A Study on Generative Models for Visual Recognition of Unknown Scenes Using a Textual Description.

In this study, we investigate the application of generative models to assist artificial agents, such as delivery drones or service robots, in visualising unfamiliar destinations solely based on textual descriptions. We explore the use of generative models, such as Stable Diffusion, and embedding representations, such as CLIP and VisualBERT, to compare generated images obtained from textual descriptions of target scenes with images of those scenes. Our research encompasses three key strategies: image generation, text generation, and text enhancement, the latter involving tools such as ChatGPT to create concise textual descriptions for evaluation. The findings of this study contribute to an understanding of the impact of combining generative tools with multi-modal embedding representations to enhance the artificial agent's ability to recognise unknown scenes. Consequently, we assert that this research holds broad applications, particularly in drone parcel delivery, where an aerial robot can employ text descriptions to identify a destination. Furthermore, this concept can also be applied to other service robots tasked with delivering to unfamiliar locations, relying exclusively on user-provided textual descriptions.

Evaluación del clima de seguridad en varios servicios con labor asistencial de un hospital valenciano de segundo nivel / Assessment of the safety climate in several services with assistance work in a second-level valencian hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN: Durante la atención sanitaria se producen incidentes derivados de su alta complejidad, con impacto sobre la seguridad difícilmente cuantificable. MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional descriptivo, de evaluación del cuestionario HSOPS sobre la percepción de seguridad, distribuido en 2021 en varios servicios de un hospital de segundo nivel. Los hallazgos se compararon con una encuesta nacional de 2009. RESULTADOS: Se recogen 194 encuestas de trabajadores sanitarios, 76,29 % mujeres. Del total, 48,5% son enfermeras, 26,29% TCAEs, 23,19% médicos, 1,55% celadores y 0,51% trabajadora de limpieza. Hasta 11,86% proceden de Planta Médica, 24,74% de Planta Quirúrgica 4,08% de Quirófano, 15,46% de Pediatría / Maternidad, 6,63% de Oncología y 35,05% de UCI. La puntuación de calidad es 7,84 +/- 1,53, con valores superiores a 2009. En este trabajo observamos un mayor porcentaje de respuestas positivas en todas las dimensiones que en 2009. Las dimensiones 1ª “Frecuencia de eventos adversos notificados”, 2ª “Percepción de seguridad”, 6ª “Franqueza en la comunicación”, 7ª “Feed-back y comunicación sobre errores” y 11ª “Trabajo en equipo entre unidades” fueron Debilidades en el estudio nacional y no en el nuestro. En ambos las dimensiones 9ª “Dotación de personal” y 10ª “Apoyo de la gerencia del hospital” son Debilidades. Las dimensiones 3ª “Expectativas de acciones por jefe de servicio / supervisora” y 5ª “Trabajo en equipo en mi servicio” no son Fortalezas en 2009 y sí ahora. CONCLUSIONES: Este estudio permite comprender mejor la seguridad de los pacientes, recoger información sobre la percepción de condiciones laborales y planear acciones de mejora. (AU)

INTRODUCTION: Incidents arise from their high complexity occur during healthcare, with an impact on safety that is difficult to quantify. METHODS: Descriptive observational study, evaluation of the HSOPS questionnaire on the perception of security, distributed in 2021 in several services of a second level hospital. Findings were compared to a 2009 national survey. RESULTS: 194 answers of health workers were collected, 76.29% women. Of the total, 48.5% are nurses, 26.29% TCAEs, 23.19% doctors, 1.55% warders and 0.51% cleaning workers. Up to 11.86% come from the Medical Plant, 24.74% from the Surgical Plant, 4.08% from the Operating Room, 15.46% from Paediatrics/Maternity, 6.63% from Oncology and 35.05% from the ICU. The quality score is 7.84 +/- 1.53, with values ​​higher than 2009. In our study, we observed a higher percentage of positive responses in all dimensions than in 2009. Dimensions 1st “Frequency of events reported”, 2nd “Overall perception of patient safety”, 6th “Communication openness”, 7th “Feed-back and communication about errors” and 11th “Teamwork between units” were Weaknesses in the national study and not in ours. In both dimensions 9th “Staffing” and 10th “Management support for patient safety” are Weaknesses. The 3rd dimension “Expectations of actions by service manager/supervisor” and the 5th “Teamwork in my service” are not Strengths in 2009 and they are now. CONCLUSIONS: Our study allows us to better understand the safety of our patients, collect information on the perception of working conditions and plan improvement actions. (AU)

Towards Autonomous Drone Racing without GPU Using an OAK-D Smart Camera.

Recent advances have shown for the first time that it is possible to beat a human with an autonomous drone in a drone race. However, this solution relies heavily on external sensors, specifically on the use of a motion capture system. Thus, a truly autonomous solution demands performing computationally intensive tasks such as gate detection, drone localisation, and state estimation. To this end, other solutions rely on specialised hardware such as graphics processing units (GPUs) whose onboard hardware versions are not as powerful as those available for desktop and server computers. An alternative is to combine specialised hardware with smart sensors capable of processing specific tasks on the chip, alleviating the need for the onboard processor to perform these computations. Motivated by this, we present the initial results of adapting a novel smart camera, known as the OpenCV AI Kit or OAK-D, as part of a solution for the ADR running entirely on board. This smart camera performs neural inference on the chip that does not use a GPU. It can also perform depth estimation with a stereo rig and run neural network models using images from a 4K colour camera as the input. Additionally, seeking to limit the payload to 200 g, we present a new 3D-printed design of the camera's back case, reducing the original weight 40%, thus enabling the drone to carry it in tandem with a host onboard computer, the Intel Stick compute, where we run a controller based on gate detection. The latter is performed with a neural model running on an OAK-D at an operation frequency of 40 Hz, enabling the drone to fly at a speed of 2 m/s. We deem these initial results promising toward the development of a truly autonomous solution that will run intensive computational tasks fully on board.

The usefulness of intraoperative consultation for the diagnosis of borderline ovarian tumors.

BACKGROUND: Borderline ovarian tumors (BTs) must be recognized during the surgery by intraoperative consultation (IOC) to guide surgical treatment; however, this diagnosis can be imprecise. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of IOC for the diagnosis of BT. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was carried out including all women diagnosed with a pelvic tumor consecutively surgically treated from 2005 to 2015 with IOC. We calculated the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and likelihood ratios (LR) for the IOC and BTs. RESULTS: A total of 758 patients were enrolled, the median age was 44 years, the median tumor size was 11.8 cm, and the median CA-125 levels were 45.65 U/µL. After IOC, 458 (64.1%) cases were diagnosed as benign, 111 (14.7%) as BT, and 161 (21.2%) as malignant. The definitive diagnosis was a benign tumor in 448 (59.1%) cases, BT in 110 (14.5%), and 200 (26.4%) cases were malignant. The diagnostic accuracy of the IOC for BT diagnosis was 89.8% (sensitivity =65.5%, specificity =93.9%). The diagnosis performance of IOC for the diagnosis between BT and benign tumors (n=546) had a sensitivity of 69.9%, a specificity of 98.4%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 84%; meanwhile for the diagnosis between BT and malignant tumors (n=242) IOC had a sensitivity of 92.3%, a specificity of 81.7%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 87%. CONCLUSIONS: For practitioners, knowing the accuracy and limitations of the IOC for BT enables the better selection of cases to perform a complete staging surgery.

A surface plasmon resonance based approach for measuring response to pneumococcal vaccine.

Incidence of pneumococcal disease has increased worldwide in recent years. Response to pneumococcal vaccine is usually measured using the multiserotype enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) pneumococcal test. However, this approach presents several limitations. Therefore, the introduction of new and more robust analytical approaches able to provide information on the efficacy of the pneumococcal vaccine would be very beneficial for the clinical management of patients. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has been shown to offer a valuable understanding of vaccines' properties over the last years. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability of SPR for the anti-pneumococcal capsular polysaccharides (anti-PnPs) IgGs quantification in vaccinated. Fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) was used for the isolation of total IgGs from serum samples of vaccinated patients. Binding-SPR assays were performed to study the interaction between anti-PnPs IgGs and PCV13. A robust correlation was found between serum levels of anti-PnPs IgGs, measured by ELISA, and the SPR signal. Moreover, it was possible to correctly classify patients into "non-responder", "responder" and "high-responder" groups according to their specific SPR PCV13 response profiles. SPR technology provides a valuable tool for reliably characterize the interaction between anti-PnPs IgGs and PCV13 in a very short experimental time.

Relación entre el uso de glucocorticoides y el daño crónico en Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico: una asociación precoz y nociva. Estudio exploratorio / Glucocorticoids related damage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: an early and harmful association. An exploratory analysis / Relação entre o uso de glicocorticóides e dano crônico no Lupus Eritematoso Sistêmico: uma associação precoce e prejudicial. Estudo exploratório

Resumen: Introducción: La actividad inflamatoria persistente el Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico provoca daño permanente. El daño permanente puede ser atribuido a la enfermedad y/o al tratamiento, en particular los glucocorticoides. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer la relación entre el daño crónico y la exposición a glucocorticoides. Material y métodos: Se realizó un muestreo no probabilístico de pacientes con lupus eritematoso sistémico. Se analizaron variables demográficas, niveles de actividad, dosis prednisona iniciales y acumuladas y niveles de daño medidos por "SLICC Damage Index " en diferentes periodos de la enfermedad. El daño fue clasificado en "relacionado" y "no relacionado" con el uso de glucocorticoides. Resultados: Se analizaron 30 pacientes, todos de sexo femenino. La media de seguimiento fueron 155 (DE 127) meses. Al final del seguimiento 13/30 (43,3%) pacientes presentaron daño orgánico. Los pacientes que presentaron daño orgánico "relacionado" con glucocorticoides al final del seguimiento presentaron dosis de inicio de prednisona significativamente mayores que los que no presentaron daño 53,3 (DE 10,3) mg/día vs. 28, 3 (DE 24) mg/día, p<0,05. Dosis de inicio mayores a 30 mg/día se relacionaron con el daño al final del seguimiento, independientemente de los niveles de actividad considerados, OR 2,05 (IC 95% 1,5 - 4,0). Las dosis acumuladas de prednisona mayores a 3000 mg en el primer año se asociaron con daño relacionado con glucocorticoides al final del seguimiento (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: Existe una acumulación de daño a lo largo del tiempo relacionado con los glucocorticoides. Esta relación es precoz, esto es, las dosis de inicio pueden relacionarse con la acumulación de daño a largo plazo, particularmente considerando los dominios relacionados con glucocorticoides, independientemente del nivel de actividad considerado.

Abstract: Introduction: Persistent activity causes irreversible organ damage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Permanent damage can be attributed to the disease and to the treatment, particularly glucocorticoids. We aimed to know the relationship between the presence of organ damage and the exposure to glucocorticoids (GCC). Methodology: A non-probabilistic retrospective study of patients with SLE was performed. Demographic variables, activity levels, initial, accumulated prednisone dose and damage measured by "SLICC Damage Index (SDI)" at various stages from the diagnosis of the disease, were analyzed. Damage was classified in related and not related to GCC. Results: Thirty patients were analyzed, all women. The mean follow-up was 155 (SD: 127) months. At the end of follow-up 13/30 (43.3%) patients presented organ damage. Patients who had GCC-related damage at the end of follow-up had a significantly higher mean starting dose of prednisone, 53.3 (SD: 10.3) mg/d vs. 28.3 (SD: 24) mg/d, p <0.05. The effect on damage was observed with prednisone starting dose greater than 30 mg/d, regardless of the level of activity at the onset of the disease, OR 2.05 (CI 95% 1.5 - 4.0). Cumulative doses of prednisone at one year greater than 3000 mg, were related to GCC-related damage at the end of the follow-up (p < 0.05). Conclusions: There is an accrual of damage over time associated to glucocorticoids exposure. It is highlighted that the relationship is early, that is, the starting dose will probably signify the accumulation of damage, especially in glucocorticoid-related domains, regardless of activity levels.

Resumo: Introdução: A atividade inflamatória persistente do Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico (LES) causa danos permanentes. Danos permanentes podem ser atribuídos a doenças e / ou tratamento, particularmente glicocorticóides. O objetivo deste trabalho foi conhecer a relação entre dano crônico e exposição a glicocorticóides. Material e métodos: Foi realizada uma amostragem não probabilística de pacientes com LES. Variáveis demográficas, níveis de atividade, doses iniciais e acumuladas de prednisona e níveis de dano medidos pelo "SLICC Damage Index (SDI)" foram analisados em diferentes períodos da doença. O dano foi classificado como "relacionado" e "não relacionado" ao uso de glicocorticóides. Resultados: 30 pacientes, todos do sexo feminino, foram analisados. O seguimento médio foi de 155 (DP 127) meses. Ao final do seguimento 13/30 (43,3%) pacientes apresentavam lesão orgânica. Os pacientes que apresentaram lesão orgânica "relacionada" aos glicocorticoides ao final do seguimento tiveram doses iniciais de prednisona significativamente maiores do que aqueles que não apresentaram lesão: 53,3 (DP 10,3) mg / dia vs. 28,3 (SD 24) mg / dia, p <0,05. Doses iniciais maiores que 30 mg / dia foram relacionadas a danos ao final do seguimento, independentemente dos níveis de atividade considerados, OR 2,05 (IC 95% 1,5 - 4,0). Doses cumulativas de prednisona maiores que 3000 mg no primeiro ano foram associadas a danos relacionados aos glicocorticoides no final do acompanhamento (p <0,05). Conclusões: Há um acúmulo de danos ao longo do tempo relacionados aos glicocorticóides. Essa relação é precoce, ou seja, as doses iniciais podem estar relacionadas ao acúmulo de danos em longo prazo, principalmente considerando os domínios relacionados aos glicocorticóides, independentemente do nível de atividade considerado.

SARS-CoV-2 genomic characterization and clinical manifestation of the COVID-19 outbreak in Uruguay.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and declared by the World Health Organization a global public health emergency. Among the severe outbreaks across South America, Uruguay has become known for curtailing SARS-CoV-2 exceptionally well. To understand the SARS-CoV-2 introductions, local transmissions, and associations with genomic and clinical parameters in Uruguay, we sequenced the viral genomes of 44 outpatients and inpatients in a private healthcare system in its capital, Montevideo, from March to May 2020. We performed a phylogeographic analysis using sequences from our cohort and other studies that indicate a minimum of 23 independent introductions into Uruguay, resulting in five major transmission clusters. Our data suggest that most introductions resulting in chains of transmission originate from other South American countries, with the earliest seeding of the virus in late February 2020, weeks before the borders were closed to all non-citizens and a partial lockdown implemented. Genetic analyses suggest a dominance of S and G clades (G, GH, GR) that make up >90% of the viral strains in our study. In our cohort, lethal outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly correlated with arterial hypertension, kidney failure, and ICU admission (FDR < 0.01), but not with any mutation in a structural or non-structural protein, such as the spike D614G mutation. Our study contributes genetic, phylodynamic, and clinical correlation data about the exceptionally well-curbed SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Uruguay, which furthers the understanding of disease patterns and regional aspects of the pandemic in Latin America.

Evaluación comparativa del pie plano en preescolares / Comparative assessment of flatfoot in preschool children

Resumen Introducción: El aumento o la reducción del arco longitudinal medial (ALM) puede afectar funciones esenciales en la biomecánica del pie, con repercusiones en la salud a largo plazo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la altura del ALM en niños de 3 a 6 años, a través de cinco métodos de análisis de huella para el diagnóstico de pie plano. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional transversal con 367 niños de 3 a 6 años en un municipio del Estado de México. Se llevó a cabo una evaluación postural completa, plantoscopía por medio de la clasificación de Viladot y análisis de la huella en pedigrafía, calculando la altura del ALM mediante el ángulo de Clarke (AC), el índice de Staheli (IS), el índice de Chippaux-Smirak (ICS) y el ángulo gamma (Ag). Resultados: La prevalencia de pie plano utilizando el podoscopio fue del 57.7%. Mediante los ángulos y los índices, la prevalencia fue del 86.9% por IS, del 83.3% por ICS, del 95.9% por AC y del 22.3% por Ag. El Ag fue menos sensible para la detección de pie plano en comparación con el ICS, el IS y el AC. Conclusiones: De acuerdo con los resultados del presente estudio, se propone utilizar métodos de análisis de huella para el diagnóstico de pie plano, además de la valoración clásica con el podoscopio. Se recomienda incluir el diagnóstico y la vigilancia del pie plano en la consulta del niño sano, ya que desde edades tempranas puede detectarse la tendencia en la arquitectura podálica.

Abstract Background: The increase or reduction of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) can affect essential functions in the foot biomechanics with long-term health consequences. The aim of the present study was to determine the height of the MLA in children from 3 to 6 years of age through five methods of footprint analysis for the diagnosis of flat foot. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 367 children aged 3 to 6 years in a municipality of the State of Mexico. We conducted a complete postural evaluation, plantoscopy by Viladot classification, and footprint analysis calculating the height of the ALM using the Clarke angle (CA), the Staheli index (SI), the Chippaux-Smirak index (CSM), and the gamma angle (gA). Results: The prevalence of flat feet using the podoscope was 57.7%. Through the angles and indexes, the prevalence was 86.9% for SI, 83.3% for CSI, 95.9% for CA, and 22.3% for gA. The gA was less sensitive for flat foot detection compared to CSI, SI and CA. Conclusions: Based on the present results, we propose that footprint analysis should be used for flat foot diagnosis besides the classic evaluation by podoscope. We recommend that flat foot diagnosis and surveillance should be included on in the consultation of the healthy child, as a trend for podalic architecture can be detected from early ages.

Comparative assessment of flatfoot in preschool children.

Background: The increase or reduction of the medial longitudinal arch (MLA) can affect essential functions in the foot biomechanics with long-term health consequences. The aim of the present study was to determine the height of the MLA in children from 3 to 6 years of age through five methods of footprint analysis for the diagnosis of flat foot. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted with 367 children aged 3 to 6 years in a municipality of the State of Mexico. We conducted a complete postural evaluation, plantoscopy by Viladot classification, and footprint analysis calculating the height of the ALM using the Clarke angle (CA), the Staheli index (SI), the Chippaux-Smirak index (CSM), and the gamma angle (gA). Results: The prevalence of flat feet using the podoscope was 57.7%. Through the angles and indexes, the prevalence was 86.9% for SI, 83.3% for CSI, 95.9% for CA, and 22.3% for gA. The gA was less sensitive for flat foot detection compared to CSI, SI and CA. Conclusions: Based on the present results, we propose that footprint analysis should be used for flat foot diagnosis besides the classic evaluation by podoscope. We recommend that flat foot diagnosis and surveillance should be included on in the consultation of the healthy child, as a trend for podalic architecture can be detected from early ages.

Background: Introducción">El aumento o la reducción del arco longitudinal medial (ALM) puede afectar funciones esenciales en la biomecánica del pie, con repercusiones en la salud a largo plazo. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la altura del ALM en niños de 3 a 6 años, a través de cinco métodos de análisis de huella para el diagnóstico de pie plano. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional transversal con 367 niños de 3 a 6 años en un municipio del Estado de México. Se llevó a cabo una evaluación postural completa, plantoscopía por medio de la clasificación de Viladot y análisis de la huella en pedigrafía, calculando la altura del ALM mediante el ángulo de Clarke (AC), el índice de Staheli (IS), el índice de Chippaux-Smirak (ICS) y el ángulo gamma (Ag). Resultados: La prevalencia de pie plano utilizando el podoscopio fue del 57.7%. Mediante los ángulos y los índices, la prevalencia fue del 86.9% por IS, del 83.3% por ICS, del 95.9% por AC y del 22.3% por Ag. El Ag fue menos sensible para la detección de pie plano en comparación con el ICS, el IS y el AC. Conclusiones: De acuerdo con los resultados del presente estudio, se propone utilizar métodos de análisis de huella para el diagnóstico de pie plano, además de la valoración clásica con el podoscopio. Se recomienda incluir el diagnóstico y la vigilancia del pie plano en la consulta del niño sano, ya que desde edades tempranas puede detectarse la tendencia en la arquitectura podálica.

SARS-CoV-2 genomic characterization and clinical manifestation of the COVID-19 outbreak in Uruguay.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and declared by the World Health Organization a global public health emergency. Among the severe outbreaks across South America, Uruguay has become known for curtailing SARS-CoV-2 exceptionally well. To understand the SARS-CoV-2 introductions, local transmissions, and associations with genomic and clinical parameters in Uruguay, we sequenced the viral genomes of 44 outpatients and inpatients in a private healthcare system in its capital, Montevideo, from March to May 2020. We performed a phylogeographic analysis using sequences from our cohort and other studies that indicate a minimum of 23 independent introductions into Uruguay, resulting in five major transmission clusters. Our data suggest that most introductions resulting in chains of transmission originate from other South American countries, with the earliest seeding of the virus in late February 2020, weeks before the borders were closed to all non-citizens and a partial lockdown implemented. Genetic analyses suggest a dominance of S and G clades (G, GH, GR) that make up >90% of the viral strains in our study. In our cohort, lethal outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection significantly correlated with arterial hypertension, kidney failure, and ICU admission (FDR < 0.01), but not with any mutation in a structural or non-structural protein, such as the spike D614G mutation. Our study contributes genetic, phylodynamic, and clinical correlation data about the exceptionally well-curbed SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Uruguay, which furthers the understanding of disease patterns and regional aspects of the pandemic in Latin America.

DeepPilot: A CNN for Autonomous Drone Racing.

Autonomous Drone Racing (ADR) was first proposed in IROS 2016. It called for the development of an autonomous drone capable of beating a human in a drone race. After almost five years, several teams have proposed different solutions with a common pipeline: gate detection; drone localization; and stable flight control. Recently, Deep Learning (DL) has been used for gate detection and localization of the drone regarding the gate. However, recent competitions such as the Game of Drones, held at NeurIPS 2019, called for solutions where DL played a more significant role. Motivated by the latter, in this work, we propose a CNN approach called DeepPilot that takes camera images as input and predicts flight commands as output. These flight commands represent: the angular position of the drone's body frame in the roll and pitch angles, thus producing translation motion in those angles; rotational speed in the yaw angle; and vertical speed referred as altitude h. Values for these 4 flight commands, predicted by DeepPilot, are passed to the drone's inner controller, thus enabling the drone to navigate autonomously through the gates in the racetrack. For this, we assume that the next gate becomes visible immediately after the current gate has been crossed. We present evaluations in simulated racetrack environments where DeepPilot is run several times successfully to prove repeatability. In average, DeepPilot runs at 25 frames per second (fps). We also present a thorough evaluation of what we called a temporal approach, which consists of creating a mosaic image, with consecutive camera frames, that is passed as input to the DeepPilot. We argue that this helps to learn the drone's motion trend regarding the gate, thus acting as a local memory that leverages the prediction of the flight commands. Our results indicate that this purely DL-based artificial pilot is feasible to be used for the ADR challenge.

Effects of resistance exercise and dance in the functionality of lower limbs in the older adult of INAPAM´s senior clubs / Efectos del ejercicio de resistencia y baile en la funcionalidad de miembros inferiores en el adulto mayor de clubes de ancianos INAPAM / Efeitos do exercício físico e da dança a funcionalidade dos membros inferiores em idosos dos clubes seniores do INAPAM / Effets de la résistance et exercice de danse dans la fonctionnalité des membres inférieurs chez les personnes âgées,des clubs seniors de l'INAPAM

Abstract Objective To determine the effect of resistance exercise routine and dancing in the lower limbs of no institutionalized elderly, cognitively intact, functional for basic activities of daily living without falling risks. Material and Methods A quasi-experimental study, the effect of an intervention on a single group, consisting of 26 persons aged 60 AM considering criteria of inclusion and non-inclusion was determined. The Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire was used; Katz Scale and the Scale of Tinetti. The information obtained was analyzed in two stages, descriptive and inferential. In the first phase, frequency distribution tables and measures of central tendency and dispersion for all variables were obtained, as discussed in qualitative or quantitative variables, respectively. In the second phase, the effect of the intervention trophism comparing averages, muscle strength and arcs of movement group and individual pre- and post-intervention was evaluated. Results There was a trend for improvement in the flexibility of the hip, knee and ankle mostly knee extension remained the same, 84.61% and 80.76% right left. Left hip extension remains the same at 50% and 53.84%, the right side. Muscle strength increased overall in all muscle groups of both lower extremities. Trophism increased in diameter thighs, calves by 46% and over 50% were similar diameters, some of the older adults lost weight so their diameter decreased. Conclusions This program showed significant changes in muscle strength and range of motion in the study participants could see the significant association between dancing Zumba Gold and resistance exercises to increase muscle strength, flexibility lower extremities and increased level of activity in older adults. Exercise and physical activity are important for the positive effects that cause health and improvements in the diameter of the thighs and increased functionality of the elderly.

Resumen Objetivo Determinar el efecto de una rutina de ejercicios de resistencia y baile en miembros inferiores de adultos mayores no institucionalizados, cognitivamente íntegros, funcionales para actividades básicas de la vida diaria, sin riesgo de caídas. Material y métodos Estudio cuasi-experimental, se determinó el efecto de una intervención sobre un grupo único, constituido por 26 personas AM de 60 años considerando criterios de inclusión y de no inclusión. Se utilizó el Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire; la Escala de Katz y la Escala de Tinetti. La información obtenida fue analizada en dos fases, descriptiva e inferencial. En la primera fase, se obtuvieron tablas de distribución de frecuencias así como medidas de tendencia central y de dispersión para todas las variables, según se trató de variables cualitativas o cuantitativas, respectivamente. En la segunda fase, se evaluó el efecto de la intervención comparando los promedios de trofismo, fuerza muscular y de arcos de movimientos, individuales y grupales pre- y post intervención. Resultados Hubo tendencia a la mejoría en la flexibilidad en cadera, rodilla y tobillo en su mayoría, la extensión de rodilla se mantuvo igual, 84.61% derecha y 80.76% izquierda. La extensión de cadera izquierda permanece igual en un 50% y 53.84%, del lado derecho. La fuerza muscular incrementó en general en todos los grupos musculares de ambas extremidades inferiores. El trofismo de muslos aumentó en su diámetro, las pantorrillas en un 46% y más del 50% mantuvieron diámetros similares Algunos de los AM bajaron de peso, por lo tanto sus diámetros disminuyeron. Conclusiones Este programa mostró modificaciones significativas en la fuerza muscular y rangos de movimientos en los participantes del estudio, se pudo ver la asociación importante que existe entre el baile de Zumba Gold y Ejercicios de Resistencia con el incremento de la fuerza muscular, flexibilidad de las extremidades inferiores y el incremento en el nivel de la actividad en los adultos mayores. El ejercicio y la actividad física son importantes, por los efectos positivos que causan sobre la salud y la mejoría en el diámetro de los muslos y el aumento en la funcionalidad del adulto mayor.

Resumo Objetivo Para determinar o efeito de uma rotina de exercícios de resistência e dança nos membros inferiores de idosos não institucionalizados, cognitivamente íntegros e funcionais para atividades básicas da vida diária, sem risco de queda. Material e métodos Estudo quase experimental, determinou-se o efeito de uma intervenção sobre um único grupo, constituído por 26 pessoas AM de 60 anos considerando critérios de inclusão e não-inclusão. Utilizou-se o Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire; a escala Katz e a escala de Tinetti. A informação obtida foi analisada em duas fases, descritiva e inferencial. Na primeira fase, foram obtidos tabelas de distribuição de frequência assim como medidas de tendência central e de dispersão para todas as variáveis, segundo se tratou de variáveis qualitativas ou quantitativas, respectivamente. Na segunda fase, avaliou-se o efeito da intervenção através da comparação da média de trofismo, força muscular e arcos de movimentos, individual, em grupo pré- e pós-intervenção. Resultados Houve uma tendência de melhora na flexibilidade do quadril, joelho e tornozelo principalmente, a extensão do joelho permaneceu a mesma, 84,61% direita e 80,76% para a esquerda. A extensão do quadril esquerdo permanece igual em um 50% e 53,84%, no lado direito. A força muscular aumentou geralmente em todos os grupos musculares de ambas as extremidades inferiores. O trofismo de coxas aumentou em diâmetro, pantorilha em um 46% e mais do 50% mantiveram diâmetros semelhantes. Alguns dos AM perderam peso, pelo que os seus diâmetros diminuíram. Conclusões Este programa mostrou mudanças significativas na força muscular e amplitude de movimento nas participantes do estudo, pôde-se ver a associação significativa que existe entre a dança Zumba Ouro e Exercícios de Resistência com o aumento da força muscular, flexibilidade das extremidades inferiores e o aumento no nível da atividade em adultos mais velhos. O exercício e a atividade física são importantes, pelos efeitos positivos que causam sobre a saúde e a melhoria do diâmetro das coxas e do aumento da funcionalidade do idoso.

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Chemical Fingerprinting of Olive Oils by Electrospray Ionization-Differential Mobility Analysis-Mass Spectrometry: A New Alternative to Food Authenticity Testing.

Recently, the olive oil industry has been the subject of harsh criticism for false labeling and even adulterating olive oils. This situation in which both the industry and the population are affected leads to an urgent need to increase controls to avoid fraudulent activities around this precious product. The aim of this work is to propose a new analytical platform by coupling electrospray ionization (ESI), differential mobility analysis (DMA), and mass spectrometry (MS) for the analysis of olive oils based on the information obtained from the chemical fingerprint (nontargeted analyses). Regarding the sample preparation, two approaches were proposed: (i) sample dilution and (ii) liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). To demonstrate the feasibility of the method, 30 olive oil samples in 3 different categories were analyzed, using 21 of them to elaborate the classification model and the remaining 9 to test it (blind samples). To develop the prediction model, principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least-squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used. The overall success rate of the classification to differentiate among extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), virgin olive oil (VOO), and lampante olive oil (LOO) was 89% for the LLE samples and 67% for the diluted samples. However, combining both methods, the ability to differentiate EVOO from lower-quality oils (VOO and LOO) and the edible oils (EVOO and VOO) from nonedible oil (LOO) was 100%. The results show that ESI-DMA-MS can become an effective tool for the olive oil sector.

Unidad de enfermedades autoinmunes: experiencia de un centro / Autoimmune Diseases Unit: experience of a center / Unidade de doenças autoimunes: experiência de um centro

Resumen: Introducción: Las enfermedades autoinmunes sistémicas son un grupo de enfermedades de baja prevalencia, cuya patogenia está basada en la pérdida de la auto-tolerancia. A pesar de su baja incidencia y prevalencia, la profundización en el estudio y conocimiento de estas enfermedades ha permitido importantes avances diagnósticos y terapéuticos en los últimos años, constituyendo un desafío en la práctica clínica. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia y características clínico-humorales de estas patologías en la Policlínica de Enfermedades Autoinmunes del Hospital Pasteur, en el periodo 2016 -2019. Resultados: El total de población fue de 62 pacientes., 55/62 (88%) son mujeres. La más prevalente fue Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico, representando un 32% de esta población (20/62), la artritis reumatoide en un 21% (13/62), la esclerosis sistémica en un 8% (5/62), vasculitis sistémica 8% (5/62), Overlap 6% (4/62), Bechet 5% (3/62). Conclusiones: Se destaca un claro predominio del lupus y de la artritis reumatoide como enfermedades más prevalentes, así como un incremento mantenido de otras patologías menos habituales. Es de suma importancia fomentar el desarrollo de unidades especializadas en estas enfermedades para poder mejorar y protocolizar el manejo de estos pacientes.

Abstract: Introduction: Systemic Autoimmune Diseases are a group of low-prevalence diseases whose pathogeny is based on the loss of self-tolerance. Despite their low incidence and prevalence, deepening the study and knowledge of these diseases has enabled significant diagnostic and therapeutic advances in recent years, constituting a challenge in clinical practice. Objective: to determine the prevalence and clinical-humoral characteristics of these pathologies in the Polyclinic of Autoimmune Diseases of Pasteur Hospital, in the period 2016 -2019. Results: The total population was 62 patients., 55/62 (88%) were women. Most prevalent was Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), representing 32% of this population (20/62), Rheumatoid Arthritis by 21% (13/62), Systemic Sclerosis by 8% (5/62), Systemic vasculitis 8% (5/62), Overlap syndrome 6% (4/62), Bechet 5% (3/62). Conclusions: Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis as more prevalent diseases, as well as a maintained increase in other less common diseases. It is very important to promote the development of specialized units in these área, in order to improve and protocol the management of these patients.

Resumo: Introdução: As doenças autoimunes sistêmicas são um grupo de doenças de baixa prevalência, cuja patogênese se baseia na perda de autotolerância. Apesar de sua baixa incidência e prevalência, o aprofundamento no estudo e conhecimento dessas doenças permitiu importantes avanços diagnósticos e terapêuticos nos últimos anos, constituindo um desafio na prática clínica. Objetivo: determinar a prevalência e as características clínico-humorais dessas patologias no Hospital Pasteur Polyclinic of Autoimmune Diseases, no período 2016-2019. Resultados: a população total foi de 62 pacientes, 55/62 (88%) são mulheres. O mais prevalente foi o lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES), representando 32% dessa população (20/62), artrite reumatoide em 21% (13/62), esclerose sistêmica em 8% (5 / 62), vasculite sistêmica 8% (5/62), sobreposição de 6% (4/62), Bechet 5% (3/62). Conclusões: Uma clara predominância de lúpus e artrite reumatoide destaca-se como as doenças mais prevalentes, bem como um aumento sustentado de outras patologias menos comuns. É de extrema importância promover o desenvolvimento de unidades especializadas nessas doenças, a fim de melhorar e protocolar o manejo desses pacientes.

Transcriptional changes before and after forgetting of a long-term sensitization memory in Aplysia californica.

Most long-term memories are forgotten, becoming progressively less likely to be recalled. Still, some memory fragments may persist, as savings memory (easier relearning) can be detected long after recall has become impossible. What happens to a memory trace during forgetting that makes it inaccessible for recall and yet still effective to spark easier re-learning? We are addressing this question by tracking the transcriptional changes that accompany learning and then forgetting of a long-term sensitization memory in the tail-elicited siphon withdrawal reflex of Aplysia californica. First, we tracked savings memory. We found that even though recall of sensitization fades completely within 1 week of training, savings memory is still detectable at 2 weeks post training. Next, we tracked the time-course of regulation of 11 transcripts we previously identified as potentially being regulated after recall has become impossible. Remarkably, 3 transcripts still show strong regulation 2 weeks after training and an additional 4 are regulated for at least 1 week. These long-lasting changes in gene expression always begin early in the memory process, within 1 day of training. We present a synthesis of our results tracking gene expression changes accompanying sensitization and provide a testable model of how sensitization memory is forgotten.

Association of white matter diffusion characteristics and cognitive deficits in temporal lobe epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between cognitive performance and white matter (WM) integrity in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS). METHODS: We included 26 patients with TLE (10 right, 16 left onset) as well as 24 healthy controls matched for age, gender, and years of education. In addition to quantitative hippocampal volume and transverse relaxation (T2) evaluation, whole-brain WM was analyzed using fractional anisotropy (FA) maps, derived from the diffusion tensor model. Average FA values were obtained from 38 regions of interest (ROI) of the main WM fascicles using an atlas-based approach. All subjects underwent extensive coFignitive assessments, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) and Wechsler Memory Scale (WMS-IV). Fractional anisotropy was correlated with neuropsychological scores, and group effects were evaluated. Finally, patients were clustered based on their cognitive performance to evaluate if clinical and structural variables relate to specific cognitive profiles. RESULTS: Patients had differential alterations in the integrity of the WM dependent on seizure laterality and presence of hippocampal sclerosis. Patients with TLE showed, on average, lower scores in most of the cognitive assessments. Correlations between cognition and WM followed specific trajectories per group with TLE, particularly in Left-TLE, in which we found a marked association between cognitive abilities and WM abnormalities. Cluster analysis of cognitive performance revealed three cognitive profiles, which were associated with the degree and spread of WM abnormalities. SIGNIFICANCE: White matter diffusion characteristics differ between patients, particularly in relation to seizure laterality and hippocampal damage. Moreover, WM abnormalities are associated with cognitive performance. The extent of WM alterations leads to disrupted cerebral intercommunication and therefore negatively affects cognition.

Savings memory is accompanied by transcriptional changes that persist beyond the decay of recall.

Most long-term memories are forgotten. What happens, then, to the changes in neuronal gene expression that were initially required to encode and maintain the memory? Here we show that the decay of recall for long-term sensitization memory in Aplysia is accompanied both by a form of savings memory (easier relearning) and by persistent transcriptional regulation. A behavioral experiment (N = 14) shows that sensitization training produces a robust long-term sensitization memory, but that recall fades completely within 1 wk. This apparent forgetting, though, is belied by persistent savings memory, as we found that a weak reminder protocol reinstates a long-term sensitization memory only on the previously trained side of the body. Using microarray (N = 8 biological replicates), we found that transcriptional regulation largely decays along with recall. Of the transcripts known to be regulated 1 d after training, 98% (1172/1198) are no longer significantly regulated 7 d after training. Still, there is a small set of transcripts which remain strongly regulated even when recall is absent. Using qPCR (N = 11 additional biological replicates) we confirmed that these include the peptide transmitter FMRFamide, a transcript encoding a putative homolog of spectrin beta chain (Genbank: EB255259) , a transcript encoding a protein with a predicted EF-hand calcium-binding domain (Genbank: EB257711), and eight uncharacterized transcripts. To our knowledge, this is the first work to show that transcriptional changes evoked by learning can outlast recall. The small set of transcriptional changes that persist could mediate the rapid relearning of the memory (savings), or the decay of recall, or both, or neither.

Transcriptional correlates of memory maintenance following long-term sensitization of Aplysia californica.

We characterized the transcriptional response accompanying maintenance of long-term sensitization (LTS) memory in the pleural ganglia of Aplysia californica using microarray (N = 8) and qPCR (N = 11 additional samples). We found that 24 h after memory induction there is strong regulation of 1198 transcripts (748 up and 450 down) in a pattern that is almost completely distinct from what is observed during memory encoding (1 h after training). There is widespread up-regulation of transcripts related to all levels of protein production, from transcription (e.g., subunits of transcription initiation factors) to translation (e.g., subunits of eIF1, eIF2, eIF3, eIF4, eIF5, and eIF2B) to activation of components of the unfolded protein response (e.g., CREB3/Luman, BiP, AATF). In addition, there are widespread changes in transcripts related to cytoskeleton function, synaptic targeting, synaptic function, neurotransmitter regulation, and neuronal signaling. Many of the transcripts identified have previously been linked to memory and plasticity (e.g., Egr, menin, TOB1, IGF2 mRNA binding protein 1/ZBP-1), though the majority are novel and/or uncharacterized. Interestingly, there is regulation that could contribute to metaplasticity potentially opposing or even eroding LTS memory (down-regulation of adenylate cyclase and a putative serotonin receptor, up-regulation of FMRFa and a FMRFa receptor). This study reveals that maintenance of a "simple" nonassociative memory is accompanied by an astonishingly complex transcriptional response.

Heteroleptic oxidovanadium(IV) complexes of 2-hydroxynaphtylaldimine and polypyridyl ligands against Trypanosoma cruzi and prostate cancer cells.

In Latin America Chagas disease is an endemic illness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi), killing more people than any other parasitic disease. Current chemotherapies are old and inadequate, thus the development of efficient ones is urgently needed. Vanadium-based complexes have been shown to be a promising approach both against parasitic diseases and cancer and this study aims to achieve significant advances in the pursue of effective compounds. Heteroleptic vanadium complexes of Schiff bases and polypyridine compounds were prepared and their stability in solution evaluated by EPR (Electronic Paramagnetic Resonance) and NMR spectroscopy. Their in vitro activities were evaluated against T. cruzi and a set of cells lines representative of human cancer conditions, namely ovarian, breast and prostate cancer. In T. cruzi, most of the complexes depicted IC50 values in the low µM range, induced changes of mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis. In cancer cells, complexes showed good to moderate activity and in metastatic cells (prostate PC3), some complexes inhibited the migratory ability, this suggesting that they display antimetastatic potential. Interestingly, complex 5 seemed to have a dual effect being the most cytotoxic complex on all cancer cells and also the most active anti-T-cruzi compound of the series. Globally the complexes showed promising anticancer and anti T. cruzi activities and also displayed some characteristics indicating they are worth to be further explored as antimetastatic drugs.