Closed-loop deep brain stimulation based on a stream-clustering system

Idiopathic Parkinsons disease (PD) is currently the second most important neurodegenerative disease in incidence. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) constitutes a successful and necessary therapy; however, the continuous stimulation it provides can be associated with multiple side effects. DBS uses an implanted pulse generator that delivers, through a set of electrodes, electrical stimulation to the target area, normally the Sub Thalamic Nucleus. Recently, Closed-loop DBS has emerged as a promising new strategy, where the device stimulates only when necessary, thereby reducing any adverse effects. Here, we present a Closed-loop DBS system for PD, which is able to recognize, with 100% accuracy, when the patient is going to enter into the tremor phase, thus allowing the device to stimulate only in such cases. The expert system has been designed and implemented within the data stream mining paradigm, suitable for our scenario since it can cope with continuous data of a theoretical infinite length and with a certain variability, which uses the synchronization among the neural population within the Sub Thalamic Nucleus as the continuous data stream input to the system.Depto. de Psicología Experimental, Procesos Cognitivos y LogopediaDepto. de MedicinaFac. de PsicologíaFac. de MedicinaTRUEpu

El Feto, un Paciente que Espera

La preocupación sobre la salud fetal surge en nuestra sociedad a medida que se conoce que una de las causas fundamentales de las muertes prenatales es debida a las malformaciones y enfermedades fetales. En este artículo, se entrega información relevante sobre este tema que es de alta complejidad. Las preguntas que surgen frente a estos hechos son:¿Cómo y cuando enferma un feto?, ¿Cómo se pueden prevenir estas enfermedades o bien curarlas?, ¿Que se puede hacer frente a un feto enfermo? El objetivo de nuestro artículo es aportar información sobre un tema no bien conocido pero que, de una u otra forma, interesa a cada uno de nosotros

Densities and phase equilibria of hydrogen, propane and vegetable oil mixtures. Experimental data and thermodynamic modeling

Heterogeneous catalytic gas-liquid reactions are intensified when carried out in the homogenous fluid phase by means of a supercritical co-solvent. For instance, supercritical propane is used to enhance yield in the hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Besides phase equilibrium knowledge, volumetric information is also needed to elucidate kinetic mechanisms and design continuous supercritical reactors. In this work, we report new experimental PvT data of the reactive mixture H2+sunflower oil+propane using the isochoric method. In addition, the phase equilibria and PvT data are modeled with the GCA and RK-PR equations of state, respectively. The isochoric method not only provides PvT information under the reaction conditions, but also the reactive system compressibility, key variable to attain enhanced transport properties in the supercritical reactors.Fil: Hegel, Pablo Ezequiel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química; ArgentinaFil: Cotabarren, Natalia Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química; ArgentinaFil: Brignole, Esteban Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química; ArgentinaFil: Pereda, Selva. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Bahía Blanca. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química. Universidad Nacional del Sur. Planta Piloto de Ingeniería Química; Argentina. University of KwaZulu-Natal; Sudáfric

Molecular interaction of BMP-4, TGF-β, and estrogens in lactotrophs: Impact on the PRL promoter

The regulatory role of estrogen, bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4), and TGF-β has a strong impact on hormone secretion, gene transcription, and cellular growth of prolactin (PRL)-producing cells. In contrast to TGF-β, BMP-4 induces the secretion of PRL in GH3 cells. Therefore, we studied the mechanism of their transcriptional regulation. Both BMP-4 and TGF-β inhibited the transcriptional activity of the estrogen receptor (ER). Estrogens had no effect on TGF-β-specific Smad protein transcriptional activity but presented a stimulatory action on the transcriptional activity of the BMP-4-specific Smads. BMP-4/estrogen cross talk was observed both on PRL hormone secretion and on the PRL promoter. This cross talk was abolished by the expression of a dominant-negative form for Smad-1 and treatment with ICI 182780 but not by point mutagenesis of the estrogen response element site within the promoter, suggesting that Smad/ER interaction might be dependent on the ER and a Smad binding element. By serial deletions of the PRL promoter, we observed that indeed a region responsive to BMP-4 is located between -2000 and -1500 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site. Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed Smad-4 binding to this region, and by specific mutation and gel shift assay, a Smad binding element responsible site was characterized. These results demonstrate that the different transcriptional factors involved in the Smad/ER complexes regulate their transcriptional activity in differential ways and may account for the different regulatory roles of BMP-4, TGF-β, and estrogens in PRL-producing cells. Copyright © 2009 by The Endocrine Society.Fil:Giacomini, D. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina.Fil:Páez-Pereda, M. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales; Argentina

Retinoic acid stimulates meningioma cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix and inhibits invasion

Meningiomas are tumours derived from the arachnoid and pia mater. During embryogenesis, these membranes develop from the migrating craniofacial neural crest. We have previously demonstrated that meningiomas have characteristic features of embryonic meninges. Craniofacial neural crest derivatives are affected during normal development and migration by retinoic acid. We speculated, therefore, that meningioma cell migration and invasion would be affected in a similar way. In this study we investigated the mechanisms of invasion and migration in meningiomas and the effects of retinoic acid (RA). We found that low doses of RA inhibit in vitro invasion in meningioma cells, without affecting cell proliferation or viability. The matrix metalloproteinases MMP-2 (72 kDa gelatinase) and MMP-9 (92 kDa gelatinase), which play a key role in invasion in other tumours, are not affected by RA. RA inhibits cell migration on collagen I and fibronectin. A possible mechanism for these effects is provided by the fact that RA strongly stimulates adhesion of meningioma cells to extracellular matrix substrates. As in vitro invasion, migration and decreased adhesion to the extracellular matrix correlate with the clinical manifestation of tumour invasion, we conclude that RA induces a non-invasive phenotype in meningioma cells. © 1999 Cancer Research Campaig

A Cyfip2-Dependent Excitatory Interneuron Pathway Establishes the Innate Startle Threshold

\u27\u27This project was a collaboration with labs at the University of Pennsylvania, North Carolina State University, University of Wisconsin at Madison, and Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and featured senior thesis work by Haverford Biology alum Ben Miltenberg \u2717.\u27\u27 -- author-supplied abstract

Classification of Dairy Farms and Identification of their Weaknesses by the PRAGACC System

Fourteen dairy farms from the Basic Unit of Cooperative Production (UBPC) Patria o Muerte in Camagüey, Cuba, were classified by the PRAGACC system and their principal weaknesses were detected in order to implement mitigation measures. In all farms, deficiencies concerning management of ecosystem elements were detected (subsystem I, natural resources); out of them, five farms were impaired in two variables, six in three variables, and three in four variables. Among the principal deficiencies identified for this subsystem, water availability and its inadequate use, lack of trees on grasslands, and insufficient endogenous sources as alternatives for cattle feeding were the most evident. Regarding subsystem II (others resources), six farms showed an inefficient production process mainly associated with absence of initiatives in finding energy sources and the non-utilization of certain materials for biofertilizers manufacturing. Two other farms were identified as the most affected, thus demanding a higher priority in measures implementation. PRAGACC also increased the likelihood of a priority arrangement for the remaining farms

Vol. 1 Núm. 02 (2021): Lenguas Radicales. El Lenguaje Como Espacio de Tensión

Lenguas Radicales, revista de lingüística, que esta actualmente alojada en la Vicerrectoría de Investigación y Posgrado (VRIP) de la Universidad de Atacama. Es una revista digital de libre acceso, sometida a revisión de pares, cuyo objetivo es promover la reflexión y el debate interdisciplinario en torno al lenguaje como objeto de debate, estudio, conflicto y problematización en contextos diversos por medio de investigaciones originales nacionales e internacionales. Sus líneas de investigaciones se enfocan en áreas de la lingüística y las disciplinas que contribuyen a la comprensión de ella, como lo son la filosofía, la educación, las ciencias sociales, las humanidades, la historia, la literatura, entre otras. Se aceptan contribuciones que provean una crítica sistemática a las actuales estructuras de poder sobre las lenguas, desafíos hacia él o convenciones previas de él. Lenguas Radicales acepta artículos y reseñas bibliográficas, estudios de caso, análisis teóricos, propuestas metodológicas, estados del arte y editoriales en español e inglés para su publicación semestral

PRIMER REGISTRO DE UNA ABERRACIÓN MARRÓN PARA EL CORMORÁN NEOTROPICAL NANNOPTERUM BRASILIANUM DE MÉXICO

En esta nota, reportamos un caso de aberración del plumaje en el cormorán neotropical Nannopterum brasilianum. Se registró la presencia de un color atípico en el plumaje de un individuo observado en un humedal del norte de México. El ave presentaba una aberración marrón, en la que el color negro original fue sustituido por tonos marrón claro y beige pálido. Observamos el ave alimentándose junto a otros cormoranes con una coloración normal y no mostró comportamientos diferentes. La documentación de fenotipos aberrantes es importante para determinar su frecuencia y patrones geográficos de aparición, especialmente en aves acuáticas con distribuciones geográficas extensas como N. brasilianum. Esta observación representa el primer reporte de aberración de plumaje marrón en esta especie

Minimally Invasive Mitral Valve Repair: From Total Endoscopic To Closed-Chest Robotic

Minimally invasive cardiac surgery has evolved over the past few decades, thanks to advancements in technology and surgical techniques. These advancements have allowed surgeons to perform cardiac interventions through small incisions, reducing surgical trauma and improving patient outcomes1. However, despite these advancements, thoracoscopic mitral repair has not been widely adopted by the cardiac surgery community, possibly due to the lack of familiarity with video-assisted procedures1. Over the years, various minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (MIMVS) techniques have been developed to achieve comparable or better results while minimizing surgical trauma. These techniques have evolved from direct-vision procedures performed through a right thoracotomy with a rib retractor to video-directed approaches using long-shafted instruments1. Robotic surgery, introduced in the late 90s, has also played a significant role in mitral valve repair. The da Vinci system, the only robotic platform currently used for cardiac surgery, provides surgeons with enhanced dexterity and high-definition 3D visualization, allowing for precise and accurate procedure2, and is now the preferred approach for mitral repair in many programs3. The first mitral repair using the da Vinci system was performed in Europe by Carpentier and Mohr in 1998, followed by the first mitral replacement by Chitwood in the USA in 20002-4. The advantages of robotic technology allow surgeons to perform complex repair techniques such as papillary muscle repositioning and sliding leaflet plasty4. Studies have shown that robotic mitral surgery results in shorter ICU and hospital stays, better quality of life postoperatively, and improved cosmesis compared to conventional surgery5,6. In our experience, we have also observed significant benefits with robotic surgery, including reduced blood loss and the need for transfusions. This can be attributed to the closed-chest technique, which eliminates the need for a thoracotomy and rib retractor, reducing the risk of bleeding associated with these approaches7. In this article, we will compare the surgical steps of endoscopic and robotic mitral valve repair, providing detailed information on patient selection, operative techniques, and the requirements for building a successful program. By understanding the advantages and challenges of both approaches, surgeons can make informed decisions and provide the best possible care for their patients. Combined ablation and multivalvular procedures are mostly performed in few centers by minimally invasive techniques.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio