Remote Emotion Recognition Using Continuous-Wave Bio-Radar System.

The Bio-Radar is herein presented as a non-contact radar system able to capture vital signs remotely without requiring any physical contact with the subject. In this work, the ability to use the proposed system for emotion recognition is verified by comparing its performance on identifying fear, happiness and a neutral condition, with certified measuring equipment. For this purpose, machine learning algorithms were applied to the respiratory and cardiac signals captured simultaneously by the radar and the referenced contact-based system. Following a multiclass identification strategy, one could conclude that both systems present a comparable performance, where the radar might even outperform under specific conditions. Emotion recognition is possible using a radar system, with an accuracy equal to 99.7% and an F1-score of 99.9%. Thus, we demonstrated that it is perfectly possible to use the Bio-Radar system for this purpose, which is able to be operated remotely, avoiding the subject awareness of being monitored and thus providing more authentic reactions.

Effect of decompression and online transmission on the dimensional changes of .stl files generated by intra-oral scanning.

Intraoral scans became part of the virtual planning in Dentistry. In the new scenario of digital workflows, dental clinics and laboratories had to establish an online communication that requires the compression, decompression, and transmission of 3D files. Knowledge about the effects of these procedures on the dimensional properties of the files is fundamental to ensure a more realistic virtual planning. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of 3D file compression, decompression, and online transmission on the dimensional properties of dental models from intraoral scanning. Intraoral scan files in.stl format of 50 patients were selected from the database of a dental radiology clinic, with 25 of these patients with mixed dentition and 25 with permanent dentition. The maxilla and mandible scans of each patient were included in the study, generating a total of 100 files. A folder with the 100 files was created and replicated six times with different labels (A, B, C, D, E, F), totaling a sample number of 600 files. Folder A was compressed by WinZip and then decompressed. Folder B went through the same process, but the step of compression and decompression by WinZip was repeated 10 times. The folders C, D, E, F were sent, respectively, through the platforms WeTransfer, Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive, then each of them was downloaded in their respective platforms. After the six folders went through the compression process and were sent by the platforms, each file in the folder was compared with its original file by superimposing the 3D images and identifying the dimensional deviation in the compressed file in relation to the original file. We observed that there were no differences between the six groups regarding dimensional changes from the compression, decompression and online transmission processes. The lack of dimensional changes was observed for the sets of permanent and deciduous. teeth We concluded that it is possible to compress, decompress, and transfer.stl format files online without causing dimensional distortions in the 3D model.

Textile Antenna for Bio-Radar Embedded in a Car Seat.

A bio-radar system is presented for vital signs acquisition, using textile antennas manufactured with a continuous substrate that integrates the ground plane. Textile antennas were selected to be used in the RF (Radio Frequency) front-end, rather than those made of conventional materials, to further integrate the system in a car seat cover and thus streamline the industrial manufacturing process. The development of the novel substrate material is described in detail, as well as its characterization process. Then, the antenna design considerations are presented. The experiments to validate the textile antennas operation by acquiring the respiratory signal of six subjects with different body structures while seated in a car seat are presented. In conclusion, it was possible to prove that bio-radar systems can operate with textile-based antennas, providing accurate results of the extraction of vital signs.

Safety of Thrombolysis in a Patient with an Intracranial Dural Arteriovenous Fistula.

Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein that has an increased risk of bleeding. This case report presents a 53-year-old man diagnosed with a dural arteriovenous malformation fistula in occipital topography, lacking therapeutic indication because of an extension. He was admitted to an intensive care unit due to a high-risk pulmonary thromboembolism with indication for thrombolysis. Taking into account the hemorrhagic risk associated with arteriovenous malformation, the authors discuss the therapeutic options and the inherent risks. LEARNING POINTS: Intracranial dural arteriovenous fistulas are pathologic shunts between dural arteries and veins that have an inherent risk of intracranial hemorrhage.Systemic thrombolytic agents are a therapeutic option for high-risk pulmonary thromboembolism. Their potential benefits outweigh the risk of life-threatening bleeding; however, careful patient risk stratification should be performed and other options, such as surgical embolectomy or percutaneous catheter-directed treatment, should be considered if available.Multidisciplinarity is the key to better therapeutic decisions and the patient's opinion should always be taken into account.

A Review on Methods for Random Motion Detection and Compensation in Bio-Radar Systems.

The bio-radar system can measure vital signals accurately, by using the Doppler effect principle, which relates the received signal properties to the distance change between the radar antennas and the subject chest-wall. These systems have countless applications, from short range detection to assist in rescue missions, to long-term applications as for the continuous sleeping monitoring. Once the main applications of these systems intend to monitor subjects during long periods of time and under noisy environments, it is impossible to guarantee the patient immobilization, hence its random motion, as well as other clutter sources, will interfere in the acquired signals. Therefore, the signal processing algorithms developed for these applications have been facing several challenges regarding the random motion detection and mitigation. In this paper, an extended review on the already implemented methods is done, considering continuous wave radars. Several sources of random motion are considered, along with different approaches to compensate the distortions caused by them.

Autoimmune pancreatitis with associated ulcerative colitis in a teenager.

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare entity that is extremely uncommon in children. Its diagnosis is also a clinical challenge. This form of chronic pancreatitis often presents itself with obstructive jaundice and/or a pancreatic mass and it is sometimes misdiagnosed as pancreatic cancer. We describe the case of a 13-year-old boy with obstructive jaundice and a 4 cm mass in the head of the pancreas that was diagnosed as AIP with associated ulcerative colitis.

A Reflection on the Use of Enoxaparin Based on Three Case Reports.

Enoxaparin is indicated for the treatment or prevention of many clinical disorders including deep vein thromboembolism, atrial fibrillation and mechanical valve thrombosis. It is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in hospitals. However, haemorrhagic complications can occur, particularly in the elderly, patients with renal function impairment and patients with a very high or very low body weight. The authors describe the cases of three patients who had one or more risk factors for haemorrhagic complications, such as abdominal haematomas. The clinical presentation was similar in all three cases, with sudden-onset abdominal pain, an altered state of consciousness and hypotension. In all cases, investigation showed acute anaemia and large abdominal haematomas on imaging studies. A conservative approach was taken in the three patients, with suspension and reversal of anticoagulation, fluid resuscitation and red blood cell transfusion. Haemodynamic stability was achieved in two of the patients, but the third patient died. The authors consider it is important to present these case reports because of the widespread use of enoxaparin, and the need for rigorous dose adjustment for renal function variations and body weight. We hope this article raises awareness of haemorrhagic complications in high-risk groups and propose protocols are introduced for dose adjustment and monitoring the efficacy of enoxaparin. LEARNING POINTS: Clinicians should consider the possibility of enoxaparin-associated haemorrhagic complications in high-risk groups.Prompt identification and treatment of the haemorrhagic disorder can improve outcome.Correct dosing with anti-Xa in high-risk populations, such as the elderly, those with abnormal renal function and those with extremely high or low body weight, may be helpful in patients anticoagulated with enoxaparin.

Behind Recurrent Thromboembolic Events.

We describe the case of a 68-year-old man, who presented with an ischemic stroke due to cardiac embolization related to mitral valve endocarditis. Blood cultures were always negative and post-operative valve histology did not show microorganisms. The patient also presented further recurrent peripheral embolic events. These clinical aspects were the first sign of a pancreas adenocarcinoma, which was only diagnosed in the clinical autopsy. In conclusion, these clinical findings of recurrent thromboembolic events with no microorganisms isolated suggests the diagnostic of a marantic endocarditis. LEARNING POINTS: Marantic endocarditis is characterized by the deposition of fibrin and thrombi on heart valves in the absence of microorganisms.Is associated with higher incidence of thromboembolic events and most commonly found in patients with neoplasia in post-mortem studies.It is a diagnostic challenge to distinguish from infective endocarditis and a high clinical suspicion is crucial to confirm the diagnosis.

Multicentre consensus recommendations for skin care in inherited epidermolysis bullosa.

BACKGROUND: Inherited epidermolysis bullosa (EB) comprises a highly heterogeneous group of rare diseases characterized by fragility and blistering of skin and mucous membranes. Clinical features combined with immunofluorescence antigen mapping and/or electron microscopy examination of a skin biopsy allow to define the EB type and subtype. Molecular diagnosis is nowadays feasible in all EB subtypes and required for prenatal diagnosis. The extent of skin and mucosal lesions varies greatly depending on EB subtype and patient age. In the more severe EB subtypes lifelong generalized blistering, chronic ulcerations and scarring sequelae lead to multiorgan involvement, major morbidity and life-threatening complications. In the absence of a cure, patient management remains based on preventive measures, together with symptomatic treatment of cutaneous and extracutaneous manifestations and complications. The rarity and complexity of EB challenge its appropriate care. Thus, the aim of the present study has been to generate multicentre, multidisciplinary recommendations on global skin care addressed to physicians, nurses and other health professionals dealing with EB, both in centres of expertise and primary care setting. METHODS: Almost no controlled trials for EB treatment have been performed to date. For this reason, recommendations were prepared by a multidisciplinary team of experts from different European EB centres based on available literature and expert opinion. They have been subsequently revised by a panel of external experts, using an online-modified Delphi method to generate consensus. RESULTS: Recommendations are reported according to the age of the patients. The major topics treated comprise the multidisciplinary approach to EB patients, global skin care including wound care, management of itching and pain, and early diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma. Aspects of therapeutic patient education, care of disease burden and continuity of care are also developed. CONCLUSION: The recommendations are expected to be useful for daily global care of EB patients, in particular in the community setting. An optimal management of patients is also a prerequisite to allow them to benefit from the specific molecular and cell-based treatments currently under development.