Novel Methodology to Recover Road Surface Height Maps from Illuminated Scene through Convolutional Neural Networks.

Road surface properties have a major impact on pavement's life service conditions. Nowadays, contactless techniques are widely used to monitor road surfaces due to their portability and high precision. Among the different possibilities, laser profilometers are widely used, even though they have two major drawbacks: spatial information is missed and the cost of the equipment is considerable. The scope of this work is to show the methodology used to develop a fast and low-cost system using images taken with a commercial camera to recover the height information of the road surface using Convolutional Neural Networks. Hence, the dataset was created ad hoc. Based on photometric theory, a closed black-box with four light sources positioned around the surface sample was built. The surface was provided with markers in order to link the ground truth measurements carried out with a laser profilometer and their corresponding intensity values. The proposed network was trained, validated and tested on the created dataset. Three loss functions where studied. The results showed the Binary Cross Entropy loss to be the most performing and the best overall on the reconstruction task. The methodology described in this study shows the feasibility of a low-cost system using commercial cameras based on Artificial Intelligence.

Biological Response of the Peri-Implant Mucosa to Different Definitive Implant Rehabilitation Materials.

BACKGROUND: Sealing the peri-implant tissue is a determining factor for long-term implant survival. In the transmucosal region, the cervical fraction of the prosthetic crown is in contact with these tissues, so mucointegration will also be influenced by the biomaterial used for the prosthetic restoration. This study aims to compare the tissue response generated by definitive restorative materials and polymeric materials from a histological point of view. METHODS: This study performed an observational prospective cohort study in which biopsies of the peri-implant mucosa were taken after placement of implant-supported prosthetic restorations made of different materials (zirconium oxide, lithium disilicate, and PMMA). RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was observed in the increase in the thickness of the non-keratinized epithelium when comparing the definitive materials (zirconium oxide/lithium disilicate) vs. the provisional material (PMMA) and in the number of collagen fibers when comparing zirconium oxide and lithium disilicate. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that zirconia is the material that presents the most adequate biological response of peri-implant tissues. It shows a lower intensity of inflammatory cellular content, a total normality in the number of collagen fibers (the arrangement of the fibers is normal in 90% of the cases), and vascular proliferation of connective tissue in 83% of the cases. These parameters make it a material with a predictable response. Similarly, only the following slight statistically significant differences between the definitive and provisional materials are observed, indicating that the biological response generated by the provisional material (PMMA) is not very different from that obtained with the placement of the definitive restoration.

Dynamic Trends in Surgical Oromaxillofacial Trauma Epidemiology: A Comparative Study of Pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 Periods in Tertiary Referral Hospitals in Madrid.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has induced profound societal and healthcare transformations globally. Material and methods: This multicenter retrospective study aimed to assess potential shifts in the epidemiology and management of oromaxillofacial trauma requiring surgical intervention over a 1-year period encompassing the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, in comparison to the preceding year. The parameters investigated included age, sex, injury mechanisms, fractured bones, and treatment modalities. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: A notable 39.36% reduction in oromaxillofacial fractures was identified (p < 0.001), with no significant alterations in sex distribution, types of fractured bones, or treatment modalities. An appreciable increase in mean age was observed (35.92 vs. 40.26) (p = 0.006). Analysis of the causes of oromaxillofacial trauma revealed diminished incidents of interpersonal violence (41% vs. 35%) and sports-related injuries (14% vs. 8%), alongside an escalation in cases attributed to falls (27% vs. 35%), precipitation events (2% vs. 5%), and traffic accidents (12% vs. 13%). The mandible emerged as the most frequently fractured bone. Conclusion: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has decreased the number of maxillofacial fractures treated surgically and has changed the epidemiology and the etiology of facial traumas.

[Prevalence of iodine deficiency in pregnant women in the health area of Palencia (Spain)]. / Yododeficiencia en mujeres gestantes del Area Sanitaria de Palencia (España).

BACKGROUND: Iodine deficiency in pregnant women may result in substantial and irreversible impairment in fetal brain development, even from the first few weeks of pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: To assess the nutritional iodine status of pregnant women in our health area and its relationship with dietary factors and thyroid function and to suggest treatment guidelines. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A study in 164 pregnant women in early pregnancy was carried out. Data on urinary iodine concentrations were gathered from 24-hour urine samples. Data on anthropometric parameters and thyroid function were included. Information on dietary habits in the previous week was collected using a nutritional questionnaire. All data were obtained before iodine supplements were administered. RESULTS: The median urinary iodine concentration was 92 [p25-p75 range, 71-139] microg/l. Seventy-eight percent of urinary iodine values were under 150 microg/l. Women who took iodized salt had higher levels of urinary iodine concentrations than women without iodized salt intake. CONCLUSIONS: Seventy-eight percent of pregnant women in our health area were iodine deficient. Iodized salt intake is related to iodine sufficiency and to increased urinary iodine concentrations. Measures to increase intake of iodized salt among the population should be implemented. Iodized salt supplements should be systematically prescribed in women from the beginning of pregnancy.

Shoc2/Sur8 protein regulates neurite outgrowth.

The Shoc2 protein has been implicated in the positive regulation of the Ras-ERK pathway by increasing the functional binding interaction between Ras and Raf, leading to increased ERK activity. Here we found that Shoc2 overexpression induced sustained ERK phosphorylation, notably in the case of EGF stimulation, and Shoc2 knockdown inhibited ERK activation. We demonstrate that ectopic overexpression of human Shoc2 in PC12 cells significantly promotes neurite extension in the presence of EGF, a stimulus that induces proliferation rather than differentiation in these cells. Finally, Shoc2 depletion reduces both NGF-induced neurite outgrowth and ERK activation in PC12 cells. Our data indicate that Shoc2 is essential to modulate the Ras-ERK signaling outcome in cell differentiation processes involved in neurite outgrowth.

Sprouty2 and Spred1-2 proteins inhibit the activation of the ERK pathway elicited by cyclopentenone prostanoids.

Sprouty and Spred proteins have been widely implicated in the negative regulation of the fibroblast growth factor receptor-extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. In considering the functional role of these proteins, we explored their effects on ERK activation induced by cyclopentenone prostanoids, which bind to and activate Ras proteins. We therefore found that ectopic overexpression in HeLa cells of human Sprouty2, or human Spred1 or 2, inhibits ERK1/2 and Elk-1 activation triggered by the cyclopentenone prostanoids PGA(1) and 15d-PGJ(2). Furthermore, we found that in HT cells that do not express Sprouty2 due to hypermethylation of its gene-promoter, PGA(1)-provoked ERK activation was more intense and sustained compared to other hematopoietic cell lines with unaltered Sprouty2 expression. Cyclopentenone prostanoids did not induce Sprouty2 tyrosine phosphorylation, in agreement with its incapability to activate tyrosine-kinase receptors. However, Sprouty2 Y55F, which acts as a defective mutant upon tyrosine-kinase receptor stimulation, did not inhibit cyclopentenone prostanoids-elicited ERK pathway activation. In addition, Sprouty2 did not affect the Ras-GTP levels promoted by cyclopentenone prostanoids. These results unveil both common and differential features in the activation of Ras-dependent pathways by cyclopentenone prostanoids and growth factors. Moreover, they provide the first evidence that Sprouty and Spred proteins are negative regulators of the ERK/Elk-1 pathway activation induced not only by growth-factors, but also by reactive lipidic mediators.

Actualización en microimplantes de relleno perioral atendiendo a su permanencia / Update on facial filler microimplants and their durability

Introducción y objetivo. El uso de materiales de relleno facial para la corrección de arrugas, pliegues y otros defectos es cada vez más demandado por nuestros pacientes. Se trata de materiales que al ser infiltrados provocan un aumento de volumen. Pueden clasificarse en función del tiempo de permanencia en el cuerpo en temporales o biodegradables (entre 4 y 8 meses), semipermanentes (entre 12 y 18 meses) y permanentes (no biodegradables). Nuestro trabajo tiene por objeto repasar los materiales de relleno que actualmente están aprobados por la Agencia del Medicamento en septiembre de 2010. Material y métodos. Hemos revisado a través de la página web oficial de la Agencia Española del Medicamento los materiales de rellenos aprobados por la misma en septiembre de 2010, para posteriormente hacer una revisión de la literatura científica más reciente sobre ellos. Resultados. Estos son: el ácido hialurónico, colágeno y agarosa para los materiales temporales; el ácido poliláctico, la hidroxiapatita de calcio y la policaprolactona como materiales semipermanentes; y el polimetilmetracrilato y las acrilamidas en el grupo de los materiales permanentes. Discusión. Las características ideales que debería cumplir un relleno facial son ser biocompatible, no cancerígeno, no teratógeno, no migratorio y tener resultados satisfactorios con durabilidad. Estos tipos de materiales son productos sanitarios y deben cumplir la normativa de la Agencia Española del Medicamento. Por tanto, solo deben ser utilizados por profesionales cualificados y preparados específicamente en este terreno. Conclusiones. Los rellenos temporales son los que más se emplean con fines estéticos. Sin embargo, es necesario el conocimiento de la naturaleza de cada material, sus indicaciones y las posibles complicaciones que pueden aparecer tras su uso para poder así sacar el máximo beneficio y obtener los mejores resultados posibles(AU)

Introduction and aim. The use of facial filling materials for the correction of wrinkles, folds and other faults is increasingly demanded by our patients. They are materials that on having been infiltrated lead to an increase in volume. These products can be classified depending on the time of they remain in the body and as temporary or biodegradable (between 4 and 8 months), semi-permanent (between 12 and 18 months) and permanent (not biodegradable). The aim of this work is to review the facial filling materials that are currently approved by the Spanish Medicines and Health Devices Agency (AEMPS) in September, 2010. Material and methods. The official web page of the AEMPS was searched for facial filling materials approved in September, 2010. A review was then made of the most recent scientific literature on these materials. Results. The temporary materials used are hyaluronic acid, collagen and agarose gel, with polylactic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, and polycaprolactone as semi-permanent materials, and polymethyl methacrylate and the acrylamides in the group of the permanent materials. Discussion. The ideal characteristics for a facial filler are that it should be biocompatible, non-carcinogenic, non-teratogenic, non-migratory, and have satisfactory results with permanence. These types of materials are health products and must comply with the regulations of the AEMPS. Therefore, they must only be used by qualified professionals specifically trained in this area. Conclusions. The temporary face fillers are those that are most used for aesthetic purposes. Nevertheless, knowledge is required on the nature of every material, its indications, and the possible complications that can appear after his use, to be able to achieve the maximum benefits and obtain the best possible results(AU)

Rejuvenecimiento del tercio facial medio e inferior con relleno de ácido poliláctico e hilos tensores / No disponible

En la clasificación de Glogau muestra un grado IV con discromías, queratosis visibles y arrugas marcadas en reposo. Sus labios están en una fases dos de evolución con deshidratación, pérdida de tonicidad y leve atrofia del borde del bermellón. En la escala WSRS de gravedad de la arruga se diagnostica un grado tres (moderada), con pliegues inicialmente profundos, arruga visible en reposo, perono al estirar la piel. Se propone a la paciente tratamiento de relleno facial e hilos tensores para la mejoría de la atrofia dérmica, restitución de los volúmenes perdidos debido a la atrofia grasa, minimizar la profundidad de las arrugas primarias y la ptosis de la piel (AU)

In the classification of a sample Glogauer discromías with grade IV, marked keratosis visible wrinkles at rest. Her lips are in a phase two of evolution with dehydration, loss of tone and slight atrophyof the vermilion border. On a scale of severity of WSRS wrinkle wasdiagnosed with grade three (moderate), initially with deep folds,wrinkles visible at rest, but not to stretch the skin. It is proposed to the patient the treatment facial fillers and thread tensioners for the improvement of dermal atrophy, restitution of lostvolumes due to fat atrophy, minimizing the depth of wrinkles andprimary ptosis of the skin (AU)

Remodelación del ovalo facial: hidroxiapatita de calcio vs ácido poliláctico / No disponible

Los casos que presentamos son pacientes que tras su tratamiento odontológico quieren mejorar la armonía del dibujo de su contorno facial. El objetivo principal es mostrar, a través de la presentación de ambos casos, la importancia de realizar un estudio previo sobre la pérdida de volumen de estos pacientes de estética, que posibilítela resolución del problema con el material de implante adecuado, dependiendo de que esta atrofia sea de tejido duro o blando y del grado de arrugas y ptosis que presenten (AU)

The cases that we present are patients after dental treatment to improve the harmony of your facial contour drawing. The main objective is to show, through the presentation of both cases, the importance of conducting a study about the loss of volumen in these esthetics patients, which allows solving the problem with the implant material suitable, depending on this atrophy is soft or hard tissue and the degree of wrinkling and ptosis present (AU)