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The effect of long-term tafamidis treatment on quality of life in people with transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM): a plain language summary
Get PDF[Abstract] What is this summary about?: This summary explains some results of a study called ATTR-ACT and its ongoing long-term extension study that were published in the European Journal of Heart Failure. The purpose of ATTR-ACT was to find out if a drug called tafamidis is an effective treatment for people with a heart condition called transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM). People took tafamidis or placebo for up to 2.5 years in ATTR-ACT (the initial study). A placebo looks like the study medicine but does not contain any active ingredients. After people completed the initial study, they could take part in the extension study. An extension study allows people to continue receiving treatment after the original clinical study ends and helps researchers understand how well a treatment works over a longer time period. This extension study allows people to receive tafamidis for up to an additional 5 years. People who took placebo in the initial study now receive tafamidis. People who took tafamidis in the initial study continue tafamidis treatment. Researchers looked at changes in peoples' ability to enjoy life ('quality of life') and heart failure symptoms since they started ATTR-ACT. Results are available for the first 2.5 years of the extension study.
What are the key takeaways?: During the initial study, there was less worsening of quality of life and heart failure symptoms in people who took tafamidis compared to people who took placebo. In the extension study, quality of life and heart failure symptoms were maintained or nearly maintained in people who took tafamidis in the initial study. In people who started tafamidis in the extension study, quality of life and heart failure symptoms continued to worsen, but the worsening slowed down.
What were the main conclusions reported by the researchers?: Tafamidis slows the worsening of quality of life and heart failure symptoms in people with ATTR-CM. People with ATTR-CM should start treatment early to receive the most benefit
Clinical decision making in comprehensive diabetic foot care, using an emulated practical case
Get PDF[Resumen] Este estudio de revisión clínica recoge las pautas básicas para el cuidado integral de un paciente con úlcera de pie diabético o con riesgo de desarrollarla en un futuro. Para llevar a cabo su planteamiento se desarrolla una valoración integral de enfermería a través de las 14 necesidades de Virginia Henderson. A partir de esta valoración, se configura el plan de cuidados individualizado según la taxonomía NANDA-I, NOC y NIC. Para priorizar los diagnósticos se emplea la herramienta AREA. El modelo de paciente seleccionado es un hombre que padecía úlceras profundas de pie diabético de origen neuropático en el miembro inferior izquierdo. Se describe el abordaje terapéutico de la lesión siguiendo el acrónimo TIME hasta la resolución prácticamente total de la herida al cabo de 118 días de tratamiento. La metodología empleada resulta de utilidad porque sigue un planteamiento didáctico, para que otros profesionales o alumnos adquieran competencias y conocimientos que podrán emplear en casos semejantes sobre el gran problema de salud que es el pie diabético.[Abstract] This clinical review study includes basic guidelines for the comprehensive care of a patient with a diabetic foot ulcer or at risk of developing one in the future. To carry out its approach, a comprehensive nursing assessment is carried out using Virginia Henderson's 14 needs. Based on this assessment, the individualised care plan is configured according to the NANDA-I, NOC and NIC taxonomy. The AREA tool is used to prioritise the diagnoses. The selected patient model is a man who suffered from deep diabetic foot ulcers of neuropathic origin in the left lower limb. The therapeutic approach to the lesion is described following the acronym TIME until the wound was almost completely resolved after 118 days of treatment. The methodology used is useful because it follows a didactic approach, so that other professionals or students acquire skills and knowledge that they can use in similar cases regarding the major health problem that is the diabetic foot
New Biopython Library to Support Molecular Biology
Get PDF[Abstract] Biopython is a library that facilitates the development of applications for Bioinformatics, using the Python programming language. Maintained by an international association of programmers - the Open Bioinformatics Foundation - since 1999, it provides tools for analyzing biological sequences and accessing online databases like NCBI. It features modules for sequence alignment, protein structures, population genetics, and more. Since the library is open-source with the collaboration of several developers, the project aimed to create a new library that used to existing API services such as Expasy, Blast, Uniprot and DrugBank. This enabled a single-call module to reference multiple services, obtain results, and generate a final report for a searched sequence. The first step to start the project was a study of existing Biopython libraries to assess their alignment with the proposed objectives. Access to the DrugBank service required a formal request. It was necessary to justify the request, explaining how and why the data would be used within the scope of the project. After the preceding steps, the entire architecture and design of the solution were conceptualized and, subsequently, we started the development. As a result of this project, there was an endpoint that, when invoked by any software or platform, returns all information found for a genetic sequence in JSON format. A small user interface was also developed to display the search results as an alternative to using only the API. Because BioPython is a free package and science is the motivation, a new library will be available for several services such as Expasy, Blast, Uniprot, and DrugBank. It will be free for all schools, labs, researchers, and developers who want to use it
Segmentation of the Bone Structure from MRI Knee Joint - A Use Case
Get PDFManual and automatic segmentation techniques can be applied to DICOM medical images from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to extract certain structures, such as soft tissues, but the precise extraction of bone structures may be limited. This study studies these types of knee bone tissue segmentation on MRI, to avoid the need to resort to computed tomography (CT) for obtaining the desired bone structures. Manual segmentation was done using ITK-Snap and automatic segmentation algorithms were applied in Python and the ITK library. As a result of this study, it was found that although manual segmentation allowed for precise and consistent identification of the femur, tibia, fibula, and patella, the automatic segmentation needed to achieve the same level of accuracy
Using FastSAM for Creating Custom Automatic Segmentation Models for Medicine and Biology
Get PDFFastSAM, a publicly available image segmentation model designed for general image segmentation, is turned into a highly adaptable and advanced segmentation tool that requires minimal training in two distinct scenarios. In the first case, we examine macroscopic X-ray images of the knee, in the second case, we focus on microscopic images of the zebra fish embryo retina, which have a significantly smaller spatial scale. We determine the minimum number of images needed to maintain state-of-the-art segmentation quality in each case. Finally, we evaluate the impact of image filtering and the unique considerations of segmenting 3D retinal volumes
How can the Augmented Reality Experience for Surgeons be Improved During Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Get PDFTechnological advances in Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) have been shown to enhance surgical precision, patient outcomes, and efficiency. New computer-assisted surgery solutions using Augmented Reality (AR) support TKA by locating objects in 3D space with high precision, helping surgeons perform accurate treatments while avoiding time-consuming or inaccurate traditional methods. These advances, however, also present novel challenges, such as the complexity of integrating new systems with existing surgical tools and workflows. In this study, the authors propose a strategy to address surgeons' concerns by leveraging feedback from 50 surgeons and 41 sales representatives. Based on this, a research plan was developed to further enhance the AR experience for surgeons
Ideational praxis, play, and playfulness: a cross-sectional study of autistic children
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Importance: Assessment of praxis skills is an essential aspect of understanding autistic children's development of play and playfulness.
Objective: To assess the relationship and influence of ideational praxis skills on play skills and playfulness among autistic children.
Design: A cross-sectional study.
Settings: Homes, schools, and early care centers across Spain.
Participants: Children ages 4 yr 6 mo to 6 yr 11 mo (45 typically developing [TP] and 45 with autism spectrum disorder [ASD]).
Outcomes and measures: Student's t tests were used to compare means between the two groups. Pearson's correlation and multiple linear regression were used to determine possible effects of ideational skills on play and playfulness.
Results: Scores for the TP group were significantly higher than those of the ASD group on all play dimensions-space management, t(88) = 4.58; material management, t(88) = 5.86; pretense-symbolism, t(88) = 8.12; and participation, t(88) = 7.31-and on the Test of Playfulness (ToP), t(88) = 10.18, and Test of Ideational Praxis (TIP), t(88) = 4.38 (all ps < .001). Multiple linear regression revealed a statistically significant effect of TIP dimensions-space management, F(3, 41) = 4.83, p < .042; material management, F(3.41) = 8.49. p < .001; pretense-symbolism, F(3, 41) = 5.66. p < .002; and participation, F(3.41) = 7.81. p < .001-and on the ToP, F(3, 41) = 5.96. p < .002.
Conclusions and relevance: Ideational praxis skills combined with diagnostic information significantly predicted play skills and playfulness, highlighting the influence of ideation on play. Plain-Language Summary: This article provides data supporting the influence of ideational praxis skills on the play skills and playfulness of autistic children. Understanding how ideational praxis skills affect the ability to recognize and act on object affordances might promote greater possibilities for play interactions among autistic children
Tumor-induced osteomalacia: a systematic literature review
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Introduction: Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO), is a rare acquired paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by defective bone mineralization, caused by the overproduction of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) by a tumor.
Material and methods: We conducted a systematic review to identify all case reports of TIO, focusing on those associated with mesenchymal tumors. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) consensus, and we included patients with a diagnosis of TIO and histological confirmation of phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors or resolution of the condition after treatment of the tumor. Bibliographical searches were carried out until December 2023 in the Cochrane Library, Medline and Embase, as well as congress abstracts online.
Results: We identified 769 articles with 1979 cases reported. Most patients were adults, with a higher incidence on men. Disease duration before diagnosis is a mean of 4.8 years. Most tumors were histologically classified as PMT. Lower limbs were the predominant location. Hypophosphatemia was present in 99.8 % of patients. The FGF23 was elevated at diagnosis in 95.5 %. Resection of the tumor was the treatment of choice in most of patients. After resection, there was a clinical improvement in 97.6 % of cases, and serum phosphorus and FGF23 levels returned to normal ranges in 91.5 % and 81.4 % of the patients, respectively.
Conclusion: TIO is usually misdiagnosed with rheumatological or musculoskeletal disorders. The diagnosis should be suspected in patients with hypophosphatemic osteomalacia, and the measurement of serum FGF23 can be useful for diagnosis and management
Desarrollo de sensores moleculares mediante reacciones de acoplamiento cruzado con organometálicos de indio y síntesis de derivados de BODIPY y pirroles por hidrofuncionalización de alquinos catalizadas por In(III)
Get PDF[Resumen] En esta Tesis Doctoral se recoge el trabajo de investigación dedicado al estudio de nuevas aplicaciones sintéticas del indio(III) como reactivo en reacciones de acoplamiento cruzado catalizadas por paladio empleando organometálicos de indio(III), y como catalizador en reacciones de hidrofuncionalización de alquinos. Esta memoria se organiza en tres capítulos; el Capítulo 1 describe la síntesis de quimiosensores basados en el anillo de imidazol mediante reacciones de acoplamiento cruzado secuencial con organometálicos de indio(III). También se lleva a cabo un análisis estructural y un estudio de su capacidad de detección frente a diferentes cationes metálicos. El Capítulo 2 se centra en la funcionalización del esqueleto de BODIPY para la síntesis de derivados con aplicación en biomedicina. Se describe la síntesis del esqueleto BODIPY mediante el empleo de irradiación por microondas y el estudio de la actividad catalítica de sales y haluros de indio(III) en la reacción de hidroarilación intermolecular de alquinos con BODIPY. También se describe la funcionalización del núcleo BODIPY mediante reacciones de acoplamiento cruzado con organometálicos de indio(III). Tras la síntesis de los derivados de BODIPY se presentan los resultados obtenidos del estudio de sus propiedades fotofísicas y su aplicación en biomedicina. El Capítulo 3 está dedicado a la síntesis de pirroles a partir de azidas homopropargílicas mediante reacción de hidroaminación con regioselectividad 5-endo-dig bajo catálisis de indio(III). También se describe la síntesis de benzo[g]indoles a partir de azidas diínicas mediante un proceso en cascada de hidroaminación 5-endo-dig seguido de reacción de hidroarilación 6-endo-dig.[Resumo] Nesta Tese Doutoral recóllese o traballo de investigación dedicado ao estudo de novas aplicacións sintéticas do indio(III) como reactivo en reaccións de acoplamento cruzado catalizadas por paladio empregando organometálicos de indio(III), e como catalizador en reaccións de hidrofuncionalización de alquinos. Esta memoria organízase en tres capítulos; o Capítulo 1 describe a síntese de quimiosensores baseados no anel de imidazol mediante reaccións de acoplamento cruzado secuencial con organometálicos de indio(III). Tamén se leva a cabo unha análise estrutural e un estudo da súa capacidade de detección fronte a diferentes cationes metálicos. O Capítulo 2 céntrase na funcionalización do esqueleto de BODIPY para a síntese de derivados con aplicación en biomedicina. Descríbese a síntese do esqueleto BODIPY mediante o emprego de irradiación por microondas e o estudo da actividade catalítica de sales e haluros de indio(III) na reacción de hidroarilación intermolecular de alquinos con BODIPY. Tamén se describe a funcionalización do núcleo BODIPY mediante reaccións de acoplamento cruzado con organometálicos de indio(III). Tras a síntese dos derivados de BODIPY preséntanse os resultados obtidos do estudo das súas propiedades fotofísicas e a súa aplicación en biomedicina. O Capítulo 3 está dedicado á síntese de pirroles a partir de azidas homoproparxílicas mediante reacción de hidroaminación con rexioselectividade 5-endo-dig baixo catálisis de indio(III). Tamén se describe a síntese de benzo[g]indoles a partir de azidas diínicas mediante un proceso en cascada de hidroaminación 5-endo-dig seguido de reacción de hidroarilación 6-endo-dig.[Abstract] This Doctoral Thesis reports the research work dedicated to the study of new synthetic applications of indium(III) as a reagent in palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions using indium(III) organometallics, and as a catalyst in alkyne hydrofunctionalization reactions. This report is organized into three chapters; Chapter 1 describes the synthesis of imidazole ring-based chemosensors by sequential cross-coupling reactions with indium(III) organometallics. A structural analysis and a study of its detection ability against different metal cations are also induced. Chapter 2 focuses on the functionalization of the BODIPY core for the synthesis of derivatives with application in biomedicine. The synthesis of the BODIPY core is described using microwave irradiation and the study of the catalytic activity of indium(III) salts and halides in the intermolecular hydroarylation reaction of alkynes with BODIPY. Functionalization of the BODIPY core by cross-coupling reactions with indium(III) organometallics is also described. After the synthesis of the BODIPY derivatives, the results obtained from the study of its photophysical properties and its application in biomedicine are presented. Chapter 3 is dedicated to the synthesis of pyrroles from homopropargylic azides by hydroamination reaction with regioselectivity 5-endo-dig under indium(III) catalysis. The synthesis of benzo[g]indoles from azido-diynes by a cascade reaction that involves 5-endo-dig hydroamination followed by 6-endo-dig hydroarylation reaction is also described.Xunta de Galicia; GRC2018/039Xunta de Galicia; GRC2022/039Xunta de Galicia; ED481A-2020/01
Unveiling Mexican Folklore
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This dissertation analyzes the Mexican cultural folklore of dance from past to
present. I have investigated the history and the three folk dances; Son Jarocho, China
Poblana, and Rancheras. These dances continue to be seen in festivities in Mexico and
California. Their popularity has influenced fashion, photography, ballads, singers, the film
industry, and theatrical plays. I include in this work the important impact women have
made politically and socially. In this study, I demonstrate that Mexican women were the
protagonists in the Mexican Revolution and how their cultural traits have contributed to
the history of Mexico. I have illustrated how the cultural traits of African slaves and religion
played an important role during the colonization of New Spain[Resumen]
Esta tesis analiza la cultura folklórica mexicana del baile desde el pasado hasta el
presente. He investigado su historia y tres bailes folklóricos: Son Jarocho, China Poblana
y Rancheras. Estos bailes continúan siendo vistos en celebraciones en México y
California. Su popularidad ha influenciado la moda, fotografía, balada, cantantes,
industria del cine y obras de teatro. Incluyo en este trabajo la importante repercusión que
las mujeres han tenido política y socialmente. En este estudio he demostrado que las
mujeres mexicanas fueron las protagonistas en la Revolución Mexicana y cómo sus
rasgos culturales contribuyeron a la historia de México. He ilustrado cómo los rasgos
culturales de los esclavos africanos jugaron un papel importante durante la colonización
de Nueva España.[Resumo]
Esta tese analiza a cultura folclórica mexicana do baile desde o pasado ata o
presente. Investiguei a súa historia e tres bailes folclóricos: Son Jarocho, China Poblana
e Rancheras. Estes bailes continúan sendo vistos en celebracións en México e California.
A súa popularidade influenciou a moda, fotografía, balada, cantantes, industria do cine e
obras de teatro. Inclúo neste traballo a importante repercusión que as mulleres tiveron
política e socialmente. Neste estudio demostrei que as mulleres foron protagonistas na
Revolución Mexicana e como os seus trazos culturais contribuíron á historia de México.
Ilustrei como os trazos culturais dos escravos africanos xogaron un papel fundamental
durante a colonización de Nueva España