Study And Analysis Of An Optical OFDM Based On The Discrete Hartley Transform For IM/DD Systems

Projecte fet en col.lboració amb CTTC. Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de CatalunyaOrthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is used extensively in broadband wired and wireless communication systems because it is an effective solution to inter channel. While many details of OFDM systems are very complex, the basic concept of OFDM is quite simple: data is transmi number of different frequencies, and as a result the symbol period is much longer than for a serial system with the same total data rate. Because the symbol period is longer, ISI affects at most one symbol, and equalization is simplified. In most OFDM implementations any residual ISI is removed by using a form of guard interval called a cyclic prefix

Study And Analysis Of An Optical OFDM Based On The Discrete Hartley Transform For IM/DD Systems

Projecte fet en col.lboració amb CTTC. Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de CatalunyaOrthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is used extensively in broadband wired and wireless communication systems because it is an effective solution to inter channel. While many details of OFDM systems are very complex, the basic concept of OFDM is quite simple: data is transmi number of different frequencies, and as a result the symbol period is much longer than for a serial system with the same total data rate. Because the symbol period is longer, ISI affects at most one symbol, and equalization is simplified. In most OFDM implementations any residual ISI is removed by using a form of guard interval called a cyclic prefix

Changes in mood state and recovery-stress perception after an HRV-guided running program in untrained women

To determine the effects of HRV-guided running training on mood state and recovery-stress factors in untrained women. Thirty untrained women were randomized into two groups. The CG performed a pre-defined training program while the HRVG completed their running training regarding the intensity distribution according to the parasympathetic activity. The questionnaires of perception of recovery-stress and mood state were answered pre and post-training. The CG reported reduced emotional stress (-0.8±1.3), conflicts/pressure (-0.8±0.8), and increased sleep quality (0.9±1.1), personal acceptance (0.9±1.6), self-regulation (0.8±1.3), specific recovery mean (0.6±0.9), and total recovery mean (0.4±0.7). The HRVG reported decreased general stress (-0.5±0.8), emotional stress (-0.7±1.2), social stress (-0.8±1.0), lack of energy (-0.8±0.8), general stress mean (-0.5±0.8), and increased self-regulation (0.7±1.1). This group also decreased tension (-2.8±3.7), depression (-2.7±4.2), anger (-2.8±4.4) and fatigue (-2.7±3.7) and TMD (-10.7±14.2). HRVG reduced negative scales of mood state and stress factors that were not observed in the controls.Determinar los efectos del entrenamiento de carrera guiado por la VFC sobre el estado de ánimo y los factores de recuperación-estrés en mujeres no entrenadas. Treinta mujeres sin entrenamiento fueron separadas en dos grupos al azar. El GC realizó un programa de entrenamiento predefinido, mientras que el GVFC completó su entrenamiento de carrera con respecto a la distribución de intensidad según la actividad parasimpática. Los cuestionarios de percepción de recuperación-estrés y estado de ánimo se respondieron antes y después del entrenamiento. El GC presentó una reducción del estrés emocional (-0,8±1,3), conflictos / presión (-0,8±0,8) y una mayor calidad del sueño (0,9±1,1), aceptación personal (0,9±1,6), autorregulación (0,8±1,3), media de recuperación específica (0,6±0,9) y media de recuperación total (0,4±0,7). El GVFC presentó una disminución del estrés general (-0,5±0,8), estrés emocional (-0,7±1,2), estrés social (-0,8±1,0), falta de energía (-0,8±0,8), media de estrés general (-0,5±0,8), y aumento de la autorregulación (0,7±1,1). Hubo disminución de la tensión (-2,8±3,7), depresión (-2,7±4,2), ira (-2,8±4,4), fatiga (-2,7±3,7) y TAT (-10,7±14,2) en el GVFC. El GVFC mejoró el estado de ánimo y factores de estrés que no se observaron en los controles.Determinar os efeitos do treinamento de corrida guiado pela VFC sobre o estado de humor e fatores de recuperação-estresse em mulheres não-treinadas. Trinta mulheres não-treinadas foram randomizadas em dois grupos. O GC realizou um programa de treinamento pré-definido, enquanto que o GVFC completou seu treinamento de corrida no que diz respeito à distribuição das intensidade segundo a atividade parassimpática. Os questionários de percepção da recuperação-estresse e estado de humor foram respondidos antes e após o programa de treinamento. O GC apresentou redução do estresse emocional (-0,8±1,3), conflitos/pressão (-0,8±0,8) e uma maior qualidade do sono (0,9±1,1), aceitação pessoal (0,9±1,6), auto-regulação (0,8±1,3), média da recuperação específica (0,6±0,9) e média da recuperação total (0,4±0,7). O GVFC apresentou diminuição do estresse geral (-0,5±0,8), estresse emocional (-0,7±1,2), estresse social (-0,8±1,0), falta de energia (-0,8±0,8), média do estresse geral (-0,5±0,8), e aumento da auto-regulação (0,7±1,1). Houve diminuição da tensão (-2,8±3,7), depressão (-2,7±4,2), raiva (-2,8±4,4), fadiga (-2,7±3,7) e THT (-10,7±14,2) no GVFC. O GVFC reduziu as escalas negativas de humor e fatores de estresse que não foram observados nos controles

Propriedades mecânicas de três fios de sutura no reparo do tendão do músculo flexor profundo do dedo de cães

Regarding the complexity of healing tendon and the factors that interfere with this, the aim of this study was to evaluate the comparison between the suture materials. Canine flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendons were collected from nine healthy mongreal adult dogs. The 18 thoracic FDP were randomly selected in three groups of tendons submited of tenotomy and tenorraphy using Prolene®, Nylon® e Vicryl®. The diameter 6.0 for epitendon and 4.0 for endotendon. The tendons were then repaired using one of suture material with the modified Kessler technique. The study was divided in two ensays. Ensay1: The tendons repaired were tested in Assay Universal Machine and were evaluate the biomechanical properties refering to Maximum Limit (ML), Elasticity Limit (EL), Rigidity (RG) and Resilience (RS). Ensay2: Prolene®, Nylon® e Vicryl® 6.0 and 4.0 size were tested alone. Although Vicryl® it has been the more rigid suture material, this revealed to be the most appropriate thread for the experimental tenorrafia in dogs, because among all the other appraised mechanical properties it was what obtained the best results.Considerando a complexidade da cicatrização tendínea e os fatores que interferem no fenômeno, o escopo desse trabalho foi o de avaliar comparativamente as diferenças nas propriedades biomecânicas dos materiais usualmente utilizados em tenorrafia. Para tanto tendões dos músculos flexores profundo dos dedos de cães (TMFPD) foram colhidos de nove cães mestiços adultos que vieram à óbito sem diagnóstico de lesões no aparelho locomotor. Os 18 TMFPD dos membros torácicos foram aleatoriamente selecionados em três grupos e submetidos à tenotomia e tenorrafia utilizando fios Prolene®, Nylon® e Vicryl®. Para a sutura do epitendão utilizou-se fios de diâmetro 6.0 e para o endotendão 4.0. Os tendões foram suturados com um desses materiais de sutura utilizando a técnica de Kessler modificada. O estudo foi dividido em dois ensaios: Ensaio1: Os tendões ensaiados foram testados na máquina universal de ensaios biomecânicos e as propriedades avaliadas foram: Limite Máximo (LM), Limite de Elasticidade (LE), Rigidez (RG) e Resiliência (RS). Ensaio2: os fios de mononailon, ácido poliglicólico e polipropileno nos diâmetros 6.0 e 4.0 foram testados isoladamente quanto às propriedades Limite Máximo (LM), Rigidez (RG) e Resiliência (RS). Nas condições em que foi realizado o presente estudo os resultados permitem inferir que embora o Vicryl® tenha apresentado a maior rigidez, mostrou-se o mais apropriado para tenorrafias experimentais em cães, uma vez que em todas as outras propriedades biomecânicas apontou o melhor desempenho nos testes empregados

COVID-19 Severity in Multiple Sclerosis: Putting Data Into Context

Background and objectives: It is unclear how multiple sclerosis (MS) affects the severity of COVID-19. The aim of this study is to compare COVID-19-related outcomes collected in an Italian cohort of patients with MS with the outcomes expected in the age- and sex-matched Italian population. Methods: Hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death after COVID-19 diagnosis of 1,362 patients with MS were compared with the age- and sex-matched Italian population in a retrospective observational case-cohort study with population-based control. The observed vs the expected events were compared in the whole MS cohort and in different subgroups (higher risk: Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS] score > 3 or at least 1 comorbidity, lower risk: EDSS score ≤ 3 and no comorbidities) by the χ2 test, and the risk excess was quantified by risk ratios (RRs). Results: The risk of severe events was about twice the risk in the age- and sex-matched Italian population: RR = 2.12 for hospitalization (p < 0.001), RR = 2.19 for ICU admission (p < 0.001), and RR = 2.43 for death (p < 0.001). The excess of risk was confined to the higher-risk group (n = 553). In lower-risk patients (n = 809), the rate of events was close to that of the Italian age- and sex-matched population (RR = 1.12 for hospitalization, RR = 1.52 for ICU admission, and RR = 1.19 for death). In the lower-risk group, an increased hospitalization risk was detected in patients on anti-CD20 (RR = 3.03, p = 0.005), whereas a decrease was detected in patients on interferon (0 observed vs 4 expected events, p = 0.04). Discussion: Overall, the MS cohort had a risk of severe events that is twice the risk than the age- and sex-matched Italian population. This excess of risk is mainly explained by the EDSS score and comorbidities, whereas a residual increase of hospitalization risk was observed in patients on anti-CD20 therapies and a decrease in people on interferon

DMTs and Covid-19 severity in MS: a pooled analysis from Italy and France

We evaluated the effect of DMTs on Covid-19 severity in patients with MS, with a pooled-analysis of two large cohorts from Italy and France. The association of baseline characteristics and DMTs with Covid-19 severity was assessed by multivariate ordinal-logistic models and pooled by a fixed-effect meta-analysis. 1066 patients with MS from Italy and 721 from France were included. In the multivariate model, anti-CD20 therapies were significantly associated (OR = 2.05, 95%CI = 1.39–3.02, p < 0.001) with Covid-19 severity, whereas interferon indicated a decreased risk (OR = 0.42, 95%CI = 0.18–0.99, p = 0.047). This pooled-analysis confirms an increased risk of severe Covid-19 in patients on anti-CD20 therapies and supports the protective role of interferon

Enrobages sensibles aux enzymes pour le ciblage du côlon : systèmes de libération espèce-indépendants

Le but de cette thèse est de préparer et caractériser de nouvelles formes galéniques permettant une libération ciblée du côlon. Ce projet s’inscrit dans le cadre du projet Interreg des 2 mers “Site-specific Drug Delivery” (https://www.interreg2seas.eu/fr/Site-Drug). La libération ciblée d’un principe actif au côlon peut présenter des avantages majeurs pour une thérapie médicamenteuse, par exemple si des maladies inflammatoires du côlon doivent être traitées localement. Des formes galéniques conventionnelles mènent à une libération rapide et complète du principe actif dans l’estomac et l’intestin grêle et –généralement- une absorption rapide dans la circulation sanguine. Par conséquent, les concentrations systémiques en principe actif et les effets indésirables associés peuvent être considérables. Par ailleurs, les concentrations résultantes en principe actif au site d’action (le côlon enflammé) sont faibles, résultant en une faible efficacité thérapeutique. Une forme galénique idéale pour traiter localement les maladies coliques devrait empêcher de manière efficace la libération de la substance active dans l’estomac et l’intestin grêle. En revanche, une fois le côlon atteint, la libération doit débuter et être contrôlée dans le temps (incluant -si désiré- une libération rapide et complète). Dans le cas de traitement des maladies inflammatoires du côlon (ex : maladie de Crohn et recto colique hémorragique), le principe actif est, ainsi, libéré à son site d’action, offrant des effets thérapeutiques optimaux et des effets secondaires minimisés. Différents types de systèmes de délivrance de principe actif ont été décrits dans la littérature visant à libérer de manière site-spécifique le principe actif au côlon. Souvent, le principe actif est piégé dans une matrice polymérique, ou un réservoir de principe actif (ex : des minigranules, gélules ou comprimés chargés en principe actif) est enrobé d’un film polymérique. Les polymères idéaux utilisés à cette fin sont peu perméables pour le principe actif dans la partie haute du tube digestif, mais deviennent perméables dès que le côlon est atteint. Afin de permettre une telle augmentation en principe actif, différents systèmes ont été proposés, basés notamment sur : (i) des changements de pH le long du tractus gastro-intestinal, (ii) une dégradation du polymère par des enzymes préférentiellement localisés dans le côlon, ou (iii) des changements structuraux dans les réseaux polymériques après un certain délai, tels que la formation de fissures dans des pelliculages peu perméables. Néanmoins, une attention particulière doit être payée car les conditions pathophysiologiques dans le côlon de patients souffrant de maladies inflammatoires du côlon peuvent être significativement différentes de celles chez des sujets sains(i) le pH du contenu du tractus gastro-intestinal,(ii) la qualité et la quantité de la microflore (secrétant les enzymes),(iii) les temps de transit dans les différentes sections du tractus gastro-intestinal. Ainsi, une forme galénique qui libère avec succès un principe actif dans le côlon d’un sujet sain peut échouer chez un patient. De même, la variabilité inter et intra-individuelle des effets thérapeutiques peut être considérable, si la forme galénique n’est pas adaptée de manière appropriée à l’état pathologique. L’objectif de ce projet de thèse est de développer de nouvelles formes galéniques ciblant la libération du principe actif au côlon et qui soient adaptés à l’état pathologique. La libération du principe actif sera déclenchée par des enzymes localisés au niveau du côlon, indépendamment de l’état pathologique.2. Méthodologie. Les systèmes ont été préparés par pelliculage fonctionnel de micro granules chargés en principe actif [...]The aim of this thesis is to produce and characterize novel drug delivery systems for colon targeting.This project is part of the Interreg des 2 mers “Site-specific Drug Delivery” (https://www.interreg2seas.eu/fr/Site-Drug). The site-specific delivery of drugs to the colon presents major therapeutical advantages, for example in the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases which required a local action. Conventional oral dosage forms lead to a fast and complete drug release in the stomach and small intestine and, generally, a systemic absorption into the bloodstream. Therefore, systemic concentrations of drugs and associated adverse effects can be considerable. Furthermore, the resulting concentrations of drug at the site of action (the inflamed colon) are low, resulting in low therapeutic efficacy. An ideal dosage form for the local treatment of colonic diseases should effectively prevent the release of the active substance in the stomach and small intestine. On the other hand, once the colon is reached, the release must begin and be controlled over time (including -if desired- a rapid and complete release). In the case of treatment of inflammatory diseases of the colon (e.g. Crohn's disease and haemorrhagic ulcerative colitis), the active ingredient is thus released at its site of action, offering optimal therapeutic effects and minimized side effects. Different types of drug delivery systems have been described in the literature aiming at site-specific release to the colon. Often, the drug is trapped in a polymeric matrix, or a drug reservoir (e.g. minigranules, capsules or tablets loaded with active ingredient) is coated with a polymeric film. The ideal polymers used for this purpose have low permeability for the drug in the upper part of the gastrointestinal tract, but become permeable as soon as the colon is reached. In order to allow such control delivery, various systems have been proposed, based in particular on: (i) changes in pH along the gastrointestinal tract, (ii) degradation of the polymer by enzymes preferentially located in the colon, or (iii) structural changes in the polymeric networks after a certain delay, such as the formation of cracks in low permeability films. Nevertheless, special attention should be paid because the pathophysiological conditions in the colon of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases may be significantly different from those in healthy subjects.(i) the pH of the contents of the gastrointestinal tract,(ii) the quality and quantity of microflora (secreting enzymes),(iii) transit times in different sections of the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, a galenic formulation which successfully releases an active ingredient in the colon of a healthy subject may fail in a patient. Similarly, the inter- and intra-individual variability of therapeutic effects can be considerable, if the dosage form is not appropriately adapted to the pathological state. The objective of this thesis project is to develop new galenic forms targeting the release of the active ingredient in the colon and which are adapted to the pathological state. The release of the drug will be triggered by enzymes located in the colon, regardless of the pathological state.1. Methods. The systems were prepared by functional coating of microgranules loaded with 5-ASA as drug. These systems have been characterized physico-chemically in different media simulating the gastrointestinal tract, this includes in particular exposure to media containing stools from patients with inflammatory bowel diseases as well as stools from animal models of these diseases (TNBS rats) and dog stools (healthy) under anaerobic conditions, in collaboration with INSERM U995 (Dr. Christel Neut). The main characterization technique used concerns the study of the release kinetics of systems exposed to these different release media [...

Study And Analysis Of An Optical OFDM Based On The Discrete Hartley Transform For IM/DD Systems

Projecte fet en col.lboració amb CTTC. Centre Tecnològic de Telecomunicacions de CatalunyaOrthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) is used extensively in broadband wired and wireless communication systems because it is an effective solution to inter channel. While many details of OFDM systems are very complex, the basic concept of OFDM is quite simple: data is transmi number of different frequencies, and as a result the symbol period is much longer than for a serial system with the same total data rate. Because the symbol period is longer, ISI affects at most one symbol, and equalization is simplified. In most OFDM implementations any residual ISI is removed by using a form of guard interval called a cyclic prefix

Impacto da pandemia de SARS-CoV2 no índice de massa corporal de crianças assistidas na Cidade Autônoma de Buenos Aires

Introduction: Childhood overweight and obesity are a public health problem. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to this pathology. The Body Mass Index z-score (BMI z-score) is an accepted indicator for the diagnosis and follow-up. Objectives: To evaluate whether the prevalence of overweight and obesity, and BMI z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased during the pandemic. Materials and methods: Retrospective cohort study. Patients assisted in public health facilities City of  Buenos Aires  (BA), aged 2 to 4 years, with weight and height records in two consultations, before and after the start of lockdown were included. Nutritional status (BMI z-score) and BMI z-score variation between both consultations were recorded. Results: 3866 subjects were evaluated, mean age 3.4±0.8 years; 48.1% female. The average interval between consultations was 14.3±2.5 months. The prevalence of overweight/obesity increased from 12.6% CI95% 11.6-13.6 to 20.9% CI95% 19.6-22.2; p<0.001, as did the BMI z-score (0.4±1.1 vs. 0.8±1.3; p<0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of overweight and obesity, and BMI z-score in children aged 2 to 5 years increased significantly during the pandemic.Introducción: El sobrepeso y la obesidad infantil constituyen un problema de salud pública. El inicio de la pandemia por COVID-19 pudo haber favorecido esta patología. El puntaje Z del Índice Masa Corporal (Z-IMC) es un indicador aceptado para su diagnóstico y seguimiento. Objetivos: Evaluar si la prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad, y el Z-IMC en niños de 2 a 5 años aumentó durante la pandemia. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva. Se incluyeron pacientes asistidos en efectores públicos de salud del Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (GCABA), de 2 a 4 años de edad, con registro de peso y talla en dos consultas, antes y después de haber comenzado el aislamiento social preventivo y obligatorio (ASPO). Se registró estado nutricional (Z-IMC) y variación del Z-IMC entre ambas consultas. Resultados: Se evaluaron 3866 sujetos, edad promedio 3,4±0,8 años; 48,1% mujeres. El intervalo promedio entre consultas fue 14,3±2,5 meses. La prevalencia de sobrepeso/obesidad aumentó de 12,6% IC95% 11,6-13,6 a. 20,9% IC95% 19,6-22-2; p<0,001, al igual que el Z-IMC (0,4±1,1 vs. 0,8±1,3; p <0,001). Conclusión: La prevalencia de sobrepeso y obesidad, y Z-IMC en niños de 2 a 5 años aumentó significativamente durante la pandemia.Introdução: O sobrepeso e a obesidade infantil são problemas de saúde pública. O início da pandemia de COVID-19 pode ter favorecido essa patologia. O escore Z do Índice de Massa Corporal (Z-IMC) é um indicador aceito para o diagnóstico e acompanhamento da obesidade. Objetivos: Avaliar se a prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade, e o Z-IMC em crianças de 2 a 5 anos aumentaram durante a pandemia. Material e Métodos: Estudo de coorte retrospectivo. Foram incluídos pacientes assistidos em estabelecimentos públicos de saúde do Governo da Cidade Autônoma de Buenos Aires (GCABA), de 2 a 4 anos de idade, com registro de peso e altura em duas consultas, antes e depois do início do isolamento social preventivo e obrigatório (ASPO). Foi registrado o estado nutricional (Z-IMC) e a variação do Z-IMC entre as duas consultas. Resultados: Foram avaliados 3866 indivíduos, com idade média de 3,4 ± 0,8 anos; 48,1% mulheres. O intervalo médio entre as consultas foi de 14,3 ± 2,5 meses. A prevalência de sobrepeso/obesidade aumentou de 12,6% IC95% 11,6-13,6 para 20,9% IC95% 19,6-22-2; p<0,001, assim como o Z-IMC (0,4 ± 1,1 vs. 0,8 ± 1,3; p <0,001). Conclusão: A prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade, e o Z-IMC em crianças de 2 a 5 anos aumentaram significativamente durante a pandemia