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    Nrm1 is a bistable switch connecting cell cycle progression to transcriptional control

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    Entry into the cell cycle requires activation of G1 cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and the G1/S transcriptional program. In fission yeast, the MBF complex is the main transcription factor driving early cell-cycle gene expression. MBF-dependent transcription is activated in metaphase and repressed at the end of S phase by a feedback loop involving the cyclin Cig2 and co-repressors Nrm1 and Yox1. While replicative stress inactivates Yox1 via phosphorylation, the mechanism that activates MBF during an unperturbed cell cycle remains unclear. Here, we identify Nrm1 as the key target of cell cycle regulation in a two-step control mechanism. First, CDK1 phosphorylates Nrm1 in metaphase, leading to its release-along with Yox1-from chromatin. Second, unphosphorylated Nrm1, generated either by dephosphorylation or de novo synthesis, is degraded during anaphase, preventing its re-association with MBF until the end of the next S phase. Together, these parallel pathways create a precisely timed window of MBF activation, ensuring proper cell cycle progression and preserving genomic stability.This work was supported by grant PID2022-136449NB-I00 funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, by Generalitat de Catalunya (Spain) (2021-SGR-00007) and ERDF/EU to JA and by Unidad de Excelencia Maria de Maeztu (CEX2018-000792-M) to JA and EH. EH is a recipient of an ICREA Academia Award (Generalitat de Catalunya). GM-J is a recipient of a FI predoctoral fellowship from Generalitat de Catalunya

    La protecció genètica contra la malària: demografia i adaptació

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    Guanyadora del 3r Premi Rin4' 2025Doctorat en Biomedicina. Curs 2024-202

    Traducción y análisis de The Magnum Opus, de Christopher y Christine Kezelos

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    Tutora: Ana Mata Buil Treball de fi de grau en Traducció i InterpretacióEl objetivo principal de este trabajo es proporcionar una propuesta de traducción inédita y justificada al castellano de cuatro fragmentos de The Magnum Opus, escrito por Christopher y Christine Kezelos. El trabajo se centra en la traducción de literatura fantástica y el estudio de la intermedialidad, ya que la novela nace a partir del cortometraje The Maker. Se reflexiona sobre las decisiones tomadas durante la traducción de elementos como lenguaje técnico y musical, así como de recursos para mantener el tono mágico y emotivo original. Para finalizar, se destaca cómo la traducción de literatura fantástica exige un equilibrio entre fidelidad y creatividad, además de una profunda comprensión del mundo narrativo.El propòsit principal d'aquest treball és la traducció inèdita i justificada al castellà de quatre fragments del llibre The Magnum Opus, escrit per Christopher i Christine Kezelos. El treball se centra en la traducció de literatura fantàstica i en l’estudi de la intermedialitat, ja que la novel·la sorgeix del curtmetratge The Maker. Es reflexiona sobre les decisions preses durant la traducció d’elements com el llenguatge tècnic i musical, així com de recursos per mantenir el to màgic i emotiu de l’original. Finalment, es destaca com la traducció de literatura fantàstica requereix un equilibri entre fidelitat i creativitat, així com una comprensió profunda del món narratiu.The aim of this project is to translate into Spanish for the first time and comment on four fragments from The Magnum Opus, written by Christopher and Christine Kezelos. The work focuses on the translation of fantasy literature and the study of intermediality, as the novel originates from the short film The Maker. The project reflects on the decisions made during the translation of elements such as technical and musical language, as well as strategies to preserve the original magical and emotional tone. Finally, it addresses how translating fantasy literature requires a balance between fidelity and creativity, as well as a deep understanding of the narrative world

    Development of a drone control application for object detection and image stitching

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    Tutors: Gloria Haro, Miguel ValeroTreball de fi de grau en Enginyeria Matemàtica en Ciència de DadesIn this thesis, we describe the development of a drone control ground station application in partnership with the School of Telecommunications and Aerospace Engineering of Castelldefels (EETAC) of Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. The goal of the project is to improve user experience in DronLab, the drone flying laboratory at EETAC, by developing an integrated flight control interface with mission planning, real-time telemetry, and computer vision capabilities like object recognition and panoramic image stitching. The app was built with a reliable Python software framework, making it easy to handle educational and experimental tasks such as the automation of complex flight path configuration and aerial data collection for simplifed post-processing analysis. Validation was performed using simulations and actual drone flights at DronLab, where the control and image processing functions were found to be operational. This work aims to encourage hands-on learning and exploration of drone technology by combining practical flight management with innovative visual analysis tools.Aquest treball presenta el desenvolupament d’una estació terrestre per al control de drons, creada en col·laboració amb l'Escola d'Enginyeria de Telecomunicació i Aeroespacial de Castelldefels (EETAC) de l’Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. El projecte se centra en millorar la interacció de l’usuari dins del DronLab, la instal·lació de vol de drons de l’EETAC. L’aplicació, programada en Python, integra el control de vol, la planificació de missions i funcions avançades de visió per computador, com el reconeixement d’objectes i la generació d’imatges panoràmiques. La validació es va dur a terme mitjançant simulació i vols reals de drons al DronLab, demostrant un control fiable i capacitats eficaces de processament d’imatges. Aquest treball pretén fomentar l’aprenentatge pràctic i l’exploració de la tecnologia dels drons, combinant la gestió pràctica dels vols amb eines innovadores d’anàlisi visual.Este trabajo presenta el desarrollo de una estación de tierra para el control de drones, creada en colaboración con la Escuela de Ingeniería de Telecomunicación y Aeroespacial de Castelldefels (EETAC) de la Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. El proyecto se centra en mejorar la interacción del usuario dentro del DronLab, la instalación de vuelo de drones de la EETAC. La aplicación, programada en Python, integra control de vuelo, planificación de misiones y funciones avanzadas de visión por computador, como reconocimiento de objetos y generación de imágenes panorámicas. La validación se llevó a cabo mediante simulación y vuelos reales de drones en el DronLab, demostrando un control fiable y capacidades eficaces de procesamiento de imágenes. Este trabajo pretende fomentar el aprendizaje práctico y la exploración de la tecnología de los drones combinando la gestión práctica de los vuelos con innovadoras herramientas de análisis visual

    Estudi de la merla d'aigua a la riera Major

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    Primer Premi del XX Premi PRBB al millor treball de recerca en Medicina i Ciències de la Vida Tutor: Josep Maria Bertrans Institut de TaradellEl mirlo acuático (Cinclus cinclus) es un pájaro que está en regresión en Cataluña. Se ha decidido investigar en profundidad una de las poblaciones más importantes en la comarca de Osona, Cataluña, para intentar conocerlas más y frenar este decrecimiento de la especie. El área de estudio ha sido la riera Major, en Viladrau, donde se ha cuantificado la población de mirlo acuático, realizado un estudio biométrico y estudiado los requerimientos ecológicos y amenazas de la especie para tomar las medidas de conservación más adecuadas. Gracias al anillamiento, se han podido censar 12 parejas nidificantes de mirlo acuático en el año 2023 y solo 4 parejas nidificantes el año 2024. Las principales causas de los fracasos reproductivos y la disminución de la especie en la riera Major son: la falta de alimento (macroinvertebrados), los vertidos de agua de la fábrica de "Liquats Vegetals" y de la depuradora de Viladrau (Estación Depuradora de Aguas Residuales), la sequía y las altas temperaturas, las riadas en plena época de nidificación y las depredaciones. En el estudio biométrico, se ha utilizado el método de Bibby y Thomas (1984) que representa los pesos en función de las longitudes alares y se pudieron sexar el 100% de los individuos de los cuales se midieron la longitud alar y el peso. Con el fin de conservar los mirlos acuáticos, se ha detectado la calidad del agua y las cavidades para anidar como los principales requerimientos para la especie. También se ha colocado un aparato GPS en un macho de mirlo acuático para intentar averiguar el área vital de una pareja nidificante, pero se necesita más investigación sobre el tema. Se proponen las siguientes medidas para la conservación de los mirlos acuáticos y de su hábitat en la riera Major: colocación de cajas nido; conservación de parte de las esclusas que se quieran derivar, reducir las captaciones de agua y los vertidos de sustancias residuales; conseguir que de las depuradoras de Liquats Vegetals y la del pueblo de Viladrau salga agua de buena calidad y a la temperatura correcta.The Dipper (Cinclus Cinclus) is a bird that is in serious decline in Catalonia. I have decided to do an in-depth investigation into one of the most important populations of Dippers in Osona, Catalonia, in order to learn more about them and how we can stop their decline. The area of this study is the riera Major region in Viladrau. A biometric study has been carried out on this population and the Dippers quantified. The ecological requirements and threats to the species have been detected and recorded in order to take the most suitable conservation measures. Thanks to ringing, it was possible to count 12 nesting pairs of Dippers in 2023 however, only 4 nesting pairs in 2024, a massive and concerning reproductive failure. The main causes of this failure and decline of the species in the ‘riera Major ́ are the lack of food (macroinvertebrates), the dumping of water by the "Liquats Vegetals" factory and the Viladrau sewage treatment plant (EDAR), the drought and high temperatures, floods in the middle of the nesting season and predation. In the biometric study, the method of Bibby and Thomas (1984), representing weights as a function of wing lengths, was used, and it was possible to sex 100% of the Dippers that had their wing length and weight measured. To preserve the Dippers, the water quality and nesting cavities have been identified as the main needs of the species. A GPS device has been placed on a male dipper to discover the vital areas of the nesting pair, but more search is still needed and is ongoing. The following measures are proposed for the preservation of Dippers and their habitat in the riera Major: placing nest boxes, preserving part of the old locks that are planned to be demolished, reducing the water extraction and the discharge of residuals. To ensure that water of good quality and temperature comes from the sewage treatment plant of "Liquats Vegetals" and Viladrau Town

    Projecting the human: anthropomorphism and anthropocentrism in animated children’s films

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    Treball de fi de màster Estudis Internacionals sobre Mitjans, Poder i DiversitatSupervisora: Núria AlmironThis study explores how anthropomorphized nonhuman animal characters are portrayed in contemporary children’s animated films and how these portrayals are shaped by or reinforce anthropocentric worldviews. Drawing from critical animal, media, and film studies, the research used qualitative content analysis to examine language and visual elements in 100 scenes from four animated films released between 2019 and 2024. The findings showcased a close connection between anthropomorphism and anthropocentrism, which aligned with the literature. Characters with more human-like traits were typically granted more narrative importance, agency, and emotional depth. Human social hierarchies were often reflected in interspecies relationships, shaped by Western cultural frameworks. Less anthropomorphized characters were commonly excluded from emotional relatability, though some exceptions used highly anthropomorphized characters to generate empathy for others. Overall, the films primarily used nonhuman animal characters as tools to reflect human values, with some exceptions offering more nuanced, complex representations

    Factors for enhancing visibility in digital repositories: Metadata quality, interoperability standards, persistent identifiers, and SEO-GEO optimization

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    In the context of open science and scholarly communication, enhancing the visibility of digital repositories is essential for maximizing the reach, impact, and discoverability of the content they host. This chapter explores five key strategies to improve repository visibility: optimizing metadata quality, enabling interoperability protocols, adopting persistent identifiers (PIDs), implementing search engine optimization (SEO) strategies, and embracing generative engine optimization (GEO). Through detailed analysis and practical recommendations, this work highlights how standardized metadata, controlled vocabularies, and persistent identifiers, such as DOI, Handle, and ARK, contribute to enhancing visibility. This chapter also emphasizes the importance of aligning repositories with evolving web technologies and AI-driven engines to ensure content remains accessible, traceable, and integrated into users’ search experience.This work is part of the Project “Parameters and strategies to increase the relevance of media and digital communication in society: curation, visualisation and visibility (CUVICOM)”. Grant PID2021-123579OB-I00 funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by ERDF, EU

    US Latina/o/x migrations, translations and routes of reception: an integrated critique

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    The object of study of this thesis is a special case of translation: the Anglophone literature of writers of Caribbean or Latin American origin in the United States translated into Spanish. This case is special because of the entwinement of the source and target languages and cultures, making it difficult to conceive of translation as the test of the foreign. The heterogeneity among Hispanophone readers along the transnational routes that these translations may travel further complicates assumptions based on foreignness. Consequently, an opportunity arises to develop empirical approaches to translation readers and their reading practices, which go beyond persistent national categories and presumed textual effects. Expanding Antoine Berman’s method for translation criticism, this thesis provides an integrated translation critique of four short stories about migration written by Latina/o/x writers (Helena María Viramontes, Achy Obejas, Daisy Hernández, and Junot Díaz) and translated into Spanish. This integrated critique considers the source texts, translations and translators, as well as reception from two perspectives: 1) the receiving contexts of the authors’ countries of origin (Cuba, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic) and Spain and 2) transatlantic readers through focus groups, questionnaires and ethnographic fieldwork. These analytical layers establish a comprehensive view of the cultural, linguistic, social, and political needs and expectations that are expressed through this special case of translation, including the effects of mobility on how these texts are interpreted and discussed. The integrated critique also allows for perspective-taking, such as holding up the claims made from the position of researcher against the views of other readers. Initially, identity-based approaches to these source texts are challenged for obscuring the rich literary detail they offer of migrant perspectives of social institutions and systems; however, ethnic and national identity, together with authenticity, are then found to be central when it comes to translating and reading these texts. This thesis stakes it contribution on the execution of its integrated critique, which is applicable to any case of translation, and the interdisciplinary insights it draws for translation studies, Latina/o/x studies and sociology.El objeto de estudio de esta tesis es un caso especial de traducción: la literatura anglófona de escritores de origen caribeño y latinoamericano en Estados Unidos traducida al español. Se considera este caso singular debido al entrelazamiento de las lenguas y culturas fuente y meta, lo cual dificulta una concepción de la traducción como prueba de lo ajeno. La heterogeneidad entre los lectores hispanófonos en las rutas transnacionales que pueden recorrer estas traducciones complica todavía más los supuestos basados en nociones de lo ajeno. Entonces, surge la oportunidad de desarrollar formas más empíricas de abordar los lectores de traducciones y sus prácticas de lectura, más allá de las persistentes categorías nacionales y suposiciones sobre los efectos textuales. Basándose en el método para la crítica de la traducción de Antoine Berman, esta tesis proporciona una crítica integrada de cuatro relatos de migración de escritores latinas/o/xs (Helena María Viramontes, Achy Obejas, Daisy Hernández y Junot Díaz) y sus traducciones al español. Esta crítica integrada analiza los textos fuente, las traducciones y los traductores, así como la recepción desde dos perspectivas: 1) los contextos receptores de los países de origen de los escritores (Cuba, Colombia y la República Dominicana) y de España y 2) los lectores transatlánticos a través de grupos focales, cuestionarios y trabajo de campo etnográfico. A lo largo de la tesis, estas capas analíticas se superponen para crear una visión integral de las necesidades y expectativas culturales, lingüísticas, sociales y políticas que se expresan a través de este caso especial de traducción, además de los efectos de la movilidad sobre las interpretaciones y discusiones que suscitan estos textos. Asimismo, la crítica integrada posibilita la toma de perspectivas, tal como un diálogo entre las afirmaciones hechas desde la posición de investigadora y los puntos de vista de los lectores. Al principio, se cuestionan las aproximaciones a los textos fuente basadas en la identidad, ya que ocultan ricos detalles literarios sobre perspectivas migrantes de instituciones y sistemas sociales; sin embargo, después se descubre que la identidad étnica y nacional, junto con la autenticidad, son centrales a la hora de traducir y leer estos textos. El aporte de esta tesis se concentra en el desarrollo de la crítica integrada, la cual se puede aplicar a cualquier caso de traducción, y en sus reflexiones interdisciplinarias para los estudios de traducción, los estudios latina/o/xs y la sociología.L’objecte d’estudi d’aquesta tesi és un cas especial de traducció: la literatura anglòfona d’escriptors d’origen caribeny i llatinoamericà als Estats Units traduïda al castellà. Es considera aquest cas com a especial per l’entrellaçament de les llengües i cultures font i meta, la qual cosa dificulta la concepció de traducció com a la prova de l’estranger. L’heterogeneïtat dels lectors hispanòfons en les rutes transnacionals que poden recórrer aquestes traduccions complica encara més els supòsits basats en nocions de l’estranger. Aleshores, sorgeix l’oportunitat de desenvolupar formes més empíriques d’abordar els lectors de traduccions i les seves pràctiques de lectura, més enllà de les persistents categories nacionals i suposicions sobre els efectes textuals. Basant-se en el mètode per a la crítica de la traducció d’Antoine Berman, aquesta tesi proporciona una crítica integrada de quatre relats sobre la migració dels escriptors latina/o/xs (Helena María Viramontes, Achy Obejas, Daisy Hernández i Junot Díaz), els quals han estat traduïts al castellà. Aquesta crítica integrada analitza els textos font, les traduccions i els traductors, així com la recepció des de dues perspectives: 1) els contextos receptors dels països d’origen dels escriptors (Cuba, Colòmbia i la República Dominicana) i Espanya i 2) els lectors transatlàntics a través de grups focals, qüestionaris i treball de camp etnogràfic. Al llarg de la tesi, aquestes capes analítiques se superposen per crear una visió integral de les necessitats i les expectatives culturals, lingüístiques, socials i polítiques que s’expressen a través d’aquest cas especial de traducció, a més dels efectes de la mobilitat sobre les interpretacions i discussions que susciten aquests textos. Així mateix, la crítica integrada possibilita la presa de perspectives, com ara un diàleg entre les afirmacions fetes des de la posició d’investigadora i els punts de vista dels lectors. Al principi, es qüestionen les aproximacions als textos font basades en la identitat, ja que amaguen rics detalls literaris sobre les perspectives migrants d’institucions i sistemes socials; tot i això, després es descobreix que la identitat ètnica i nacional, juntament amb l’autenticitat, són centrals a l’hora de traduir i llegir aquests textos. L’aportació d’aquesta tesi rau en el desenvolupament de la crítica integrada, la qual es pot aplicar a qualsevol cas de traducció, i en les reflexions interdisciplinàries que traça per als estudis de traducció, els estudis latina/o/xs i la sociologia.Programa de doctorat en Traducció i Ciències del Llenguatg

    A new approach to getting simulation models used in healthcare: an example from emergency care

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    Data de publicació electrònica: 28-03-2025While simulation is routinely used by practitioners in many sectors, it is still not part of the hospital manager’s standard toolkit. One of the barriers to adoption often described is lack of trust: people trust models that they were involved in developing, but not necessarily those developed for other hospitals, no matter how similar. However, generic models designed to be applicable anywhere also face challenges, as potential users may distrust this one-size-fits-all approach. This paper presents a new approach to tackling this problem. Initially a “semi-generic” model is developed, namely a model that is applicable to a small group of hospitals that have some particular feature in common, e.g., geographical location/size. The semi-generic version is then tested extensively with stakeholders, first from within the initial group of hospitals and later from outside it. Finally, based on feedback from all the stakeholders, the model is adapted to make it fully generic, i.e., applicable to any hospital. The approach is illustrated by a system dynamics model which allows users to test the system-wide impact of five evidence-based interventions for older people in hospital Emergency Departments. Initially developed for one specific region, the fully generic version can be used anywhere in England

    Electrical source imaging and intracranial recordings in epilepsy: a prospective concordance study

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    Introduction: Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disorder affecting a significant portion of the population (prevalence of 1%). Approximately one-third of epilepsy patients exhibit drug resistance, posing challenges for effective management. In this context, both focal and generalized drug-resistant epilepsies (DRE) require specialized evaluation and treatment approaches. Patients with focal DRE can benefit from resective epilepsy surgery. A critical step in this process involves thorough presurgical evaluation. Key components include and may involve: 1. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Structural brain imaging to identify potential epileptogenic lesions; 2. Neuropsychological Testing (NPS): Assessing cognitive function and identifying brain regions associated with language, memory, and other functions; 3. Video-EEG (video-electroencephalography) Monitoring: Recording brain activity during seizures to pinpoint the seizure onset zone (SOZ); 4. Functional Neuroimaging: In selected cases, additional imaging techniques (such as 18FDG-PET or SPECT scans) may be necessary to map brain epileptogenic regions. 5. Intracranial Recordings: Invasive intracranial electrode monitoring to precisely localize the epileptogenic focus. For patients with generalized DRE, palliative techniques can provide relief. These approaches aim to reduce seizure frequency and improve quality of life (Noachtar & Borggraefe, 2009). While surgical resection may not be feasible for generalized epilepsies, other interventions (such as vagus nerve stimulation, ketogenic diets, and responsive neurostimulation) can be considered. Electrical Source Imaging (ESI) is a non-invasive neuroimaging technique used to localize the sources of electrical activity in the brain, particularly useful in the study of epilepsy. It involves recording electrical signals from the scalp using electroencephalography (EEG) and applying advanced mathematical algorithms, such as inverse solutions, to estimate the spatial origin of the brain's electrical activity. This method helps clinicians to localize the SOZ or other brain regions involved in pathological activity, contributing to the diagnosis, presurgical evaluation, and treatment planning for patients with epilepsy and other neurological disorders. ESI typically integrates EEG data with anatomical information from MRI scans, improving its accuracy by mapping the electrical sources onto the patient's specific brain anatomy. Over recent years, software packages like BESA® and CURRY® have emerged for ESI. These tools utilize scalp EEG and/or MEG data to localize the epileptogenic tissue. ESI assists in identifying critical regions, including the interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs) zone and the SOZ. It aids in developing precise resection hypotheses. Recent research has explored combined techniques, such as simultaneous EEG, magnetoencephalography (MEG) (Grova et al., 2016; Murakami et al., 2016), and intracranial recordings. However, ESI alone has not undergone rigorous testing with exclusive electrical data and intracranial recordings to validate dipole localization using intracerebral electrodes. The primary goal of this doctoral thesis project is to rigorously assess the accuracy of interictal ESI of IEDs in conjunction with stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG). By validating the dipole generator localization, we aim to enhance our understanding of epileptogenic networks and improve presurgical planning. In summary, advancements in evaluation techniques and innovative imaging tools offer hope for better outcomes in epilepsy management. This research contributes to our ongoing efforts to optimize patient care and surgical decision-making. Objective: The primary goal of this study was to assess the concordance between two critical approaches in epilepsy research and diagnosis: ESI of the main cluster of IEDs and intracranial recordings (specifically SEEG). We also aimed to investigate the clinical utility of the main cluster of IEDs during the presurgical evaluation of DRE, to integrate it with direct cortical stimulation (DCS) during SEEG, and to compare it with functional neuroimaging techniques like 18 FDG-PET. By integrating these methods, we aim to enhance our understanding of epileptogenic networks and improve patient care. Materials and methods Participants: This study enrolled 33 patients diagnosed with DRE studied with simultaneous SEEG+ESI. The assessments were conducted at the epilepsy monitoring unit (EMU) of Hospital del Mar. By combining these techniques, we aim to improve our understanding of the networks involved in epilepsy and enhance clinical decision-making for this challenging patient population. Methods: After initial evaluations in the outpatient clinic, patients underwent detailed assessments, including MRI, NPS testing, and video-EEG. A specific group of these patients then received additional diagnostic procedures, such as 18FDG-PET, ictal/interictal SPECT integrated with MRI (SISCOM), functional MRI, Wada tests, and voxel-based morphometry (VBM). ESI was also conducted for these patients, and its findings were compared with other neuroimaging results. The clinical relevance of the primary cluster of IEDs was evaluated. A subset of these patients was further examined using simultaneous SEEG+ESI and DCS. The outcomes of these tests were analyzed using Cohen’s Kappa index and contingency tables and by comparing postsurgical outcomes based on the Engel Class. The effectiveness of ESI in identifying the primary cluster of IEDs during presurgical assessments was further explored and compared to the results from 18FDG-PET. Study design: Prospective cohort study followed by a retrospective review to assess the concordance and distribution of IEDs related to other neuroimaging modalities using the Cramer´s V, the agreement between ESI of IEDs and SEEG using validity measures, Cohen’s Kappa index and ROC curves, the utility of the DCS during SEEG using validity measures, and the clinical utility of the main cluster of IEDs during presurgical evaluation of DRE in comparison to 18FDG-PET scan. This investigation holds significant implications for advancing our understanding of epileptogenic networks and optimizing patient care. Results We demonstrated concordance between IEDs, as captured by ESI, and results from established imaging modalities such as MRI, 18FDG-PET, and SISCOM. This concordance was statistically significant, underscoring the value of ESI in aligning with and validating the findings from these traditional methods. We validated the precision of localization in mathematical models like Standardized Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (SLORETA) and Standardized Weighted Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (SWLORETA). These methods showed high concordance rates with MRI and functional imaging, emphasizing their reliability in pinpointing epileptogenic zones (EZ). This precision is crucial for accurately targeting therapeutic interventions in epilepsy treatment. The utility of ESI in surgical planning was another significant aspect of this thesis. We showed how ESI's capability to localize the main cluster of IEDs plays a vital role in delineating the EZ. The integration of ESI with SEEG was explored, which provided a more comprehensive understanding of the EZ. The highest Cohen’s Kappa Index was found between interictal ESI of IEDs for the Local Autoregressive Average (LAURA). Also,we found that the Standardized Shrinking Loreta Focuss (SSLOFO) and Classical Loreta Analysis Recursively Applied (CLARA) to be the most specific inverse solutions for detecting contacts involved in IEDs generation compared to SEEG. In this sense, LAURA, SWLORETA and SLORETA displayed the best ROC curves for detecting contacts without IEDs. This combination of non-invasive and invasive techniques proved optimal for enhancing surgical outcomes by offering a detailed view of the epileptic network. This work also assessed the added value of interictal ESI compared to 18FDG-PET. The findings indicated that while 18FDG-PET effectively identifies hypometabolic regions, ESI frequently includes the main cluster of IEDs within these regions. However, in some patients, the main cluster of IEDs, as demonstrated with SEEG, and later demonstrated with ESI, was localized out of the hypometabolic region. This highlights ESI's additional benefit in bridging the gap between metabolic and electrical abnormalities in the brain. Finally, the impact of ESI on surgical outcomes was rigorously evaluated, focusing on the utility of the main cluster of IEDs in the presurgical evaluation of patients with DRE. The precise localization and subsequent resection of these zones, as identified by ESI and localized with SEEG, were associated with transitioning patients to Engel Class Ia, indicating a successful surgical outcome with the patients achieving seizure freedom. Relevance Interpreting EEG results, considered the gold standard test for epilepsy diagnosis, can be intricate, especially in patients with DRE. To address this challenge, ESI employs various strategies to tackle the EEG inverse problem. The EEG inverse problem involves localizing the electro-anatomical brain source responsible for the in the scalp recorded electrical signals. ESI meticulously analyzes EEG data, considering multiple factors such as electrode placement, head geometry, and conductivity, to unravel the hidden sources. SEEG is the new gold standard and has recently emerged as the gold standard for intracranial recordings. SEEG involves implanting depth electrodes directly into the brain tissue, providing unparalleled spatial resolution. These electrodes capture neural activity at precise locations. Clinicians rely on SEEG to map the EZ, guiding treatment decisions and surgical planning. Testing ESI with SEEG complements SEEG by offering a non-invasive perspective. Integrating ESI with intracranial recordings could significantly enhance our understanding of epileptogenic tissue localization. By combining these modalities, we bridge the gap between surface EEG and deep intracranial recordings, refining our ability to pinpoint the elusive source of seizures. Clinical implications and future directions: The development of robust electrical source localization using intracranial recordings holds immense promise. In the presurgical workup of DRE patients evaluated for surgery, ESI can aid in designing implantation schemes and refining resection hypotheses. Collaborative efforts between ESI and SEEG pave the way for personalized treatment strategies, ultimately improving patient outcomes. In summary, the synergy between ESI and SEEG empowers clinicians to navigate the intricate neural landscape, unraveling the mysteries of DRE.Introduccion: La epilepsia es un trastorno neurológico prevalente que afecta a una parte significativa de la población (prevalencia del 1%). Aproximadamente un tercio de los pacientes con epilepsia presentan resistencia a los fármacos, lo que plantea desafíos para su manejo efectivo. En este contexto, tanto las epilepsias focales como generalizadas resistentes a fármacos (DRE) requieren enfoques especializados de evaluación y tratamiento. Los pacientes con DRE focal pueden beneficiarse de la cirugía resectiva de epilepsia. Un paso crítico en este proceso implica una evaluación prequirúrgica exhaustiva. Los componentes clave incluyen: Resonancia Magnética (MRI): Imágenes estructurales del cerebro para identificar posibles lesiones epileptogénicas. Pruebas Neuropsicológicas (NPS): Evaluación de la función cognitiva e identificación de regiones cerebrales asociadas con el lenguaje, la memoria y otras funciones. Video-EEG: Registro de la actividad cerebral durante las crisis para localizar la zona de inicio de las crisis (SOZ). Neuroimagen Funcional: En casos seleccionados, pueden ser necesarias técnicas de imagen adicionales (como 18FDG-PET o SPECT) para mapear regiones cerebrales epileptogénicas. Registros Intracraneales: Monitoreo invasivo con electrodos intracraneales para localizar con precisión el foco epileptogénico. En los pacientes con DRE generalizada, las técnicas paliativas pueden proporcionar alivio, reduciendo la frecuencia de las crisis y mejorando la calidad de vida (Noachtar & Borggraefe, 2009). Si bien la resección quirúrgica puede no ser factible para estas epilepsias, se pueden considerar otras intervenciones como la estimulación del nervio vago, dietas cetogénicas y neuroestimulación responsiva. Electrical Source Imaging (ESI): ESI es una técnica de neuroimagen no invasiva utilizada para localizar las fuentes de actividad eléctrica en el cerebro, especialmente útil en el estudio de la epilepsia. Consiste en registrar señales eléctricas del cuero cabelludo mediante electroencefalografía (EEG) y aplicar algoritmos matemáticos avanzados, como soluciones inversas, para estimar el origen espacial de la actividad eléctrica cerebral. Este método ayuda a los clínicos a localizar la SOZ u otras regiones cerebrales implicadas en la actividad patológica, contribuyendo al diagnóstico, la evaluación prequirúrgica y la planificación del tratamiento. En los últimos años, se han desarrollado paquetes de software como BESA® y CURRY® para ESI, que integran datos de EEG y/o MEG para localizar tejido epileptogénico. ESI ayuda a identificar regiones críticas, incluida la zona de descargas epileptiformes interictales (IEDs) y la SOZ, y desarrolla hipótesis precisas de resección. Este método, combinado con técnicas como registros intracraneales, ha mostrado potencial para mejorar la planificación quirúrgica y los resultados en el tratamiento de la epilepsia. Resumen: El objetivo principal de este estudio fue evaluar la concordancia entre ESI del principal grupo de IEDs y los registros intracraneales (específicamente SEEG). También se investigó la utilidad clínica del principal grupo de IEDs durante la evaluación prequirúrgica de DRE, integrándolo con la estimulación cortical directa (DCS) durante SEEG y comparándolo con técnicas de neuroimagen funcional como 18FDG-PET. Materiales y métodos: Participantes: Se incluyeron 33 pacientes con DRE estudiados con SEEG+ESI simultáneos, evaluados en la unidad de monitoreo de epilepsia (EMU) del Hospital del Mar. Métodos: Los pacientes fueron sometidos a evaluaciones detalladas que incluyeron MRI, NPS, y video-EEG. Un subgrupo recibió procedimientos adicionales como 18FDG-PET, SPECT ictal/interictal integrado con MRI (SISCOM), fMRI, pruebas de Wada, y morfometría basada en vóxel (VBM). Se realizó ESI para estos pacientes y sus hallazgos se compararon con otros resultados de neuroimagen. La relevancia clínica del grupo principal de IEDs se evaluó en comparación con resultados quirúrgicos basados en la Clasificación de Engel. Diseńo del estudio: Estudio prospectivo de cohortes seguido de una revisión retrospectiva para evaluar la concordancia y distribución de IEDs relacionadas con otras modalidades de neuroimagen, utilizando medidas de validez, índice de Kappa de Cohen y curvas ROC. Resultados: Se demostró concordancia estadísticamente significativa entre los IEDs capturados por ESI y los resultados de métodos de imagen tradicionales como MRI, 18FDG-PET y SISCOM. ESI mostró utilidad en la planificación quirúrgica al localizar con precisión la zona epileptogénica (EZ). Las técnicas de localización matemática como SLORETA y SWLORETA mostraron altas tasas de concordancia con MRI y neuroimagen funcional. Relevancia clinica y futura direcciones: La integración de ESI con SEEG representa una combinación poderosa para comprender redes epileptogénicas y personalizar estrategias de tratamiento, optimizando los resultados quirúrgicos y mejorando el cuidado del paciente.Programa de Doctorat en Biomedicin

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