Magnetic Properties of the Metamagnet Ising Model in a three-dimensional Lattice in a Random and Uniform Field

By employing the Monte Carlo technique we study the behavior of Metamagnet Ising Model in a random field. The phase diagram is obtained by using the algorithm of Glaubr in a cubic lattice of linear size $L$ with values ranging from 16 to 42 and with periodic boundary conditions.Comment: 4 pages, 6 figure

Daily locomotion recognition and prediction: A kinematic data-based machine learning approach

More versatile, user-independent tools for recognizing and predicting locomotion modes (LMs) and LM transitions (LMTs) in natural gaits are still needed. This study tackles these challenges by proposing an automatic, user-independent recognition and prediction tool using easily wearable kinematic motion sensors for innovatively classifying several LMs (walking direction, level-ground walking, ascend and descend stairs, and ascend and descend ramps) and respective LMTs. We compared diverse state-of-the-art feature processing and dimensionality reduction methods and machine-learning classifiers to find an effective tool for recognition and prediction of LMs and LMTs. The comparison included kinematic patterns from 10 able-bodied subjects. The more accurate tools were achieved using min-max scaling [-1; 1] interval and 'mRMR plus forward selection' algorithm for feature normalization and dimensionality reduction, respectively, and Gaussian support vector machine classifier. The developed tool was accurate in the recognition (accuracy >99% and >96%) and prediction (accuracy >99% and >93%) of daily LMs and LMTs, respectively, using exclusively kinematic data. The use of kinematic data yielded an effective recognition and prediction tool, predicting the LMs and LMTs one-step-ahead. This timely prediction is relevant for assistive devices providing personalized assistance in daily scenarios. The kinematic data-based machine learning tool innovatively addresses several LMs and LMTs while allowing the user to self-select the leading limb to perform LMTs, ensuring a natural gait.This work was supported in part by the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) with the Reference Scholarship under Grant SFRH/BD/108309/2015 and SFRH/BD/147878/2019, by the FEDER Funds through the Programa Operacional Regional do Norte and national funds from FCT with the project SmartOs under Grant NORTE-01-0145-FEDER-030386, and through the COMPETE 2020—Programa Operacional Competitividade e Internacionalização (POCI)—with the Reference Project under Grant POCI-01-0145-FEDER-006941

Potential cost-savings due to the application of a center of excellence care model in rheumatoid arthritis in Colombia

To evaluate the economic efficiency of a Center of Excellence (CoE) care model for rheumatic diseases located in Bogotá-Colombia. Biomab CoE is based on an adaptation of Colombian clinical practice guideline for the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Care standards are defined by the severity of the disease (DAS28), involving an interdisciplinary team and differential types and frequencies of health services for each level of severity [remission, low (LDA), moderate (MDA) and severe disease activity (SDA)]. A cost-analysis was conducted to analyze the health economic impact after the application of a CoE model in a cohort of RA patients followed during a year. Mean, minimum, and maximum treatment costs were calculated at different moments in time: baseline, follow-up at month six, and after a year. This was done by multiplying the number of patients at each cut-off by the estimated cost per stage of the disease, according to the recommendations of the Colombian Institute of Health Technology Assessment. Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel® and R. All estimated costs were expressed in United States dollars, using the average exchange rate from January to December of 2018, reported by Banco de la República de Colombia: US$1=$2,951.3 Colombian pesos(COP). As preliminary results, 968 patients were followed during a year. At the beginning of the follow-up, treating all patients in the CoE with an integral attention would cost COP$1,808,096,027 ($1,440,179,796-$3,601,084,711). Same number of patients treated at month six of follow-up would cost COP$1,377,186,140 ($1,127,818,822-$2,570,342,964), and COP$1,147,370,864 ($949,470,612-$2,090,941,567) after a year of follow-up. Treating these patients in a CoE means potential cost-savings of up to COP$660,725,163 annually. As patients are treated in the CoE for RA, their health outcomes improve from severe disease activity status to low disease activity and remission, saving costs to the Colombian health system

Alternative Approaches in Development of Heterogeneous Titania-Based Photocatalyst

Three alternative approaches for the development of heterogeneous photocatalysts are comparatively evaluated, namely (i) the use of molecular imprinting concept for the development of heterogeneous catalysts employing rhodamine B as template and sol–gel as synthesis route; (ii) the impregnation of TiCl4 on mixed nano- and micro-metric silicas, followed by calcination; (iii) the use of industrial and academic chemical residues as source of potential photocatalyst species impregnated on supports. All tests were carried on with rhodamine B as target molecule. For comparative reasons, photocatalytic tests were carried out with commercial titania (P25). The solids were characterized by nitrogen porosimetry, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), zeta potential (ZP), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy in the ultraviolet region (DRS-UV), diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transmission spectroscopy (DRIFTS), and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). The supported catalysts resulting from silica nanoparticles and residue of the petrochemical industry achieved higher percentage of the dye degradation under ultraviolet (68.0 and 66.8%, respectively) radiation. The industrial waste reached the highest photocatalytic activity under visible (61%) radiation, while the commercial P25 achieved 82.0and 12.3% for ultraviolet and visible radiation, respectively. The textural and structural characteristics of the supported catalyst prepared with fumed silica and petrochemical waste (SiPe), namely the low-energy bandgap (1.8 eV), large surface area (280 m2 g−1), high pore volume (1.9 cm3 g−1), and high zeta potential value (−36.4 mV), may have been responsible for their high activity

How expensive is treating patients in a center of excellence for rheumatoid arthritis in Colombia?

We aimed to estimate the cost of treating patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a Center of Excellence (CoE) for rheumatic diseases located in Bogotá, Colombia. We performed a cost analysis from the standard cost estimation of a CoE program for RA care. We estimated costs of consultations, laboratory and imaging tests, and pharmacological treatment from the measurement of the health care resource utilization of the CoE standard protocol according to the activity level of the disease (DAS28). Costing process was done following the recommendation of the Colombian Institute of Health Technology Assessment (IETS, in Spanish). Mean, minimum and maximum costs were reported annually for a type case depending on severity and classified as Remission, low disease activity (LDA), moderate disease activity (MDA) and severe disease activity -SDA- (with and without bDMARD). All costs were reported in American dollars, using the average exchange rate from January to December of 2018, reported by Banco de la República de Colombia: US$1 =$2,951.3 Colombian pesos. Mean total direct medical cost to treat a patient in remission is US$235.7 (213.0-336.4), in LDA is US325.2 (288.0-464.6) and in MDA is US$835.5 ($573.1-$2,187.1). There is a considerable increase in direct medical costs from a patient in SDA and SDA+Biologics: US$2,555.5 ($2,301.1-$3,890.9) to US$8,032.4 ($7,564.4-$8,400.3). The largest share of the cost was related to drugs, representing 39.9% for Remission, 53.6% for LDA, 75.2 for MDA, and in SDA and SDA+Biologics the proportion of what is spent on drugs for RA treatment is 88.5% and 96.7%, respectively. As the severity of the disease increases, the expenditure rate on drugs rises over the total of each activity level. With the introduction of the biological therapy, the treatment of RA is expensive, however, the CoE is an efficient way of care for RA

Effect of an extract of Centella asiatica on the biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate (Na^99mTcO₄) and on the fixation of radioactivity on blood constituents

This study evaluates the effects of an acute treatment with a Centella asiatica (CA) extract on the biodistribution of the radiopharmaceutical Na99mTcO4 and on the fixation of technetium-99m on blood constituents. Wistar rats were treated with CA extract and, 1 hour after, Na99mTcO4 was administered; organs/tissues were withdrawn and weighted. The radioactivity was counted to calculate the percentage of activity per gram (%ATI/g). Also, blood samples were withdrawn, plasma (P), blood cells (BC), insoluble fraction (IF) and soluble fractions of P and BC were isolated and the radioactivity was counted to calculate the percentage of activity (%ATI). Data indicated that the acute treatment with CA extract changed significantly (p99mTcO4 and the fixation of the technetium-99m on blood constituents in an acute treatment

Quality of life and the relationship with family income in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives: To evaluate the quality of life (QoL) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using the Quality of life in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RAQol) questionnaire. Also, to explore its relationship with income in patients attended at a specialized RA center in Bogotá, Colombia, 2018. Methods: We performed a descriptive study. The RAQol version in Spanish was applied to RA patients. The scale of the RAQol has a score from 1-10, where 10 is associated with better QoL. We excluded patients with psychological or psychiatric disorders. We asked about the monthly family income according to the Colombian minimum wage. Descriptive epidemiology was performed for each variable. A comparison of means regarding age and RAQol score was carried out. Therefore, we performed a bivariate analysis in order to explore the relationship between income and QoL, reporting Odds Ratios (OR) and confidence intervals 95% (CI95%). Results related to family income were reported in US$with the average exchange rate for 2018. Results: We interviewed 310 patients, 92$265, 47% between US$266- US$530, 9% between US$531-US$795 and 3% more than US$1300. Patients with an income greater than US$531 per/month had a higher average score in the RAQoL scale (7.1, SD5.5). The relationship of having a score lower than 6 in the RAQoL and a monthly income lower than US$530 showed an OR of 2.48 IC95% (0.99-6.22) (P=0.03). Conclusions: Our study showed that patient with a low income reports a lower QoL. Further research is needed to evaluate the alternatives that can improve QoL in patients with RA

Characteristics and monetary compensation of caregivers for patients with rheumatic conditions

Musculoskeletal disorders (MD) are highly prevalent conditions that affect quality of life. MD cause physical and psychological dependence. Usually, the care of a patient with MD is assumed by a caregiver. The aim of this study was to describe the sociodemographic characteristics and the monetary remuneration associated to the care of a patient with MD. A cross sectional study was carried out in order to estimate the monetary remuneration related to the health care of patients with MD. A survey was applied to caregivers of patients with MD. Demographic data was collected. We asked about the relationship with the patient, the time as a caregiver and all data related to the monetary compensation. Descriptive epidemiology was done. We reported monetary data in American Dollars (USD) using the average exchange rate for 2018. We surveyed 132 caregivers. Mean age was 52 years [standard deviation 19], 72% were women, 78% were taking care of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, 12% osteoarthrosis 2% lupus, and 2% osteoporosis. The remaining 6% were caregivers of patients with ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia and Sjogren syndrome. Regarding the time as a caregiver, 48% had less than a year, 16% between two and three years, 18% more than three years, 13% more than four years, and 5% were temporarily caregivers. In our study, 85% of caregivers were a family member, while 15% a nurse or a non-related person. Regarding the compensation, 97% did not receive any salary or payment for being caregiver, the remaining 3% received between 265 and 530 USD per month. Our study demonstrated that the care for patients with MD is mainly assumed by family members. Our results agree with other studies in chronic conditions where only a small proportion of caregivers is paid. Caregivers should be considered for the health system

Costs and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with biologic dmards: findings in a real-life setting

Objectives: Biological DMARDs have demonstrated to modify the natural course of the disease through the inhibition of specific molecules of the immune and inflammatory responses. The objective of our study is to describe the use of biological therapy, disease activity and costs related to the treatment of patients with RA in a real-life setting in Colombia. Methods: Patients were analyzed retrospectively for 36 months and followed-up under T2T standards with a multidisciplinary approach. DAS28 was used as main clinical outcome. We included patients with severe or moderate disease activity using biological therapy. We described the percentage of patients who reached low disease activity or remission. Most expensive biological therapies were described and costed. Costs were reported in US dollars at the official rate of exchange for December 2018. Statistical analyses were done in Microsoft Excel. Results: We followed-up 1054 patients during three years, 85% were female, mean age was 57 years (SD 7.7). At the beginning of the follow-up, 52% of patients were in MDA and 48% in SDA. The most used treatment regime was certolizumab (24.57%) followed by etanercept (16.51%) and abatacept (12.81%). At the end of the follow-up, 92% patients achieved remission. Regarding costs, the most expensive therapy per/ year was etanercept (USD $12,522.70) followed by golimumab ($11,535.00) and (adalimumab). When we calculated the average cost for all biological therapy and then compared to the number of patients who achieved remission, the costs during three years to achieve remission was $27,738,839.54 USD. Conclusions: Our study showed that biological therapy is effective when is used under a T2T strategy and with a multidisciplinary approach. However, it is an expensive option that might be used in adherent patients and candidates who met the profile for prescribing this type of pharmacological therapy, especially in developing countries where the health budgets are limited