Prediction of Subjective Refraction From Anterior Corneal Surface, Eye Lengths, and Age Using Machine Learning Algorithms

Purpose: To develop a machine learning regression model of subjective refractive prescription from minimum ocular biometry and corneal topography features. Methods: Anterior corneal surface parameters (Zernike coefficients and keratometry), axial length, anterior chamber depth, and age were posed as features to predict subjective refractions. Measurements from 355 eyes were split into training (75%) and test (25%) sets. Different machine learning regression algorithms were trained by 10-fold cross-validation, optimized, and tested. A neighborhood component analysis provided features’ normalized weights in predictions. Results: Gaussian process regression algorithms provided the best models with mean absolute errors of around 1.00 diopters (D) in the spherical component and 0.15 D in the astigmatic components. Conclusions: The normalized weights showed that subjective refraction can be predicted by only keratometry, age, and axial length. Increasing the topographic description detail of the anterior corneal surface implied by a high-order Zernike decomposition versus adjustment to a spherocylindrical surface is not reflected as improved subjective refraction prediction, which is poor, mainly in the spherical component. However, the highest achievable accuracy differs by only 0.75 D from that of other works with a more exhaustive eye refractive elements description. Although the chosen parameters may have not been the most efficient, applying machine learning and big data to predict subjective refraction can be risky and impractical when evaluating a particular subject at statistical extremes. Translational Relevance: This work evaluates subjective refraction prediction by machine learning from the anterior corneal surface and ocular biometry. It shows the minimum biometric information required and the highest achievable accuracy.Objetivo: El desarrollo de un modelo de regresión de aprendizaje automático prescripción refractiva subjetiva a partir de las características mínimas de la biometría ocular y la superficie corneal. Métodos: Los parámetros de la superficie corneal anterior (coeficientes de Zernike y queratometría), además de longitudes axiales y de cámara anterior, edades y las refracciones subjetivas no ciclopléjicas de 355 ojos se dividieron en un conjunto de entrenamiento (75%) y otro de test (25%) y se entrenaron diferentes algoritmos de regresión de aprendizaje automático mediante validación cruzada 10 veces, se optimizaron y se probaron sobre el conjunto test. Resultados: Los algoritmos de regresión del proceso gaussiano proporcionaron los mejores modelos con un error absoluto medio fue de alrededor de 1.00 D en el componente esférico y de 0.25 D en los componentes astigmáticos. Conclusiones: Los pesos normalizados mostraron que la refracción subjetiva puede predecirse utilizando únicamente la queratometría, la edad y la longitud axial como características. El aumento del detalle de la descripción topográfica de la superficie corneal anterior que supone una descomposición de Zernike de alto orden frente al ajuste a una superficie esferocilíndrica realizado por queratometría no se refleja en una mejora de la predicción de la refracción subjetiva, que es pobre, en cualquier caso, principalmente en el componente esférico. Sin embargo, la máxima precisión alcanzada difiere en sólo 0,75 D de la de otros trabajos con una descripción más exhaustiva de los elementos refractivos del ojo. De todos modos, el aprendizaje automático y los datos masivos aplicados a la predicción de la refracción subjetiva pueden ser arriesgados y poco prácticos cuando se evalúa a un sujeto concreto en los extremos estadísticos, aunque los parámetros elegidos puedan no haber sido los más ineficaces. Relevancia Traslativa: El trabajo evalúa la predicción de la refracción subjetiva mediante aprendizaje automático a partir de la superficie corneal anterior y la biometría ocular, mostrando la mínima información biométrica requerida y la máxima precisión alcanzable

In-season training periodization of professional soccer players

The aim of this study was to quantify the seasonal perceived respiratory and muscular training loads (i.e., sRPEres-TL and sRPEmus-TL) completed by elite-oriented young professional soccer players. Twenty four players (20.3 +/- 2.0 years) belonging to the same reserve team of a Spanish La Liga club participated in this study. Only the players that were available to train for a whole week with the team and also to play the weekly game were considered: Starters, players that participated in the match for at least 45 min and NonStarters, players that did not participate or played less than 45 minutes in the match. The competitive period was analysed after the division into 5x6-8 week blocks and 35x1 week microcycles. Data were also analysed with respect to number of days before the immediate match. Weekly TL variation across the in-season blocks was trivial-small for both groups except between Block 2 and Block 3 (ES= moderate). Substantial TL differences (ES= small-very likely) were found between training days, the TL pattern being a progressive increase up to MD-3 followed by a decrease until MD-1. Except for the match, sRPEres-/sRPEmus-TL was very similar between Starters and Non-Starters. In summary, perceived TL across the season displayed limited variation. Coaches periodized training contents to attain the highest weekly TL 72 hours before the match to progressively unload the players between MD-3 and the match day. The data revealed that the TL arising from the weekly game was solely responsible for the observed higher weekly TL of Starters in comparison with Non-Starters

Enhanced Connectivity of Quantum Hardware with Digital-Analog Control

Quantum computers based on superconducting circuits are experiencing rapid development, with the aim to outperform classical computers in certain useful tasks in the near future. However, the currently available chip fabrication technologies limit the capability of gathering a large number of high-quality qubits in a single superconducting chip, a requirement for implementing quantum error correction. Furthermore, achieving high connectivity in a chip poses a formidable technological challenge. Here, we propose a hybrid digital-analog quantum algorithm that enhances the physical connectivity among qubits coupled by an arbitrary inhomogeneous nearest-neighbor Ising Hamiltonian and generates an arbitrary all-to-all Ising Hamiltonian only by employing single-qubit rotations. Additionally, we optimize the proposed algorithm in the number of analog blocks and in the time required for the simulation. These results take advantage of the natural evolution of the system by combining the flexibility of digital steps with the robustness of analog quantum computing, allowing us to improve the connectivity of the hardware and the efficiency of quantum algorithmThe authors acknowledge support from Spanish Government PGC2018-095113-B-I00 (MCIU/AEI/FEDER, UE) and Basque Government IT986-16. The authors also acknowledge support from the projects QMiCS (820505) and OpenSuperQ (820363) of the EU Flagship on Quantum Technologies, as well as from the EU FET Open project Quromorphic (828826). This material is also based upon work supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Advance Scientific Computing Research (ASCR), under field work Proposal No. ERKJ33

Comparison of a qualitative immunochromatographic test with two quantitative serological assays for the detection of antibodies to Leishmania infantum in dogs

Canine leishmaniosis is a disease caused by Leishmania infantum, a vector-borne parasite. Due to the zoonotic potential of canine leishmaniosis, infected dogs must be identified. Serological assays are the most common methods for the detection of L. infantum infection in dogs used in veterinary practice. The aim of the study was to assess the performance of a rapid immunochromatographic test (FASTest LEISH (R), MEGACOR Diagnostik) for the detection of specific antibodies to that of the L. infantum in dog sera. The results were simultaneously compared using a commercial brand of indirect immunofluorescence antibody test and an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as references. Between the two reference tests, 232 serum samples out of 244, produced concordant results while 12 exhibited discordant results. Of the 232 concordant samples, 121 were classified as L. infantum seropositive, and 111 samples were previously classified as L. infantum seronegative by a combination of the reference assays. All samples that were seropositive by the reference tests were also positive according to the rapid test, and only one sample that was seronegative according to the two reference assays was positive according to the rapid test. Compared with the reference tests, the rapid test sensitivity was 100%, specificity was 99.1%, accuracy was 99.6%, Cohen''s kappa coefficient was 0.99, and the area under receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.995. The FASTest LEISH (R) is a rapid, qualitative in-clinic test with high sensitivity and specificity

Monitoring perceived respiratory and muscular exertions and physical fitness in young professional soccer players during a 32-week period

The aim of this study was to examine the association of perceived respiratory and muscular exertions and associated training load (TL) for monitoring changes in several aerobic fitness and neuromuscular performance parameters during 32 weeks of soccer training in young professional players. Twenty male soccer players (age=20.6±1.8 years, body height=1.80±.06 m, body mass=73.6±6.7 kg) belonging to the same reserve team of a Spanish La Liga Club participated in this study. Countermovement jump (CMJ), CMJ with arm swing, linear sprint running (over 5 m and 15 m) and an aerobic fitness running test were performed at the start of the pre-season (Test 1) and 32 weeks later (Test 2). During these eight months, after each training session and match, players rated their perceived exertion (sRPE) separately for respiratory (sRPEres) and leg musculature (sRPEmus) effort. Training load was calculated by multiplying the sRPE value by the duration of each training session or match. Accumulated training and match volume (i.e., time) and associated respiratory and muscular training loads were negatively correlated with the changes in aerobic fitness performance after 32 weeks of training (r=-.53/-.62). In addition, accumulated perceived respiratory load was negatively correlated with the changes in 15 m sprint performance (r=-.51/-.53). A high practice volume (time) and associated respiratory and leg muscular TL can impair the long-term improvement of aerobic fitness and sprint performance in professional soccer players

Corneal Stability following Hyperopic LASIK with Advanced Laser Ablation Profiles Analyzed by a Light Propagation Study

Purpose. To assess anterior corneal surface stability 12 months following hyperopic LASIK correction with a light propagation algorithm. Setting. Vissum Instituto Oftalmológico de Alicante, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain. Methods. This retrospective consecutive observational study includes 37 eyes of 37 patients treated with 6th-generation excimer laser platform (Schwind Amaris). Hyperopic LASIK was performed in all of them by the same surgeon (JLA) and completed 12-month follow-up. Corneal topography was analyzed with a light propagation algorithm, to assess the stability of the corneal outcomes along one year of follow-up. Results. Between three and twelve months postoperatively, an objective corneal power (OCP) regression of 0.39 D and 0.41 D was found for 6 mm and 9 mm central corneal zone, respectively. Subjective outcomes at the end of the follow-up period were as follows: 65% of eyes had spherical equivalent within ±0.50 D. 70% of eyes had an uncorrected distance visual acuity 20/20 or better. 86% of eyes had the same or better corrected distance visual acuity. In terms of stability, 0.14 D of regression was found. No statistically significant differences were found for all the study parameters evaluated at different postoperative moments over the 12-month period. Conclusions. Light propagation analysis confirms corneal surface stability following modern hyperopic LASIK with a 6th-generation excimer laser technology over a 12-month period.This publication has been carried out in the framework of the Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), reference number RD12/0034/0007 and RD16/0008/0012, financed by the Instituto Carlos III-General Subdirection of Networks and Cooperative Investigation Centers (R&D&I National Plan 2008-2011) and the European Regional Development Fund (Fondo europeo de desarrollo regional FEDER.This publication has been carried out in the framework of the Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), reference number RD12/0034/0007

An interdisciplinary design of an interactive cultural heritage visit for in-situ, mixed reality and affective experiences

Interactive technologies, such as mixed-reality and natural interactions with avatars, can enhance cultural heritage and the experience of visiting a museum. In this paper, we present the design rationale of an interactive experience for a cultural heritage place in the church of Roncesvalles at the beginning of Camino de Santiago. We followed a participatory design with a multidisciplinary team which resulted in the design of a spatial augmented reality system that employs 3D projection mapping and a conversational agent acting as the storyteller. Multiple features were identified as desirable for an interactive experience: interdisciplinary design team; in-situ; mixed reality; interactive digital storytelling; avatar; tangible objects; gestures; emotions and groups. The findings from a workshop are presented for guiding other interactive cultural heritage experiences. © 2022 by the authors.This research was funded by the R & D projects of the Government of Navarra under grant agreement No 0011-1365-2021-000063

Incidencia de Flebitis asociada a Catéteres Centrales de Inserción Periférica en UCI Adultos: Implementación de un Protocolo para Enfermería

Phlebitis incidence related to peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs): New nursing protocol application. Phlebitis is one of the most common complications of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). The scientific evidence about the utility of measuring scales to phlebitis diagnosis is very limited. Objectives: Compare phlebitis incidence rate before and after the introduction of a new protocol.Materials and Methods: Retrospective cohort study in 159 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for two years. First we assess phlebitis in 59 patients (group 1). After that we apply a new protocol to identify phlebitis with visual score and continuous evaluation to 100 patients (group 2) Results: the probability of being diagnosed of phlebitis is significantly smaller in group 2 (or: 0.009, i.c. 95% 0,01-0,52)Conclusions: the protocol application reduced the diagnosis of phlebitis in 90%Justificación: La flebitis es una de las complicaciones mas frecuentes de los Catéteres Centrales de Inserción Periférica. La evidencia científica sobre la utilidad de las escalas de medición para el diagnostico de flebitis es escasa. Objetivos: Comparar la incidencia de flebitis antes y después de la implementación de un protocolo.Material y métodos: Estudio de cohortes retrospectivo en 159 pacientes ingresados en UCI, a los que se les ha colocado un PICC, en dos periodos equivalentes de dos años consecutivos, Periodo 1 (n=59); frente a un grupo del Periodo 2 (n=100) en el que se aplicó un nuevo protocolo para el diagnóstico y manejo de flebitis (definición de flebitis, aplicación de la Visual Infusion Phlebitis Score y valoración continua).Resultados: El riesgo de ser diagnosticado de flebitis fue significativamente menor en el P2 (OR: 0.09, I.C.95% 0.01-0.52)Conclusiones: La incorporación del protocolo redujo un 90% los diagnósticos de flebitis.