Does symptom recognition improve self-care in patients with heart failure? A pilot study randomised controlled trial

Patients with heart failure have difficulty in self-care management, as daily monitoring and recognition of symptoms do not readily trigger an action to avoid hospital admissions. The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of a nurse-led complex intervention on symptom recognition and fluid restriction. A latent growth model was designed to estimate the longitudinal effect of a nursing-led complex intervention on self-care management and quality-of-life changes in patients with heart failure and assessed by a pilot study performed on sixty-three patients (33 control, 30 intervention). Patients in the control group had a higher risk of hospitalisation (IRR 11.36; p < 0.001) and emergency admission (IRR 4.24; p < 0.001) at three-months follow-up. Analysis of the time scores demonstrated that the intervention group had a clear improvement in self-care behaviours (beta Slope. Assignment_group = -0.881; p < 0.001) and in the quality of life (beta Slope. Assignment_group = 1.739; p < 0.001). This study supports that a nurse-led programme on symptom recognition and fluid restriction can positively impact self-care behaviours and quality of life in patients with heart failure.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Ceftriaxone modulates the acute corticosterone effects in local field potentials in the primary somatosensory cortex of anesthetized mice

Stress responses are associated with elevations in corticosterone levels and, as a consequence, increases in glutamate in the central nervous system which can lead to neurological impairment. Ceftriaxone promotes glutamate transport and has been used to reduce glutamate toxicity, but so far it is not known whether ceftriaxone is able to reverse the effects of corticosterone administration. Here we describe the separate and combined effects of acute ceftriaxone and acute corticosterone administration in local field potentials (LFPs) recorded from the somatosensory cortex (S1) of anesthetized mice. For this, LFPs were recorded from groups of anesthetized mice injected with saline, corticosterone, ceftriaxone, or both. Comparison of global state maps, and their displacements, as measured by ratios of different frequency bands (Ratio 1: 0.5–20 Hz/0.5–45 Hz; and Ratio 2: 0.5–4.5 Hz/0.5–9 Hz) revealed distinct and opposite effects for corticosterone and for ceftriaxone. Corticosterone specifically increased the displacement in Ratio 2, while ceftriaxone decreased it; in addition, when both corticosterone and ceftriaxone were injected, Ratio 2 displacement values were again similar to those of the control group. The present results suggest that ceftriaxone and corticosterone modulate specific frequency bands in opposite directions and reveal a potential role for ceftriaxone in counteracting the effects of corticosterone.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Thertact-System: A Virtual Reality Exoskeleton Gait Training Simulator Controlled by Brain-Computer Interface

This paper presents a developer’s overview of the Thertact system that combines virtual reality, brain-computer-interface and thermal-tactile stimulation in a gait training simulator for a reha- bilitation protocol focused in promoting neurological recovery in spinal cord injured patients. We describe each part of the system, with special focus on aspects that have impact on the resulting overall sense of embodiment. The system comprises innovative aspects, such as the simulation of exoskeleton gait movement and thermal-tactile haptic feedback, and have shown promising results on a first case study with one patient in real hospital setting

Method for positioning and rehabilitation training with the ExoAtlet® powered exoskeleton

Exoskeletons for locomotion, support, or other uses are becoming more common. An increasing number of studies are demonstrating relevant results in rehabilitation. Here we describe the steps required to properly place and train patients in ExoAtlet ® powered exoskeletons (Moscow, Russia), for which there is currently limited information available. These steps combine actions related to the hardware, software, as well as safety, rehabilitation, and psycho-emotional state of the subject. Training starts with a general preparation of the environment, the equipment, and the patient. When the actual training program begins, the patient needs to gradually learn to perform the different actions that will be required to control the exoskeleton. Initially, training requires transferring weight between legs to guarantee adequate equilibrium control. Then, actions assisted by computer-controlled motors begin, namely: standing up, walking in place, moving small distances and sitting down. As the patient becomes comfortable with the exoskeleton and the cardiovascular system becomes adjusted to the upright position, training can then include walking over longer distances, inclined planes, opening doors, and climbing stairs.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Neurophysiological correlates of tactile width discrimination in humans

Introduction: Tactile information processing requires the integration of sensory, motor, and cognitive information. Width discrimination has been extensively studied in rodents, but not in humans. Methods: Here, we describe Electroencephalography (EEG) signals in humans performing a tactile width discrimination task. The first goal of this study was to describe changes in neural activity occurring during the discrimination and the response periods. The second goal was to relate specific changes in neural activity to the performance in the task. Results: Comparison of changes in power between two different periods of the task, corresponding to the discrimination of the tactile stimulus and the motor response, revealed the engagement of an asymmetrical network associated with fronto-temporo-parieto-occipital electrodes and across multiple frequency bands. Analysis of ratios of higher [Ratio 1: (0.5–20 Hz)/(0.5–45 Hz)] or lower frequencies [Ratio 2: (0.5–4.5 Hz)/(0.5–9 Hz)], during the discrimination period revealed that activity recorded from frontal-parietal electrodes was correlated to tactile width discrimination performance between-subjects, independently of task difficulty. Meanwhile, the dynamics in parieto-occipital electrodes were correlated to the changes in performance within-subjects (i.e., between the first and the second blocks) independently of task difficulty. In addition, analysis of information transfer, using Granger causality, further demonstrated that improvements in performance between blocks were characterized by an overall reduction in information transfer to the ipsilateral parietal electrode (P4) and an increase in information transfer to the contralateral parietal electrode (P3). Discussion: The main finding of this study is that fronto-parietal electrodes encoded between-subjects’ performances while parieto-occipital electrodes encoded within-subjects’ performances, supporting the notion that tactile width discrimination processing is associated with a complex asymmetrical network involving fronto-parieto-occipital electrodes.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Translation and cross-cultural adaptation of quality of life scale in patients with onychomycosis

(1) Background: Onychomycosis (OM) is a fungal nail infection, considered a risk factor for diabetic foot ulcers. It is associated with changes in quality of life, in terms of pain, self-confidence and self-esteem. The aim was to translate and adapt the OM quality of life questionnaire “OnyCOE-t™–Quality Of Life Questionnaire Onychomycosis (Nail Fungal Condition)”. (2) Methods: This study followed the guidelines proposed by Beaton et al. (2000), where two English to Portuguese translations were performed and, after an expert consensus, a common version was obtained. This was followed by two back-translations. The expert committee achieved semantic equivalence, idioms and concepts. The pre-test was applied to 49 people. The final version and processed data were sent to the authors. (3) Results: We adapted terms semantically, modified statements syntactically, altering items from interrogative to affirmative. (4) Conclusions: The translated version of the “Quality of life–Onychomycosis” questionnaire suggested that it can be used for further studies to test validity and reliability in this population.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Racionalização do processo de desenho : coordenação e gestão de projectos de construção para edifícios de habitação de custo controlado

Tradicionalmente cada projecto de construção é encarado como um trabalho único. Isto diz respeito ao desenho de construção, às tecnologias usadas e às relações entre as organizações que participam no projecto. A construção funciona assim com uma indústria de protótipos e consequentemente o seu nível de industrialização é muito baixo, quando comparado com as outras actividades. A organização dos projectos de construção está dividida em partes fortemente seccionadas. Por um lado, as diferentes tarefas e responsabilidades dos projectistas e da empresa de construção, por outro lado, o modelo de construção com base em projectos detalhados sobre desenhos e especificações de materiais, componentes e métodos construtivos, levaram a uma situação em que a escolha pelo preço inicial mais baixo, por contraposição ao preço mais baixo para o utilizador, se tornou a regra. Este método de trabalho é olhado como normal, apesar de ser responsável pelo baixo nível de inovação tecnológica. A existência de um enorme conjunto de sistemas, códigos e diferentes standards em vigor em todos os países industrializados, mais não faz do que aumentar estas características da indústria da construção. A aplicação do Performance Based Building Concept, proposto pelo International Council for Research and Innovation in Building, define o uso de requisitos para o edifício construído e isto significa ter como objectivo o produto final, mais do que os meios para lá chegar. Descreve edifícios com base em um objectivo de qualidade que deve ser atingido e não em soluções técnicas ou descrição de materiais. É proposto que estes novos regulamentos e códigos sejam aplicados em todas as áreas de desenho, componentes, tecnologias e ambiente construído. A aplicação deste modelo conduzirá a obtenção de benefícios substanciais e custos mais baixos, com efeitos significativos na redução do desperdício de recursos. Facilitará também o relacionamento internacional na área da construção. A questão central na dissertação é como definir o novo papel, dos arquitectos e dos outros projectistas nesta nova situação. O modelo proposto está ancorado numa identificação clara de todas as actividades do desenho de edifícios para construção. O processo de desenho deve ser detalhado e desenvolvido de modo a que não existam actividades menos esclarecidas. Os procedimentos a cumprir devem ser conhecidos e consensuais para todos os membros da equipa de modo a que todos executem as tarefas tendo como objectivo o resultado final. Este modelo de trabalho permite maior liberdade e espaço para adopção de novas soluções e proporcionará aos arquitectos a possibilidade de fazerem o seu trabalho de uma forma mais eficiente e inovadora, adoptando permanentemente e como regra, uma metodologia de projecto vincadamente experimental. As soluções standard passam a ter um prazo de utilidade mais curto e rapidamente deixam de poder ser utilizadas. Será necessário mais tempo de trabalho e mais energia para o desenho. Como é dito no “Workplan for Performance Based Building”, Wim Bakens, CIB Julho 2001, é possível que leve algum tempo até que as equipas de projecto se habituem a trabalhar, tendo como base o cumprimento de requisitos de qualidade do edifício. Envolverá também um esforço considerável de adaptação para o projectista, negociar com o construtor a materialização do projecto/desenho, tecnologias e materiais, mas a longo prazo será muito útil para todos os intervenientes no processo da construção, a possibilidade de utilização comum deste método de trabalho, de modo a que cada grupo profissional interveniente no processo da construção, fazendo aquilo que melhor sabe, contribua para a obtenção, a custos mais baixos, de melhores construções.Traditionally each construction project is dealt with, as a unique work. This concerns the design and the construction project, the technologies to be applied and the rules between the organizations that have a role to play in the project. As a result the level of industrialization and the level of technological innovation in the building industry are low, as compared to many other industries. The organization of construction projects is strongly broken in several parts. The separate tasks and responsabilities of the architect, the other members of the design team and the construction firm on the one side and the traditional tendering for construction based on a detailed design with specification of materials, components and construction technologies, on the other side, have lead to a situation in which the choice for the lowest initial price, for opposition to lower user’s cost, is the rule. This method of working is regarded as normal in spite of its responsability for no existence of options for technological innovation. The prescriptive of building systems, codes and standards in place in all industrialized countries, enforce the traditional characteristics of the construction industry. The application of the Performance Based Building Concept, proposed for the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building, it will define the use performance requirements of a building, and this means the orientation on ends rather than means. It describes buildings on the basis of the target performance rather than solutions and technical specifications. Those new regulatory systems and codes must be applied on a general view over the different interrelated levels of design, components, technologies and environment. This application will provide substantial benefits to the end user, lower costs and better quality, with positive effects for the waste control. It will also increase international trading in the building industry. The main question for this text is how to define the role as architect and designer in this new situation. The model proposed is anchored in a clear identification of all activities of the building design. The design process must be as detailed as possible that it can be acceptable to enchain activities without incertitude. The proceedings must also be agreeable and consensual for all the team members, to know all details and do the work looking at the final product. As the performance concept offers more freedom and space for innovative design, it will help the architect to do his job more efficiently and more rewardingly. Standard solutions may not be acceptable anymore and more energy will be needed for the design. As it is said in “Workplan for Performance Based Building”, Wim Bakens, CIB July 2001, it may take time for the design team to get used to explaining design decisions in terms of performance requirements. It may also take considerable adaptation to leave the materialisation of the design, materials and technologies to the contractor, but in the long run, it will be helpful that all the intervenients in the buiding process can use performance based language and that each group can do the part of the process that he is best geared to do

Les droits disciplinaires des fonctions publiques : « unification », « harmonisation » ou « distanciation ». A propos de la loi du 26 avril 2016 relative à la déontologie et aux droits et obligations des fonctionnaires

The production of tt‾ , W+bb‾ and W+cc‾ is studied in the forward region of proton–proton collisions collected at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.98±0.02 fb−1 . The W bosons are reconstructed in the decays W→ℓν , where ℓ denotes muon or electron, while the b and c quarks are reconstructed as jets. All measured cross-sections are in agreement with next-to-leading-order Standard Model predictions.The production of $t\overline{t}$, $W+b\overline{b}$ and $W+c\overline{c}$ is studied in the forward region of proton-proton collisions collected at a centre-of-mass energy of 8 TeV by the LHCb experiment, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 1.98 $\pm$ 0.02 \mbox{fb}^{-1}. The $W$ bosons are reconstructed in the decays $W\rightarrow\ell\nu$, where $\ell$ denotes muon or electron, while the $b$ and $c$ quarks are reconstructed as jets. All measured cross-sections are in agreement with next-to-leading-order Standard Model predictions

Test of lepton universality in b→sℓ+ℓ−b \rightarrow s \ell^+ \ell^- decays

The first simultaneous test of muon-electron universality using $B^{+}\rightarrow K^{+}\ell^{+}\ell^{-}$ and $B^{0}\rightarrow K^{*0}\ell^{+}\ell^{-}$ decays is performed, in two ranges of the dilepton invariant-mass squared, $q^{2}$. The analysis uses beauty mesons produced in proton-proton collisions collected with the LHCb detector between 2011 and 2018, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 9 $\mathrm{fb}^{-1}$. Each of the four lepton universality measurements reported is either the first in the given $q^{2}$ interval or supersedes previous LHCb measurements. The results are compatible with the predictions of the Standard Model.Comment: All figures and tables, along with any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://cern.ch/lhcbproject/Publications/p/LHCb-PAPER-2022-046.html (LHCb public pages

Precision measurement of CP\it{CP} violation in the penguin-mediated decay Bs0→ϕϕB_s^{0}\rightarrow\phi\phi

A flavor-tagged time-dependent angular analysis of the decay $B_s^{0}\rightarrow\phi\phi$ is performed using $pp$ collision data collected by the LHCb experiment at % at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV, the center-of-mass energy of 13 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 6 fb^{-1}. The $\it{CP}$-violating phase and direct $\it{CP}$-violation parameter are measured to be $\phi_{s\bar{s}s} = -0.042 \pm 0.075 \pm 0.009$ rad and $|\lambda|=1.004\pm 0.030 \pm 0.009$, respectively, assuming the same values for all polarization states of the $\phi\phi$ system. In these results, the first uncertainties are statistical and the second systematic. These parameters are also determined separately for each polarization state, showing no evidence for polarization dependence. The results are combined with previous LHCb measurements using $pp$ collisions at center-of-mass energies of 7 and 8 TeV, yielding $\phi_{s\bar{s}s} = -0.074 \pm 0.069$ rad and $|lambda|=1.009 \pm 0.030$. This is the most precise study of time-dependent $\it{CP}$ violation in a penguin-dominated $B$ meson decay. The results are consistent with $\it{CP}$ symmetry and with the Standard Model predictions.Comment: All figures and tables, along with any supplementary material and additional information, are available at https://cern.ch/lhcbproject/Publications/p/LHCb-PAPER-2023-001.html (LHCb public pages