaptation to the new reality and (5) the communication of pain. It has been observed that both subjective perception and widespread pain are higher in women. Men, on the other hand, have a worse impact of the pathology, more painful experiences and more catastrophic thoughts about pain. An updated knowledge of pain in FMS and whether it differs according to sex would be beneficial for clinicians to make an earlier diagnosis and treatment and, in turn, benefit patients suffering from this chronic disease.