Nextmed: Automatic Imaging Segmentation, 3D Reconstruction, and 3D Model Visualization Platform Using Augmented and Virtual Reality

The visualization of medical images with advanced techniques, such as augmented reality and virtual reality, represent a breakthrough for medical professionals. In contrast to more traditional visualization tools lacking 3D capabilities, these systems use the three available dimensions. To visualize medical images in 3D, the anatomical areas of interest must be segmented. Currently, manual segmentation, which is the most commonly used technique, and semi-automatic approaches can be time consuming because a doctor is required, making segmentation for each individual case unfeasible. Using new technologies, such as computer vision and artificial intelligence for segmentation algorithms and augmented and virtual reality for visualization techniques implementation, we designed a complete platform to solve this problem and allow medical professionals to work more frequently with anatomical 3D models obtained from medical imaging. As a result, the Nextmed project, due to the different implemented software applications, permits the importation of digital imaging and communication on medicine (dicom) images on a secure cloud platform and the automatic segmentation of certain anatomical structures with new algorithms that improve upon the current research results. A 3D mesh of the segmented structure is then automatically generated that can be printed in 3D or visualized using both augmented and virtual reality, with the designed software systems. The Nextmed project is unique, as it covers the whole process from uploading dicom images to automatic segmentation, 3D reconstruction, 3D visualization, and manipulation using augmented and virtual reality. There are many researches about application of augmented and virtual reality for medical image 3D visualization; however, they are not automated platforms. Although some other anatomical structures can be studied, we focused on one case: a lung study. Analyzing the application of the platform to more than 1000 dicom images and studying the results with medical specialists, we concluded that the installation of this system in hospitals would provide a considerable improvement as a tool for medical image visualization

Effect of high-Pressure processing of atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) on biochemical changes during commercial frozen storage

12 páginas, 4 tablas, 3 figurasThis research focuses on biochemical changes related to quality losses observed in Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) muscle stored under commercial frozen storage conditions (9 months, −18 °C) when subjected to high-hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatments (125, 150, 175, and 200 MPa for 0 min) before freezing. After freezing, free fatty acid (FFA) formation (lipid hydrolysis assessment) showed a marked inhibition in HHP-treated fish and during frozen storage of samples treated at 175 MPa. Fluorescence ratio (FR) assessment of tertiary lipid oxidation showed a partial inhibitory effect during the 0–9-month period for samples treated at 175 and 200 MPa. After a 3-month storage of samples treated at these pressure levels, one-dimensional SDS-PAGE analysis of the sarcoplasmic protein fraction revealed the disappearance of a band; additionally, samples treated at 150 MPa showed the same effect at month 9. After gel excision, trypsin digestion, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), and sequence database analysis, the band was identified as phosphoglycerate mutase 2 (28.7 kDa). On the other hand, HHP processing did not show a significant effect on trimethylamine (TMA) values, primary and secondary lipid oxidation, PUFA levels, 1-D myofibril protein pattern, and the activity of acid phosphatase and cathepsins B and D. Biochemical quality indices such as FFA, TMA, and FR and the activity of acid phosphatase and cathepsin B showed a progressive increase throughout the frozen storage of all samplesThe Xunta de Galicia and the European Social Fund are thankfully recognized for the financial support of the postdoctoral "Isidro Parga Pondal" contract to M. P. The Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation is also gratefully acknowledged for the doctoral fellowship to L. M.Peer reviewe

Experiences on using Arduino for laboratory experiments of Automatic Control and Robotics

The free hardware platforms have become very important in engineering education in recent years. Among these platforms, Arduino highlights, characterized by its versatility, popularity and low price. This paper describes the implementation of four laboratory experiments for Automatic Control and Robotics courses at the University of Alicante, which have been developed based on Arduino and other existing equipment. Results were evaluated taking into account the views of students, concluding that the proposed experiments have been attractive to them, and they have acquired the knowledge about hardware configuration and programming that was intended

Metodología docente para la incorporación de laboratorios virtuales en el plan de estudios del master universitario en automática y robótica

En este artículo se describe la metodología empleada para el desarrollo y coordinación de las asignaturas obligatorias del Máster Universitario en Automática y Robótica de la Universidad de Alicante. Se ha trabajado en adecuar las guías docentes a la metodología mediante el trabajo colaborativo de los distintos profesores coordinadores de las asignaturas con el objetivo de garantizar que todos los conceptos necesarios sean cubiertos y complementados entre las asignaturas, apoyándose en mapas conceptuales. Otro aspecto en el que se ha hecho un especial énfasis en la metodología propuesta ha sido introducir como parte de las actividades teóricas y/o prácticas el uso de laboratorios virtuales remotos. Los laboratorios virtuales sirven de apoyo a la teoría para mostrar simulaciones y resultados prácticos mediante la interacción con equipamiento real. Además, muchas de estas herramientas admiten que el alumnado pueda trabajar a distancia desde sus casas, lo que redunda en la posibilidad de autoaprendizaje e incluso la realización de prácticas a distancia

Synergistic effect of acetazolamide-(2-hydroxy)propyl β-cyclodextrin in timolol liposomes for decreasing and prolonging intraocular pressure levels

The purpose of this study was to design, for the first time, a co-loaded liposomal formulation (CLL) for treatment of glaucoma including timolol maleate (TM) in the lipid bilayer and acetazolamide (Acz)-(2-hydroxy)propyl β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD) complexes (AczHP) solubilized in the aqueous core of liposomes. Formulations with TM (TM-L) and AczHP (AczHP-L), separately, were also prepared and characterized. A preliminary study comprising the Acz/HPβCD complexes and their interaction with cholesterol (a component of the lipid bilayer) was realized. Then, a screening study on formulation factors affecting the quality of the product was carried out following the design of the experiment methodology. In addition, in vitro release and permeation studies and in vivo lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) studies were performed. The results of the inclusion com-plexation behavior, characterization, and binding ability of Acz with HPβCD showed that HPβCD could enhance the water solubility of Acz despite the weak binding ability of the complex. Ch disturbed the stability and solubility parameters of Acz due to the fact of its competence by CD; thus, Chems (steroid derivative) was selected for further liposome formulation studies. The optimization of the lipid bilayer composition (DDAB, 0.0173 mmol and no double loading) and the extrusion as methods to reduce vesicle size were crucial for improving the physico-chemical properties and encapsulation efficiency of both drugs. In vitro release and permeation studies demonstrated that the CLL formulation showed improvement in in vitro drug release and permeation compared to the liposomal formulations with a single drug (TM-L and AczHP-L) and the standard solutions (TM-S and AczHP-S). CLL showed high efficacy in reducing and prolonging IOP, suggesting that the synergistic effect of TM and Acz on aqueous humor retention and the presence of this cyclodextrin and liposomes as permeation enhancers are responsible for the success of this strategy of co-loading for glaucoma therapy.Junta de Andalucía 2017/CTS214Universidad de Sevilla PPI546/202

Estudio y planificación de contenidos, materiales y metodologías docentes según el EEES: Itinerario Ocio Digital (Cuarto Curso de Ingeniería Multimedia)

En esta memoria se describe el proyecto realizado para la planificación de contenidos, materiales y metodología docente, y el seguimiento de las asignaturas del itinerario de Creación y Entretenimiento digital del cuarto curso del Grado en Ingeniería Multimedia de la Escuela Politécnica Superior, como continuación del planteamiento realizado en el proyecto de la red de cuarto curso configurada en el año 2012-13 (identificador 2687). En el marco creado por los nuevos estudios dentro del EEES, el proyecto ha tenido como objetivo principal la preparación, coordinación y seguimiento de las asignaturas del citado itinerario, teniendo en cuenta la aplicación de la metodología de Aprendizaje Basado en Proyectos (ABP). A partir de la experiencia adquirida en la planificación de cursos previos, se han elaborado las guías docentes de las asignaturas ajustando las del curso anterior. También se presentan los resultados obtenidos en la primera experiencia llevada a cabo en este curso, expresados en horas de dedicación al proyecto y en grado de satisfacción tanto del alumnado como del profesorado con la metodología ABP. Por último, se ha creado una página web informativa del itinerario explicando todos los aspectos de la metodología, y se han elaborado dos artículos detallando toda la labor realizada

Teaching image and video processing with a practical cases-based methodology at the University of Alicante

At universities, the courses about computer vision and image processing have been usually taught using a classical methodology based on textbooks, notes and practical exercises which are explained on a blackboard, although sometimes the teachers use video projector and PC presentations for showing slides with static contents; mainly slides with text, figures and photos. However, this teaching model is focused in teacher instead of students and consequently, this approach is not effective when the teacher seeks to achieve cognitive objectives which involve a student's critical thinking. That is, student should be able to develop skills such as acquired knowledge about how filters, operators, methods and techniques for image processing are implemented by computer vision software libraries. Besides, student should be motived to use that background in order to solve practical and real problems in which it is advisable both a study and an analysis of features based on image processing. This manuscript will present the development, implementation, and assessment of a practical-cases-based engineering course, more specifically in image and video processing course at the University of Alicante. All course lectures and hands-on laboratory activities have the main goal that student acquires not only image-specific technical skills but also general knowledge in data analysis to discover phenomena in pixel regions of images and video frames. This way, our teaching-learning process accomplishes both knowledge assimilation and skill developments using a strategy continuous evaluation. In addition, this work will present a learning analysis based on a comparison of student results by considering the prior knowledge (at the beginning) and acquired knowledge as well as experience (at the end of the course) in issues related to specific subject. The image and video processing course is a compulsory subject of Degree in Multimedia Engineering at the University of Alicante, in Spain. It is taught during 14-week period of the third academic year and it also has a workload of 6 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) distributed as 30 hours of computer and laboratory practices and 30 hours of theory class. Nowadays, 80 students are enrolled in this course

Effect of high pressure processing of Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) on biochemical changes during commercial frozen storage

This research focuses on biochemical changes related to quality losses observed in Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) muscle stored under commercial frozen storage conditions (9 months, -18 ºC) when subjected to high-hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatments (125, 150, 175 and 200 MPa for 0 min) before freezing. After freezing, free fatty acid (FFA) formation (lipid hydrolysis assessment) showed a marked inhibition in HHP-treated fish and during frozen storage of samples treated at 175 MPa. Fluorescence ratio (FR) assessment of tertiary lipid oxidation showed a partial inhibitory effect during the 0-9-month period for samples treated at 175 and 200 MPa. After 3 months storage of samples treated at these pressure levels, one-dimensional SDS-PAGE analysis of the sarcoplasmic protein fraction revealed the disappearance of a band; while samples treated at 150 MPa showed the same effect at month 9. After gel excision, trypsin digestion, tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and sequence database analysis, the band was identified as phosphoglycerate mutase 2 (28.7 kDa). On the other hand, HHP processing did not show a significant effect on trimethylamine (TMA) values, primary and secondary lipid oxidation, PUFA levels, 1-D myofibril protein pattern and the activity of acid phosphatase and cathepsins B and D. Biochemical quality indices such as FFA, TMA, and FR, and the activity of acid phosphatase and cathepsin B showed a progressive increase throughout the frozen storage of all samples.Keywords: Lipids, Enzymes, Frozen storage, Proteins, Scomber scombrus, High pressure processingKeywords: Lipids, Enzymes, Frozen storage, Proteins, Scomber scombrus, High pressure processin

Prognostic Factors for Postoperative Chronic Pain after Knee or Hip Replacement in Patients with Knee or Hip Osteoarthritis: An Umbrella Review

Knee and hip osteoarthritis are highly prevalent in the older population. Management of osteoarthritis-related pain includes conservative or surgical treatment. Although knee or hip joint replacement is associated with positive outcomes, up to 30% of patients report postoperative pain in the first two years. This study aimed to synthesize current evidence on prognostic factors for predicting postoperative pain after knee or hip replacement. An umbrella review of systematic reviews was conducted to summarize the magnitude and quality of the evidence for prognostic preoperative factors predictive of postoperative chronic pain (&gt;6 months after surgery) in patients who had received knee or hip replacement. Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, PEDro, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases from inception up to 5 August 2022 for reviews published in the English language. A narrative synthesis, a risk of bias assessment, and an evaluation of the evidence confidence were performed. Eighteen reviews (nine on knee surgery, four on hip replacement, and seven on both hip/knee replacement) were included. From 44 potential preoperative prognostic factors, just 20 were judged as having high or moderate confidence for robust findings. Race, opioid use, preoperative function, neuropathic pain symptoms, pain catastrophizing, anxiety, other pain sites, fear of movement, social support, preoperative pain, mental health, coping strategies, central sensitization-associated symptoms, and depression had high/moderate confidence for an association with postoperative chronic pain. Some comorbidities such as heart disease, stroke, lung disease, nervous system disorders, and poor circulation had high/moderate confidence for no association with postoperative chronic pain. This review has identified multiple preoperative factors (i.e., sociodemographic, clinical, psychological, cognitive) associated with postoperative chronic pain after knee or hip replacement. These factors may be used for identifying individuals at a risk of developing postoperative chronic pain. Further research can investigate the impact of using such prognostic data on treatment decisions and patient outcomes.</p