The Study of Action Observation Therapy in Neurological Diseases: A Few Technical Considerations

Action observation therapy (AOT) is a developing neurorehabilitative tool, which is based on the existence of the mirror neuron system (MNS). This neural network involves motor regions, and its main feature is that it is activated not only during the execution of an action, but also during the observation of the same action. Bearing in mind this “dual” activation, the AOT proposes that motor symptoms of different neurological disorders can improve with the observation and imitation of different actions. While several studies have shown the benefits of this therapy, others have been less favorable indicating a lack of clarity in the field. The present study focuses on previously undiscussed aspects regarding this therapy: from the kind of actions used in the therapy to the scales that should be used to measure the results of AOT. Differences and similarities between virtual reality-based therapies and AOT are also discussed. The considerations made here about all such aspects may be useful for future studies and possible applications of AOT

Neurological Manifestations of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with different neurological and psychiatric disorders, which are integrated among the extra-intestinal manifestation of this disease. The physiopathology of neurological manifestations of IBD varies among the different kind of complications. The origin and the significance of these manifestations must be understood by clinicians who manage IBD patients. Some of them are related to therapeutic agents. The present chapter consists of a review of the most prevalent neurological and psychiatric disorders associated with IBD. The physiopathology of those entities will also be discussed, as well as the appropriate management for their prevention and treatment

Implantation of 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Aneurysm Models into Cadaveric Specimens: A New Training Paradigm to Allow for Improvements in Cerebrovascular Surgery and Research.

AimTo evaluate the feasibility of implanting 3D-printed brain aneurysm model in human cadavers and to assess their utility in neurosurgical research, complex case management/planning, and operative training.MethodsTwo 3D-printed aneurysm models, basilar apex and middle cerebral artery, were generated and implanted in four cadaveric specimens. The aneurysms were implanted at the same anatomical region as the modeled patient. Pterional and orbitozygomatic approaches were done on each specimen. The aneurysm implant, manipulation capabilities, and surgical clipping were evaluated.ResultsThe 3D aneurysm models were successfully implanted to the cadaveric specimens' arterial circulation in all cases. The features of the neck in terms of flexibility and its relationship with other arterial branches allowed for the practice of surgical maneuvering characteristic to aneurysm clipping. Furthermore, the relationship of the aneurysm dome with the surrounding structures allowed for better understanding of the aneurysmal local mass effect. Noticeably, all of these observations were done in a realistic environment provided by our customized embalming model for neurosurgical simulation.Conclusion3D aneurysms models implanted in cadaveric specimens may represent an untapped training method for replicating clip technique; for practicing certain approaches to aneurysms specific to a particular patient; and for improving neurosurgical research

Implantation of 3D-Printed Patient-Specific Aneurysm Models into Cadaveric Specimens: A New Training Paradigm to Allow for Improvements in Cerebrovascular Surgery and Research

Aim. To evaluate the feasibility of implanting 3D-printed brain aneurysm model in human cadavers and to assess their utility in neurosurgical research, complex case management/planning, and operative training. Methods. Two 3D-printed aneurysm models, basilar apex and middle cerebral artery, were generated and implanted in four cadaveric specimens. The aneurysms were implanted at the same anatomical region as the modeled patient. Pterional and orbitozygomatic approaches were done on each specimen. The aneurysm implant, manipulation capabilities, and surgical clipping were evaluated. Results. The 3D aneurysm models were successfully implanted to the cadaveric specimens’ arterial circulation in all cases. The features of the neck in terms of flexibility and its relationship with other arterial branches allowed for the practice of surgical maneuvering characteristic to aneurysm clipping. Furthermore, the relationship of the aneurysm dome with the surrounding structures allowed for better understanding of the aneurysmal local mass effect. Noticeably, all of these observations were done in a realistic environment provided by our customized embalming model for neurosurgical simulation. Conclusion. 3D aneurysms models implanted in cadaveric specimens may represent an untapped training method for replicating clip technique; for practicing certain approaches to aneurysms specific to a particular patient; and for improving neurosurgical research

Analytical and experimental discussion of a circuit-based model for compact fluorescent lamps in a 60Hz power grid

This article presents an analysis and discussion on the performance of a circuit-based model for Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) in a 120V 60Hz power grid. This model is proposed and validated in previous scientific literature for CFLs in 230V 50Hz systems. Nevertheless, the derivation of this model is not straightforward to follow and its performance in 120V 60Hz systems is a matter of research work. In this paper, the analytical derivation of this CFL model is presented in detail and its performance is discussed when predicting the current of a CFL designed to operate in a 120V 60Hz electrical system. The derived model is separately implemented in both MATLAB® and ATP-EMTP® software using two different sets of parameters previously proposed for 230V 50Hz CFLs. These simulation results are compared against laboratory measurements using a programmable AC voltage source. The measurements and simulations considered seven CFLs 110/127V 60Hz with different power ratings supplied by a sinusoidal (not distorted) voltage source. The simulations under these conditions do not properly predict the current measurements and therefore the set of parameters and/or the model itself need to be adjusted for 120V 60Hz power grids.En este artículo se presenta un análisis y una discusión sobre el  comportamiento de un modelo circuital para lámparas fluorescentes compactas (CFL) en una red eléctrica de 120V 60Hz. Este modelo es propuesto y validado en trabajos previos para lámparas fluorescentes compactas en sistemas de 230V 50Hz. Sin embargo, la derivación de este modelo no es fácil de seguir y su desempeño en una red de 120V 60Hz es materia de investigación. En este trabajo, la derivación analítica de este modelo de CFL se presenta en detalle y se discute su desempeño en la predicción de la corriente consumida por una CFL en un sistema eléctrico de 120V 60Hz. El modelo derivado es implementado tanto en MATLAB® como en ATP-EMTP®, utilizando dos diferentes conjuntos de parámetros previamente propuestos para lámparas fluorescentes compactas en 230V 50Hz. Estos resultados de simulación se comparan con mediciones de laboratorio obtenidas utilizando una fuente de tensión alterna programable. Las mediciones y simulaciones consideran siete lámparas fluorescentes compactas 110/127V 60Hz con diferentes  potencias alimentadas por una fuente de tensión sinusoidal (no distorsionada). Las simulaciones bajo estas condiciones no predicen adecuadamente las mediciones realizadas y por lo tanto el conjunto de parámetros y/o el modelo necesitan ser ajustados para redes eléctricas de 120V 60Hz

Is it necessary to show virtual limbs in action observation neurorehabilitation systems?

Action observation neurorehabilitation systems are usually based on the observation of a virtual limb performing different kinds of actions. In this way, the activity in the frontoparietal Mirror Neuron System is enhanced, which can be helpful to rehabilitate stroke patients. However, the presence of limbs in such systems might not be necessary to produce mirror activity, for example, frontoparietal mirror activity can be produced just by the observation of virtual tool movements. The objective of this work was to explore to what point the presence of a virtual limb impacts the Mirror Neuron System activity in neurorehabilitation systems.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Does dysfunction of the mirror neuron system contribute to symptoms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

There is growing evidence that mirror neurons, initially discovered over two decades ago in the monkey, are present in the human brain. In the monkey, mirror neurons characteristically fire not only when it is performing an action, such as grasping an object, but also when observing a similar action performed by another agent (human or monkey). In this review we discuss the origin, cortical distribution and possible functions of mirror neurons as a background to exploring their potential relevance in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We have recently proposed that ALS (and the related condition of frontotemporal dementia) may be viewed as a failure of interlinked functional complexes having their origins in key evolutionary adaptations. This can include loss of the direct projections from the corticospinal tract, and this is at least part of the explanation for impaired motor control in ALS. Since, in the monkey, corticospinal neurons also show mirror properties, ALS in humans might also affect the mirror neuron system. We speculate that a defective mirror neuron system might contribute to other ALS deficits affecting motor imagery, gesture, language and empathy

The Caldera. No. 15

“No existe gran talento sin gran voluntad”. Honoré de Balzac. Desde la inteligencia emocional se distinguen una serie de cualidades, de aptitudes y de características que diferencian a un ser humano de otro y que nos permiten hablar de los determinados talentos que cada uno de nosotros posee. En nuestra institución, precisamente, existe un nutrido número de niños y de jóvenes talentosos en diferentes campos, a saber: La música, el teatro, la danza, el canto, los deportes, la escritura, la pintura, el diseño y, por supuesto, a nivel académico; personas sensibles al arte y a sus diferentes manifestaciones porque poseen un talento intrínseco que les permite destacarse en el medio en donde interactúan. En esta edición de “La Caldera” se pretende continuar con la labor de seguir destacando, mostrando, promoviendo algunos de los talentosos estudiantes que hacen parte de nuestra Institución. La edición también tiene como meta hacer la invitación a aquellos talentos aprendidos o innatos, pero ocultos, para que compartan con nuestra familia caldista sus dones. Es así como la institución privilegia diferentes espacios institucionales que, años tras año, han ido consolidándose como la muestra de talentos caldistas, en donde conocemos, valoramos, apreciamos y disfrutamos, precisamente, de las destrezas, de las habilidades que tienen nuestros educandos. Hagamos parte activa de estos espacios porque en la medida en la que nos involucremos, en esa medida, nuestra Institución seguirá creciendo y destacándose como una de las mejores a nivel regional y nacional.Entrevista a: William Ospina; Por: Lina maría Beltrán…04 El infinito Océano de la paz; Por: María Camila Escobar y Nicolás Espinel Martínez…05 Homenaje a Gabriel García Márquez; Por: Gisela Afanador…10 Dibujando sueños; Por: Lina maría Beltrán…14 A través de los ojos de Camila; Por: Valentina Vega…16 Expresiones Artísticas…17"There is no great talent without great will." Honoré de Balzac. From emotional intelligence, a series of qualities, aptitudes and characteristics are distinguished that differentiate one human being from another and that allow us to talk about the specific talents that each of us possesses. In our institution, precisely, there is a large number of talented children and young people in different fields, namely: music, theater, dance, singing, sports, writing, painting, design and, of course , at the academic level; people who are sensitive to art and its different manifestations because they have an intrinsic talent that allows them to stand out in the environment where they interact. In this edition of "La Caldera" it is intended to continue with the work of continuing to stand out, showing, promoting some of the talented students that are part of our Institution. The edition also aims to invite those talents learned or innate, but hidden, to share their gifts with our Caldista family. This is how the institution privileges different institutional spaces that, year after year, have been consolidated as the sample of Caldista talents, where we know, value, appreciate and enjoy, precisely, the skills, the abilities that our students have. Let's take an active part in these spaces because to the extent that we get involved, to that extent, our Institution will continue to grow and stand out as one of the best at the regional and national level

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries