Sex Determination in the Contemporary Chilean Population by Mandible Analysis in Panoramic Radiographies / Estimación Sexual de la Población Chilena Contemporánea Mediante Análisis de la Mandíbula en Radiografías Panorámicas

SUMMARY: Sex identification of a deceased human individual by means of the mandible is very important for forensic dentistry. The aim of the present study was to determine the sex of Chilean individuals by mandible analysis in panoramic radiographies. Linear and angular parameters of the mandible were analyzed from panoramic radiographies (PR). The study included PR of adult Chilean individuals, of both sexes, with optimum solution and contrast, and which allowed the angles and rami of the mandible to be viewed. Sex was determined by univariate and bivariate discriminant function analysis. The sample consisted of 594 PR of individuals aged between 18 and 84 years. The best sex predictor using univariate discriminant function analysis was the mandibular ramus height (MRH) (74.1 %), followed by the distance from the mental foramen - mandibular base (DMF-MB) (69.1 %) and the bicondylar breadth (BC) (66.7 %). The parameters that presented the lowest sex prediction were the angle of the mandible (AM) with 55.0 % and the distance between mental foramina (DMF) with 53.7 %. The best sex prediction was obtained by the step model of discriminant function analysis (80.2 %), including only three parameters: MRH, BC and DMF-MB. The parameters height of the mandibular ramus, bicondylar breadth and distance from the mental foramen - base of the mandible are good predictors of sex in Chilean individuals when used in conjunction; they are therefore indicated for sex determination in the contemporary Chilean population.

La identificación humana de un individuo fallecido a través de la mandíbula es muy relevante para la odontología forense. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar el sexo de individuos Chilenos a través del análisis de la mandíbula, utilizando radiografías panorámicas. Fueron analizados parámetros lineales y angulares de la mandíbula, a través de radiografías panorámicas (RP). Se incluyeron RP de individuos chilenos adultos, ambos sexos, con solución y contraste óptimos, y que permitían la visualización de los ángulos y ramas de la mandíbula. Se realizó análisis por función discriminante univariada y bivariada para estimación del sexo. Fueron incluidas 594 RP de individuos entre 18 y 84 años. Para el análisis de función discriminante univariado, la altura de la rama mandibular (ARM) fue el parámetro más predictivo (74,1 %), seguido de la distancia foramen mentoniano - base de la mandíbula (DFM-BM) (69,1 %) y el ancho bicondilar (ABCo) (66,7 %). Los parámetros que presentaron menor predicción sexual fueron el ángulo de la mandíbula (AM) con un 55,0 % y la distancia inter-forámenes mentonianos (DIFM), con el 53.7 %. El análisis por pasos fue el modelo de análisis de función discriminante que presentó la mayor predicción sexual (79,5 %), en el cual fueron incluidos sólo tres parámetros: ARM, ABCo y DFM-BM. Los parámetros altura de la rama de la mandíbula, ancho bicondilar y distancia desde el foramen mentoniano hasta la base de la mandíbula son buenos predictores del sexo en individuos Chilenos cuando utilizados en conjunto y están indicados para estimar el sexo en la población chilena contemporánea.

Application of Sphenoid Sinus Morphological Characteristics in Sex Estimation Based on Magnetic Resonance Imaging Images / Aplicación de las Características Morfológicas del Seno Esfenoidal en la Estimación del Sexo Basada en Imágenes de Resonancia Magnética

SUMMARY: Sex determination of unknown persons plays an important role in forensic science. As most bones used for sex determination are recovered in incomplete state, it is often necessary to use bones that are recovered intact e.g., the sphenoid sinus. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of sphenoid sinuses dimensions for sex determination using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images in Chinese adults. MRI images of 79 sphenoid sinuses (from 44 men and 35 women) were retrospectively selected. The height, anterior-posterior diameter, area, and perimeter were measured in the midsagittal view of the sphenoid sinuses. All data were subjected to descriptive and discriminative functional analysis with unpaired t-test and canonical discriminant. Comparison between male and female groups showed significant statistical differences regarding the height, anterior-posterior diameter, area, and perimeter of sphenoid sinuses. The predictive accuracy rate of the sphenoid sinus to identify sex was 63.6 % in males and 62.9 % in females with an overall accuracy of 63.3 %. This study proposed the importance of sexual dimorphism of sphenoid sinus dimensions, especially if other methods are not available. It suggested using MRI in forensics science thus obviating the complete dependence on the usage of conventional computed tomography (CT) and facilitating the study of forensic anatomy at the level of soft tissue.

La determinación del sexo de personas desconocidas juega un papel importante en la ciencia forense. Como la mayoría de los huesos utilizados para la determinación del sexo se recuperan en un estado incompleto, a menudo es necesario utilizar huesos recuperados intactos, por ejemplo, el seno esfenoidal. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el valor diagnóstico de las dimensiones de los senos esfenoidales para la determinación del sexo utilizando imágenes de resonancia magnética en individuos adultos chinos. Se seleccionaron retrospectivamente imágenes de resonancia magnética de 79 senos esfenoidales (de 44 hombres y 35 mujeres). La altura, el diámetro anteroposterior, el área y el perímetro de los senos esfenoidales, se midieron en vista mediana sagital. Todos los datos se sometieron a análisis funcional descriptivo y discriminativo con prueba t no pareada y discriminante canónico. La comparación entre los grupos de hombres y mujeres mostró diferencias estadísticas significativas en cuanto a la altura, el diámetro anteroposterior, el área y el perímetro de los senos esfenoidales. La tasa de precisión predictiva del seno esfenoidal para identificar el sexo fue del 63,6 % en hombres y del 62,9 % en mujeres, con una precisión general del 63,3 %. Este estudio propuso la importancia del dimorfismo sexual de las dimensiones del seno esfenoidal, especialmente si no se dispone de otros métodos. Se sugiere utilizar la resonancia magnética en la ciencia forense, obviando así la dependencia total del uso de la tomografía computarizada convencional y facilitando con esto el estudio de la anatomía forense a nivel de los tejidos blandos.

Sex Determination by the Machine Learning Algorithms Through Using Morphometric Measurements of the Carpal, Metacarpal, and Phalangeal Bones / Determinación del Sexo Mediante Algoritmos de Aprendizaje Automático Mediante el Uso de Mediciones Morfométricas de los Huesos del Carpo, el Metacarpo y las Falanges

SUMMARY: In the study, it was aimed to predict sex from hand measurements using machine learning algorithms (MLA). Measurements were made on MR images of 60 men and 60 women. Determined parameters; hand length (HL), palm length (PL), hand width (HW), wrist width (EBG), metacarpal I length (MIL), metacarpal I width (MIW), metacarpal II length (MIIL), metacarpal II width (MIIW), metacarpal III length (MIIL), metacarpal III width (MIIIW), metacarpal IV length (MIVL), metacarpal IV width (MIVW), metacarpal V length (MVL), metacarpal V width (MVW), phalanx I length (PILL), measured as phalanx II length (PIIL), phalanx III length (PIIL), phalanx IV length (PIVL), phalanx V length (PVL). In addition, the hand index (HI) was calculated. Logistic Regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), K-nearest neighbour (KNN) and Naive Bayes (NB) were used as MLAs. In the study, the KNN algorithm's Accuracy, SEN, F1 and Specificity ratios were determined as 88 %. In this study using MLA, it is understood that the highest accuracy belongs to the KNN algorithm. Except for the hand's MIIW, MIIIW, MIVW, MVW, HI variables, other variables were statistically significant in terms of sex difference.

En el estudio, el objetivo era predecir el sexo a partir de mediciones manuales utilizando algoritmos de aprendizaje automático (MLA). Las mediciones se realizaron en imágenes de RM de 60 hombres y 60 mujeres. Parámetros determinados; longitud de la mano (HL), longitud de la palma (PL), ancho de la mano (HW), ancho de la muñeca (EBG), longitud del metacarpiano I (MIL), ancho del metacarpiano I (MIW), longitud del metacarpiano II (MIIL), ancho del metacarpiano II (MIIW), longitud del metacarpiano III (MIIL), ancho del metacarpiano III (MIIIW), longitud del metacarpiano IV (MIVL), ancho del metacarpiano IV (MIVW), longitud del metacarpiano V (MVL), ancho del metacarpiano V (MVW), longitud de la falange I (PILL), medido como longitud de la falange II (PIIL), longitud de la falange III (PIIL), longitud de la falange IV (PIVL), longitud de la falange V (PVL). Además, se calculó el índice de la mano (HI). Regresión logística (LR), Random Forest (RF), Análisis discriminante lineal (LDA), K-vecino más cercano (KNN) y Naive Bayes (NB) se utilizaron como MLA. En el estudio, las proporciones de precisión, SEN, F1 y especificidad del algoritmo KNN se determinaron en un 88 %. En este estudio que utiliza MLA, se entiende que la mayor precisión pertenece al algoritmo KNN. Excepto por las variables MIIW, MIIIW, MIVW, MVW, HI de la mano, otras variables fueron estadísticamente significativas en términos de diferencia de sexo.

Qualitative Histologic Assessment vs. Geomorphometric Analysis of Nerve Fiber Shape after the Intraneural Application of Liposomal Bupivacaine / Evaluación Histológica Cualitativa Versus Análisis Geomorfométrico de la Forma de la Fibra Nerviosa Después de la Aplicación Intraneural de Bupivacaína Liposomal

SUMMARY: The preserved form of all components of the nerve fiber is a prerequisite for the proper conduction of the nerve impulse. various factors can change the shape of nerve fibers. In everyday practice, qualitative histological analysis is the gold standard for detecting changes in shape. Geometric morphometry is an innovative method that objectively enables the assessment of changes in nerve fibers' shape after local anesthetics action. A total of sixty sciatic nerves were used as material, which was intraneural injected with saline solution in the control group (n=30), and a solution of 1.33 % liposomal bupivacaine (n=30) in the test group. After the animals were sacrificed, nerve samples were taken and histological preparations were made. The preparations were first described and examined using a qualitative histological method, after which digital images were made. The images were entered into the MorphoJ program and processed using the method of geometric morphometry. Qualitative histological examination revealed no differences in nerve fibers after intraneurally applied physiological solution and liposomal bupivacaine. Using the method of geometric morphometry, a statistically significant change in the shape of axons was found after intraneurally applied saline solution and liposomal bupivacaine (p=0.0059). No significant differences in histological changes were found after the qualitative histological analysis of nerve fiber cross-section preparations. A statistically significant change in the shape of nerve fiber axons was observed after geometric morphometric analysis of digital images after intraneural application of saline and liposomal bupivacaine.

La forma conservada de todos los componentes de la fibra nerviosa es un requisito previo para la conducción correcta del impulso nervioso. Varios factores pueden cambiar la forma de las fibras nerviosas. En la práctica diaria, el análisis histológico cualitativo es el estándar de oro para detectar cambios de forma. La morfometría geométrica es un método innovador que permite evaluar objetivamente los cambios en la forma de las fibras nerviosas después de la acción de los anestésicos locales. Se utilizó como material un total de sesenta nervios ciáticos, que se inyectaron intraneuralmente con solución salina en el grupo control (n=30), y una solución de bupivacaína liposomal al 1,33 % (n=30) en el grupo de prueba. Después de sacrificados los animales, se tomaron muestras de nervios y se realizaron preparaciones histológicas. Primero se describieron y examinaron las preparaciones utilizando un método histológico cualitativo, después de lo cual se tomaron imágenes digitales. Las imágenes fueron ingresadas al programa MorphoJ y procesadas mediante el método de morfometría geométrica. El examen histológico cualitativo no reveló diferencias en las fibras nerviosas después de la aplicación intraneural de solución fisiológica y bupivacaína liposomal. Usando el método de morfometría geométrica, se encontró un cambio estadísticamente significativo en la forma de los axones después de la aplicación intraneural de solución salina y bupivacaína liposomal (p = 0,0059). No se encontraron diferencias significativas en los cambios histológicos después del análisis histológico cualitativo de las preparaciones de secciones transversales de fibras nerviosas. Se observó un cambio estadísticamente significativo en la forma de los axones de las fibras nerviosas después del análisis de morfometría geométrica de imágenes digitales después de la aplicación intraneural de solución salina y bupivacaína liposomal.

Reference Values and Sensitivity for Different Body Fat Variables Measured by Bioimpedance Method in Female Athletes in Individual Sports: Discriminative and Comparative Study / Valores de Referencia y Sensibilidad para Diferentes Variables de Grasa Corporal Medidas por el Método de Bioimpedancia Eléctrica en Deportistas Femeninas en Deportes Individuales: Estudio Discriminativo y Comparativo

SUMMARY: Athletes differ among themselves and one of the main differences is observed in relation to body shape and composition. Achieving top sports performance requires more standardization in the processes of training and development of a unique methodology for individualizing the control specific adaptation of athletes. The aim of this study is to establish reference data for the most sensitive variables to define the amount and structure of body fat in female athletes in individual sports. The sample included 895 females, divided in: a control group (Cont) of young females (N = 688); International (N = 113), and National level female athletes (N = 94) in 13 individual sports. Four variables described the structureof of body fat: Percentage of body fat (PBF), Body Fat Mass Index (BFMI), Protein Fat Index (PFI) and Index of Body Composition (IBC). Results showed that considering the control group, female athletes have all examined Body Fat variables statistically significantly different (BFMI and PBF are lower, p = 0.011 and p = 0.000, while PFI and IBC are higher, p = 0.000, respectively). Female athletes are also statistically significantly different in relation to the level of competition (p = 0.000), and the investigated variables are responsible for 17.7 % of the variability of the difference between the groups. Competitively more successful female athletes have higher IBC (lower percentage of fat per overall body volume, p = 0.013), as well as, a statistically significantly higher protein mass in relation to body fat mass (PFI, p = 0.018). The most sensitive variables for defining body fat differences between the examined individual sports were IBC, with an influence of 37.9 %, then PFI (32.4 %), then PBF (22.8 %), and finally BFMI, with an influence of 11.4 % on the differences. Based on the results of this study, IBC and PFI are variables that have shown useful scientific-methodological potential for research in the future.

Los deportistas difieren entre sí y una de las principales diferencias se observa en relación a la forma y composición corporal. Alcanzar el máximo rendimiento deportivo requiere una mayor estandarización en los procesos de entrenamiento y en el desarrollo de una metodología única para individualizar el control de adaptación específico de los atletas. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer datos de referencia de las variables más sensibles para definir la cantidad y estructura de la grasa corporal en mujeres deportistas en deportes individuales. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 895 mujeres, divididas en: un grupo control (Cont) de mujeres jóvenes (N = 688); Atletas femeninas de nivel internacional (N = 113) y nacional (N = 94) en 13 deportes individuales. Cuatro variables describieron la estructura de la grasa corporal: Porcentaje de grasa corporal (PBF), Índice de Masa Grasa Corporal (BFMI), Índice de Proteína Grasa (PFI) e Índice de Composición Corporal (IBC). Los resultados mostraron que, considerando el grupo control, todas las atletas tuvieron diferecias estadísticamente significativas respecto a las variables de grasa corporal (BFMI y PBF son más bajos, p = 0,011 y p = 0,000, mientras que PFI e IBC son más altos, p = 0,000, respectivamente). En relación al nivel de competencia, las atletas femeninas presentan diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p = 0,000), y las variables investigadas son responsables por el 17,7 % de la variabilidad de la diferencia entre los grupos. Las atletas femeninas competitivamente más exitosas tienen un IBC más alto (menor porcentaje de grasa por volumen corporal total, p = 0,013), así como una masa proteica estadísticamente más alta en relación con la masa de grasa corporal (PFI, p = 0,018). Las variables más sensibles para definir las diferencias de grasa corporal entre los deportes individuales examinados fueron IBC, con una influencia del 37,9 %, luego PFI (32,4 %), a seguir PBF (22,8 %) y finalmente BFMI, con una influencia del 11,4 % en las diferencias. En base a los resultados de este estudio, IBC y PFI son las variables que han mostrado un potencial científico-metodológico útil para la investigación en el futuro.

Characterization of the species of genus Physa on the basis of typological species concept from Central Punjab / Caracterização das espécies do gênero Physa com base no conceito tipológico de espécie do Punjab Central

Physids belong to Class Gastropoda; Phylum Mollusca have important position in food web and act as bio indicators, pests and intermediate host. Being resistant these are called cockroaches of malacology. Physid snails were collected from different water bodies of Faisalabad (Punjab) and were identified up to species using morphological markers. The morphometry of the specimens was carried out with the help of a digital Vernier caliper in millimeters (mm) using linear measurement of shell characters. Linear regression analysis of the AL/SW ratio vs AL and SL/SW ratiovs AL indicated that allometric growth exists only in Physa acuta when compared with P.gyrina and P. fontinalis. This study will lead to assess the status of the Physid species in Central Punjab. The Principal component analysis shows that the Component 1 (Shell Length) and component 2 (Shell Width) are the most prolific components and nearly 80 percent of the identification. The distance between P. acuta and P. fontinalis is 5.4699, P. acuta and P. gyrina is 7.6411, P. fontinalis and P. gyrina is 16.6080 showing that P. acuta resembles with P. fontinalis, and both these specimens donot resemble with P. gyrina. P.acuta is an invasive species and shows bioactivity making it a potent candidate for bioactive substances.

Os físidos pertencem à classe Gastropoda; o filo Mollusca possui importante posição na teia alimentar e atua como bioindicador, praga e hospedeiro intermediário. Por serem resistentes, são chamadas baratas de malacologia. Os caramujos físidos foram coletados em diferentes corpos d’água de Faisalabad (Punjab) e identificados até as espécies por meio de marcadores morfológicos. A morfometria dos corpos de prova foi realizada com auxílio de paquímetro digital Vernier em milímetros (mm) por meio de medida linear dos caracteres da casca. A análise de regressão linear da razão AL / SW vs. AL e razão SL / SW vs. AL indicou que o crescimento alométrico existe apenas em Physa acuta quando comparado com P. gyrina e P. fontinalis. Este estudo levará a avaliar a situação das espécies de físido no Punjab Central. A análise do componente principal mostra que o componente 1 (comprimento da casca) e o componente 2 (largura da casca) são os componentes mais prolíficos e quase 80% da identificação. A distância entre P. acuta e P. fontinalis é 5,4699, P. acuta e P. gyrina é 7,6411, P. fontinalis e P. gyrina é 16,6080, mostrando que P. acuta se assemelha a P. fontinalis, e ambos os espécimes não se parecem com P. gyrina. P. acuta é uma espécie invasora e apresenta bioatividade, tornando-se uma candidata potente para substâncias bioativas.

Discrimination of cultivation modes of Dendrobium nobile based on content of mineral elements and ratios of nitrogen stable isotopes / 中国中药杂志

This study explored the feasibility of mineral element content and ratios of nitrogen isotopes to discriminate the cultivation mode of Dendrobium nobile in order to provide theoretical support for the discrimination of the cultivation mode of D. nobile. The content of 11 mineral elements(N, K, Ca, P, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, and B) and nitrogen isotope ratios in D. nobile and its substrate samples in three cultivation methods(greenhouse cultivation, tree-attached cultivation, and stone-attached cultivation) were determined. According to the analysis of variance, principal component analysis, and stepwise discriminant analysis, the samples of different cultivation types were classified. The results showed that the nitrogen isotope ratios and the content of elements except for Zn were significantly different among different cultivation types of D. nobile(P<0.05). The results of correlation analysis showed that the nitrogen isotope ratios, mineral element content, and effective component content in D. nobile were correlated with the nitrogen isotope ratio and mineral element content in the corresponding substrate samples to varying degrees. Principal component analysis can preliminarily classify the samples of D. nobile, but some samples overlapped. Through stepwise discriminant analysis, six indicators, including δ~(15)N, K, Cu, P, Na, and Ca, were screened out, which could be used to establish the discriminant model of D. nobile cultivation methods, and the overall correct discrimination rates after back-substitution test, cross-check, and external validation were all 100%. Therefore, nitrogen isotope ratios and mineral element fingerprints combined with multivariate statistical analysis could effectively discriminate the cultivation types of D. nobile. The results of this study provide a new method for the identification of the cultivation type and production area of D. nobile and an experimental basis for the quality evaluation and quality control of D. nobile.

Establishment of a fast discriminant model with electronic nose for Polygonati Rhizoma mildew based on odor variation / 中国中药杂志

The odor fingerprint of Pollygonati Rhizoma samples with different mildewing degrees was analyzed and the relationship between the odor variation and the mildewing degree was explored. A fast discriminant model was established according to the response intensity of electronic nose. The α-FOX3000 electronic nose was applied to analyze the odor fingerprint of Pollygonati Rhizoma samples with different mildewing degrees and the radar map was used to analyze the main contributors among the volatile organic compounds. The feature data were processed and analyzed by partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA), K-nearest neighbor(KNN), sequential minimal optimization(SMO), random forest(RF) and naive Bayes(NB), respectively. According to the radar map of the electronic nose, the response values of three sensors, namely T70/2, T30/1, and P10/2, increased with the mildewing, indicating that the Pollygonati Rhizoma produced alkanes and aromatic compounds after the mildewing. According to PLS-DA model, Pollygonati Rhizoma samples of three mildewing degrees could be well distinguished in three areas. Afterwards, the variable importance analysis of the sensors was carried out and then five sensors that contributed a lot to the classification were screened out: T70/2, T30/1, PA/2, P10/1 and P40/1. The classification accuracy of all the four models(KNN, SMO, RF, and NB) was above 90%, and KNN was most accurate(accuracy: 97.2%). Different volatile organic compounds were produced after the mildewing of Pollygonati Rhizoma, and they could be detected by electronic nose, which laid a foundation for the establishment of a rapid discrimination model for mildewed Pollygonati Rhizoma. This paper shed lights on further research on change pattern and quick detection of volatile organic compounds in moldy Chinese herbal medicines.

Future Expectations of Adolescents Aging Out of Care in Brazil / Expectativas de futuro de los adolescentes que salen del cuidado institucional por edad en Brasil / Expectativas futuras de adolescentes que saem do acolhimento institucional por idade no Brasil

Expectations for the future of adolescents aging out of care have a determinant influence on short and long-term outcomes. In Brazil, care leavers experience the transition to adult life largely unsupported. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the aspects that favor better future expectations of Brazilian adolescents who are aging out of care. The study participants were 190 male (55.8 %) and female (44.2 %) adolescents between 14 and 18 years of age (m= 15.92, sd= 1.00) from three Brazilian capitals. The discriminant analysis technique was used to identify profile characteristics that significantly distinguished two groups: adolescents with high and those with low expectations for the future. The results reveal that (1) the aspect that most contributes to the increase in future expectations is the perceived social support, (2) the greater the readiness to leave care and the satisfaction with life, the better the future expectations, and (3) participating in an employment-assistance program brought down the adolescents' future expectations. These results point to the importance of preparation to leave care, combining instrumental support with socio-emotional support and considering the adolescents as the protagonists of their process and plans.

Las expectativas futuras de los adolescentes que dejan los centros de acogida con 18 años tienen una influencia determinante en los resultados que alcanzarán a corto y largo plazo. En Brasil, la mayoría de jóvenes que salen de los centros de acogida con 18 años transitan a la edad adulta sin ningún tipo de apoyo. Por ello, en este artículo apuntamos a investigar los aspectos que favorecen mejores expectativas de futuro en adolescentes brasileños que están a punto de salir de los centros de acogida por haber llegado a la mayoría de edad. Los participantes del estudio fueron 190 adolescentes de ambos sexos (44.2 % niñas y 55.8 % niños), entre 14 y 18 años (m= 15.92, de = 1.00), de tres ciudades capitales brasileñas. Se utilizó la técnica de análisis discriminante para identificar características de perfil que distinguieron significativamente dos grupos: adolescentes con altas expectativas y adolescentes con bajas expectativas de futuro. Los resultados revelan que (1) el aspecto que más contribuye al aumento de dichas expectativas es el apoyo social percibido, (2) cuanto mayor sea la percepción de preparación para dejar el centro de acogida y la satisfacción con la vida, mejores serán las expectativas, y (3) participar en un programa nacional de inserción laboral disminuye las expectativas de futuro de los adolescentes. Los resultados demuestran la importancia de preparar a estos jóvenes para la transición a la edad adulta, al combinar el apoyo instrumental con el socioemocional, y considerando a los adolescentes protagonistas de sus procesos y planes futuros.

As expectativas futuras dos adolescentes que saem dos centros de acolhimento aos 18 anos têm uma influência importante nos resultados alcançados por eles a curto e longo prazo. No Brasil, a maioria dos jovens que saem dos centros de acolhimento aos 18 anos transitam para a vida adulta sem nenhum tipo de apoio. Portanto, bus-camos investigar quais aspectos favorecem melhores perspectivas de futuro em adolescentes brasileiros que estão prestes a deixar os abrigos por já serem maiores de idade. Os participantes do estudo foram 190 ado-lescentes entre 14 e 18 anos (m = 15.92, dp = 1.00), de ambos os sexos (44.2 % meninas e 55.8 % meninos) de três capitais brasileiras. A técnica de análise discri-minante foi utilizada para identificar características de perfil que distinguissem significativamente dois grupos: adolescentes com altas expectativas para o futuro e adolescentes com baixas expectativas para o futuro. Os resultados revelam que: (1) o aspecto que mais contribui para o aumento das expectativas futuras é o suporte social percebido; (2) quanto maior a percepção de preparação para deixar o centro de acolhida e a satis-fação com a vida, melhores são as expectativas futuras; e (3) participar de um programa nacional de colocação profissional reduz as expectativas dos adolescentes para o futuro. Esses resultados apontam para a importância de preparar esses jovens para a transição para a vida adulta, aliando o apoio instrumental ao apoio socioemocional e considerando os adolescentes como protagonistas de seus processos e planos futuros.

Revisão taxonômica de Psalidodon eigenmanniorum (Cope) com base em análises morfométrica, merística e padrão de colorido (Characiformes: Characidae) / Taxonomic review of Psalidodon eigenmanniorum (Cope) based on morphometric and meristic analysis and color pattern (Characiformes: Characidae)

A identidade de Psalidodon eigenmanniorum (Cope, 1894) e a possibilidade de se constituir em mais de uma espécie é testada através de análises da morfometria (19 medidas), dos caracteres merísticos (14 contagens) e do padrão de colorido de 705 exemplares provenientes dos sistemas dos rios Tramandaí/Mampituba, da laguna dos Patos e drenagem do baixo rio Uruguai. Foram diafanizados e corados 40 exemplares. Os dados morfométricos foram utilizados na Análise de Componentes Principais, Análise Discriminante, Morfometria Geométrica e Função Discriminante. As análises foram feitas considerando os sexos em separado dentro de cada sistema hidrográfico, bem como comparando as populações entre os sistemas hidrográficos e finalmente no conjunto de sistemas representando a área de ocorrência da espécie. A partir dos dados analisados não foram encontradas diferenças entre os sexos. Os resultados mostraram variação morfológica que não sustenta o reconhecimento de possíveis espécies crípticas. A variação encontrada nos dados merísticos, morfométricos e no padrão de colorido justifica a redescrição da espécie. Os resultados das comparações entre as populações indicaram variações nesses caracteres indicando que a espécie possui considerável plasticidade fenotípica.(AU)

The identity of Psalidodon eigenmanniorum (Cope, 1894) and the possibility of constituting more than one species is tested through analyzes of morphometry (19 measurements), meristic characters (14 counts) and the color pattern of 705 specimens from the Tramandaí/Mampituba, from the Patos lagoon and from the lower Uruguay River drainage. Forty specimens were cleared and stained. Morphometric data were used in Principal Component Analysis, Discriminant Analysis, Geometric Morphometry and Discriminant Function. The analysis was carried out considering the sexes separately within each hydrographic system, as well as comparing the populations between the hydrographic systems and finally in the set of systems representing the area of occurrence of the species. No differences were found between the sexes in the analyzed data. The results showed morphological variation that does not support the recognition of possible cryptic species. The variation found in meristic, morphometric and color pattern data justifies the redescription of the species. The species is described to the aforementioned drainages, and the results demonstrate its phenotypic plasticity.(AU)

Estimation of sex from the osteometric measurements of the femur in a contemporary Sri Lankan population / Estimación del sexo a partir de las medidas osteométricas del fémur en una población contemporánea de Sri Lanka

SUMMARY: Sex estimation from human skeletal remains is of vital importance in the buildup of a biological profile of an individual in medico-legal and bioarchaeological studies. The present study is focused on the estimation of sex from osteometric measurements of the complete femur and its fragmentary parts, and the development of a web based application related to this. Fifteen osteometric measurements were taken from 78 dry cadaveric femurs from the Faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya. Using R software, linear discriminant analysis and logistic regression methods were applied to build classification models with the help of the application of a stepwise procedure, to identify the best combination of measurements to estimate the sex of the femur. A cross-validation method was applied to estimate the predictive accuracy of each model. Since the linear discriminant analysis model gave more predictive accuracy than the regression model, we suggest using linear discriminant analysis to estimate the sex using osteometric measurements of the femur. From the whole femur measurements, a formula to determine sex was developed with highest total accuracy of 83 % using four parameters; epicondylar breadth, anteroposterior mid-shaft diameter, bi-trochanter length, and maximum shaft diameter. Similarly, measurements of transverse head diameter and bi-trochanter length with a total accuracy of 76 % for the proximal part of the femur, measurements of anteroposterior mid-shaft diameter with a total accuracy of 77 % for the mid-shaft, and measurements of epicondylar breadth and maximum length of the lateral condyle with a total accuracy of 70 % for the distal part of the femur were identified as significant discriminants to determine sex, and formulae were written accordingly. Average accuracy ranged from 83 % to 70 %, with male accuracy slightly higher than that of females. A web application to estimate the sex of femur using these formulae was developed and this will be of great importance for forensic medicine and bio-archaeological research in Sri Lanka.

RESUMEN: La estimación del sexo a partir de restos óseos humanos en los estudios médico-legales y bioarqueológicos es de vital importancia en la construcción de un perfil biológico de un individuo. El objetivo de este estudio fue la estimación del sexo a partir de medidas osteométricas del fémur completo y sus partes fragmentarias, y el desarrollo de una aplicación web relacionada con esto. Se tomaron quince medidas osteométricas de 78 fémures cadavéricos secos de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Kelaniya. Utilizando el software R, se aplicaron métodos de análisis discriminante lineal y regresión logística para construir modelos de clasificación con la aplicación de un procedimiento por pasos, para identificar la mejor combinación de medidas y estimar el sexo a partir del fémur. Se aplicó un método de validación cruzada para estimar la precisión predictiva de cada modelo. Dado que el modelo de análisis discriminante lineal proporcionó una mayor precisión predictiva que el modelo de regresión, sugerimos su utilización para estimar el sexo mediante mediciones osteométricas del fémur. A partir de las mediciones del fémur completo, se desarrolló una fórmula para determinar el sexo con la mayor precisión total del 83 % utilizando cuatro parámetros; anchura del epicóndilo, diámetro anteroposterior del tercio medio de la diáfisis, longitud bitrocánter y diámetro máximo de la diáfisis. De manera similar, utilizamos las mediciones del diámetro transversal de la cabeza del fémur y la longitud del bitrocánter con una precisión del 76 % para la parte proximal del hueso, las mediciones del diámetro anteroposterior del tercio medio de la diáfisis se obtuvo con una precisión del 77 %. El ancho del epicóndilo y la longitud máxima del cóndilo lateral con una precisión del 70 % para la parte distal del fémur se identificaron como discriminantes significativos para determinar el sexo y se escribieron fórmulas. La precisión promedio osciló entre el 83 % y el 70 %, siendo la precisión en los hombres ligeramente superior al de las mujeres. Se desarrolló una aplicación web para estimar el sexo del fémur utilizando estas fórmulas y creemos será importante para la medicina forense y la investigación bioarqueológica en Sri Lanka.

Morphometric assessment methods for estimation of sexual dimorphism from cranial occipital condyles / Métodos de evaluación morfométrica para la estimación del dimorfismo sexual de los cóndilos occipitales craneales

SUMMARY: Identification of fragmentary human remains is an integral par of medico legal investigations. Occipital region is commonly not affected in traumatic injuries and accidents due to its secluded position which makes it the integral part in determination of sex in the absence of entire skeleton. Occipital condylar region is also the most common area for degenerative and neoplastic diseases. So thorough knowledge of anatomy of occipital condyle is very essential during surgical interventions. 86 skulls were studied from osteological collections of Department of Anatomy, Yenepoya Medical College. Maximum length and breadth of the occipital condyle, anterior intercondylar distance and posterior intercondylar distance was measured with the help of vernier callipers. Descriptive statistics was calculated for the parameters considered. Metric data of right and left sides were compared with student t test and p value was calculated.All data obtained was subjected for discriminant function analysis to derive the statistical model. All the measurements were significantly high in males compared to females. Condylar length and width, anterior and posterior intercondylar distance can be used to derive formula for determination of sex in south Indian population with an accuracy of 66.3 %.

RESUMEN: La identificación de restos humanos fragmentarios es una parte integral de las investigaciones médico legales. La región occipital comúnmente no se ve afectada en lesiones traumáticas y accidentes debido a su posición apartada que la convierte en parte integral en la determinación del sexo en ausencia de un esqueleto completo. La región condilar occipital es también el área más común de enfermedades degenerativas y neoplásicas. Por lo tanto, el conocimiento integral de la anatomía del cóndilo occipital es esencial durante las intervenciones quirúrgicas. Se estudiaron 86 cráneos de colecciones osteológicas del Departamento de Anatomía, Facultad de Medicina de Yenepoya. Se midió el largo y ancho máximo del cóndilo occipital, la distancia intercondilar anterior y la distancia intercondilar posterior con la ayuda de un calibrador vernier. Se calculó la estadística descriptiva para los parámetros considerados. Los datos métricos de los lados derecho e izquierdo se compararon con la prueba t de Student y se calculó el valor de p. Todos los datos obtenidos se sometieron a análisis de función discriminante para derivar el modelo estadístico. Todas las medidas fueron significativamente altas en los hombres en comparación con las mujeres. La longitud y el ancho del cóndilo, la distancia intercondilar anterior y posterior se pueden utilizar para derivar la fórmula para determinar el sexo en la población del sur de la India con una precisión del 66,3 %.

Metabolomic Profile in Patients with Malignant Disturbances of the Prostate: An Experimental Approach / Perfil metabolómico en pacientes con alteraciones malignas de la próstata: Un enfoque experimental

Purpose To identify metabolites in humans that can be associated with the presence of malignant disturbances of the prostate. Methods In the present study, we selected male patients aged between 46 and 82 years who were considered at risk of prostate cancer due to elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or abnormal results on the digital rectal examination. All selected patients came from two university hospitals (Hospital Universitario del Valle and Clínica Rafael Uribe Uribe) and were divided into 2 groups: cancer (12 patients) and non-cancer (20 patients). Cancer was confirmed by histology, and none of the patients underwent any previous treatment. Standard protocols were applied to all the collected blood samples. The resulting plasma samples were kept at -80°C, and a profile of each one was acquired by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) using established experiments. Multivariate analyses were applied to this dataset, first to establish the quality of the data and identify outliers, and then, to model the data. Results We included 12 patients with cancer and 20 without it. Two patients were excluded due to contamination with ethanol. The remaining ones were used to build an Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) model (including 15 non-cancer and 10 cancer patients), with acceptable discrimination (Q2 = 0.33). This model highlighted the role of lactate and lipids, with a positive association of these two metabolites and prostate cancer. Conclusions The primary discriminative metabolites between patients with and without prostate cancer were lactate and lipids. These might be the most reliable biomarkers to trace the development of cancer in the prostate.

Objetivo Identificar metabolitos en humanos que pueden estar asociados con la presencia de alteraciones malignas de la próstata. Métodos Se incluyeron muestras de pacientes masculinos entre 46 y 82 años y que se consideraron en riesgo de cáncer de próstata debido a la elevación del antígeno prostático específico (PSA) o el examen rectal anormal. Todos los pacientes seleccionados procedían de dos hospitales universitarios (Hospital Universitario del Valle y Clínica Rafael Uribe Uribe) y se dividieron en dos grupos: Oncológicos (12) vs no oncológicos (20). El cáncer fue confirmado por histología, y ninguno de ellos recibió tratamiento previo. Se aplicaron protocolos estándar a todas las muestras de sangre recolectadas. Las muestras de plasma resultantes se mantuvieron a −80°C y se adquirió un perfil de cada muestra mediante RMN. Se aplicaron análisis multivariantes a este conjunto de datos, primero para establecer la calidad de los datos e identificar valores atípicos, y para modelar los datos. Resultados Se incluyeron 12 pacientes con cáncer y 20 pacientes sin cáncer. Dos pacientes fueron excluidos por contaminación con etanol. Los restantes se utilizaron para construir un modelo OPLS-DA (15 pacientes no oncológicos y diez oncológicos), con una discriminación aceptable (Q2 = 0,33). Este modelo destacó el papel del lactato y los lípidos, encontrando una asociación positiva entre estos dos metabolitos y el cáncer de próstata. Conclusiones Los principales metabolitos discriminativos entre pacientes con cáncer de próstata versus no cáncer fueron el lactato y los lípidos. Estos podrían ser los biomarcadores más confiables para rastrear el desarrollo del cáncer en la próstata.

Sex estimation using ulna in a Thai population / Estimación del sexo utilizando la ulna en una población tailandesa

SUMMARY: Sex estimation from fragmentary bone remain is still challenge for forensic pathologist. Ulna has been reported useful for sex estimation by metric analysis. This study generated sex estimation function for fragment and complete of ulnar bone in a Thai population. The function was generated from 200 pairs of ulnar bone, and others 20 pair of ulnar bone were used for test the accuracy of the functions. Olecranon width was the best single variable for sex predicting of proximal part of ulna, which right olecranon width could be classified the sex 90.5 %. While distal end width of ulna was the variable for predicting the sex of distal part, which left distal end width could be classified the sex with 83.0 %. Stepwise discriminant function analysis was applied to proximal part. For proximal part of right ulna 4 measurements were selected (inferior-medial trochlear notch length, olecranon width, olecranon-coronoid process length, and maximum proximal ulnar width), while the left side, superior trochlear notch width, olecranon width, and maximum proximal ulnar width were chosen, and their functions could be predicted the sex with 91.0 % and 90.0 %, respectively. Our results indicated the ulnar bone had high ability for estimating the sex in a Thai population.

RESUMEN: La estimación del sexo a partir de restos óseos fragmentarios sigue siendo un desafío para el patólogo forense. Se ha informado de la utilidad de la ulna para la estimación del sexo mediante análisis métrico. En este estudio se analizó la estimación del sexo para un fragmento y de la ulna completa en una población tailandesa. La función se generó a partir de 200 pares de ulnas y se utilizaron otras 20 pares de ulnas estimando la precisión de las funciones. El ancho del olécranon fue la mejor variable individual para predecir el sexo en la parte proximal de la ulna (90, 5 %). Si bien el ancho del extremo distal de la ulna fue la variable para predecir el sexo, el ancho del extremo distal izquierdo podría clasificarse por sexo con un 83,0 % de certeza. Se aplicó un análisis de función discriminante escalonada a la parte proximal. Para la parte proximal de la ulna derecha se seleccionaron 4 medidas (longitud de la incisura troclear inferior-medial, ancho del olécranon, longitud del proceso olecraneano-proceso coronoides y ancho ulnar proximal máximo), mientras que en el lado izquierdo, fue determinado el ancho de la incisura superior troclear, ancho del olécranon y ancho ulnar proximal máximo. Se eligió el ancho, y se pudo predecir el sexo en el 91,0 % y 90,0 % de los casos, respectivamente. Nuestros resultados indicaron que la ulna tenía una alta capacidad para estimar el sexo en una población tailandesa.

Hacia un modelo predictivo de carácter preventivo del riesgo de infección por COVID-19 / Towards a predictive model for prevention nature of the risk of COVID-19 infection

Resumen Introducción: La escasez de aplicaciones centradas en la persona y con vistas al desarrollo de la conciencia del riesgo que representa la pandemia de COVID-19 estimula la exploración y creación de herramientas de carácter preventivo accesibles a la población. Objetivo: Elaboración de un modelo predictivo que permita evaluar el riesgo de letalidad ante infección por el virus SARS-CoV-2. Métodos: Exploración de datos públicos de 16 000 pacientes positivos a COVID-19, para generar un modelo discriminante eficiente, valorado con una función score y que se expresa mediante un cuestionario autocalificado de interés preventivo. Resultados: Se obtuvo una función lineal útil con capacidad discriminante de 0.845; la validación interna con bootstrap y la externa, con 25 % de los pacientes de prueba, mostraron diferencias marginales. Conclusión: El modelo predictivo, basado en 15 preguntas accesibles puede convertirse en una herramienta de prevención estructurada.

Abstract Introduction: The scarcity of person-centered applications aimed at developing awareness on the risk posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, stimulates the exploration and creation of preventive tools that are accessible to the population. Objective: To develop a predictive model that allows evaluating the risk of mortality in the event of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection. Methods: Exploration of public data from 16,000 COVID-19-positive patients to generate an efficient discriminant model, evaluated with a score function and expressed by a self-rated preventive interest questionnaire. Results: A useful linear function was obtained with a discriminant capacity of 0.845; internal validation with bootstrap and external validation, with 25 % of tested patients showing marginal differences. Conclusion: The predictive model with statistical support, based on 15 accessible questions, can become a structured prevention tool.

O conceito de aglomerado subnormal do IBGE e a precariedade dos serviços básicos de infraestrutura urbana / The IBGE's concept of subnormal agglomerate and the precariousness of Brazilian urban infrastructure / El concepto de aglomerado subnormal del IBGE y la precariedad de la infraestructura urbana brasileña

Este artigo aborda as limitações da categoria aglomerado subnormal, do IBGE, para analisar as desigualdades socioeconômicas, habitacionais, demográficas e, sobretudo, de acesso aos serviços básicos de infraestrutura urbana nas cidades brasileiras. Também são considerados os potenciais impactos que as mudanças previstas para o próximo Censo Demográfico terão sobre as análises e as políticas públicas de melhoria das condições de vida urbana. Como metodologia, utilizou-se a análise discriminante para identificar setores censitários classificados como comuns, pelo IBGE, que possuíam características similares às dos setores subnormais, em 2010, nas regiões metropolitanas selecionadas. Em seguida, relacionaram-se os tipos de setores à inadequação dos serviços básicos de infraestrutura urbana e foram analisados os quesitos previstos para serem retirados do próximo Censo, à luz das variáveis que mais discriminaram os setores subnormais dos comuns, segundo as análises realizadas. Os resultados evidenciam que os setores subnormais e os similares identificados não foram suficientes para representar as áreas urbanas com maior demanda de serviços públicos essenciais adequados, em 2010. A localização dos setores reflete muito mais sobre a precariedade dos serviços do que sua condição de "subnormalidade". Destaca-se a relevância da informação sobre o fornecimento de energia elétrica e sobre a condição de ocupação dos domicílios para as análises das desigualdades habitacionais e de infraestrutura urbana, cujas variáveis estão indicadas para serem retiradas do questionário do universo no próximo recenseamento. Finalmente, salienta-se a contínua valorização da propriedade no conceito de "subnormalidade" do IBGE em detrimento da disponibilidade de serviços públicos essenciais adequados nas áreas urbanas.

This article addresses the limitations of the IBGE's subnormal agglomerate category to analyze socioeconomic, housing, and demographic inequalities and, specially, inequalities in access to basic urban infrastructure services in Brazilian cities. The text also considers the potential impact that the changes foreseen for the next Demographic Census will have on the analyses and public policies for improving urban living conditions. As a methodology, Discriminant Analysis was used to identify census sectors classified as common by IBGE, which had characteristics similar to those of subnormal sectors, in 2010, in selected Metropolitan Regions. Then, the types of sectors were related to the inadequacy of basic urban infrastructure services and the questions to be removed from the next Census were analyzed, in the light of the variables that discriminated most between subnormal and common sectors, according to the analyses carried out. The results showed that the subnormal and similar sectors identified were not enough to represent the urban areas with the greatest demand for adequate essential public services in 2010. The location of the sectors reflects much more about the precariousness of services than their condition of "subnormality". The relevance of electricity supply information and also of occupancy condition of households for the analysis about housing and urban infrastructure inequalities are highlighted. These variables are indicated to be removed from the universe questionnaire in the next census. Finally, the continuous valuation of property in the IBGE's concept of "subnormality" over the availability of adequate essential public services in urban areas is emphasized.

Este artículo aborda las limitaciones de la categoría aglomerado subnormal, del IBGE, para analizar las desigualdades socioeconómicas, habitacionales, demográficas y, sobre todo, de acceso a servicios básicos de infraestructura urbana en las ciudades brasileñas. El texto también considera los impactos potenciales que los cambios previstos para el próximo censo de población tendrán sobre los análisis y las políticas públicas para mejorar las condiciones de vida urbana. Como metodología, se utilizó el análisis discriminante para identificar los sectores censales clasificados como comunes por el IBGE que tenían características similares a las de los sectores subnormales, en 2010 en las regiones metropolitanas seleccionadas. Luego, se relacionaron los tipos de sectores con la inadecuación de los servicios básicos de infraestructura urbana y se analizaron las preguntas a ser eliminadas del próximo censo a la luz de las variables que más discriminaron entre sectores subnormales y comunes, según los análisis realizados. Los resultados muestran que los sectores subnormales y similares identificados no fueron suficientes para representar las áreas urbanas con mayor demanda de servicios públicos esenciales adecuados, en 2010. La ubicación de los sectores refleja mucho más la precariedad de los servicios que su condición de subnormalidad. Se destaca la relevancia de la información sobre el suministro de energía eléctrica y sobre la condición de ocupación de los hogares en el análisis de las desigualdades habitacionales y de infraestructura urbana, cuyas variables están indicadas para ser eliminadas del cuestionario del universo en el próximo censo. Por último, cabe destacar la valoración continua de la propiedad en el concepto de "subnormalidad" del IBGE en detrimento de la disponibilidad de servicios públicos esenciales adecuados en las zonas urbanas.

Analysis of Serum Metabonomics in Patients with Multiple Myeloma Based on Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the changes of serum metabolites in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) by metabonomics, and explore the potential biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and progression of MM.@*METHODS@#Serum samples were collected from 26 patients with MM and 50 healthy controls. The data detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was input into SIMCA-14.0 software for multivariate statistical analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to analyze the changes of metabolites.@*RESULTS@#The metabolic change of uric acid and trans-vaccenic acid in serum samples of MM patients was 9.39 times and 2.77 times of these in healthy people, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of healthy people, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#Uric acid and trans-vaccenic acid are expected to be important metabolic indicators for the diagnosis, prognosis, and efficacy evaluation of MM, thus providing some clues for the pathogenesis of MM.

A Gaussian mixture-hidden Markov model of human visual behavior / 生物医学工程学杂志

Vision is an important way for human beings to interact with the outside world and obtain information. In order to research human visual behavior under different conditions, this paper uses a Gaussian mixture-hidden Markov model (GMM-HMM) to model the scanpath, and proposes a new model optimization method, time-shifting segmentation (TSS). The TSS method can highlight the characteristics of the time dimension in the scanpath, improve the pattern recognition results, and enhance the stability of the model. In this paper, a linear discriminant analysis (LDA) method is used for multi-dimensional feature pattern recognition to evaluates the rationality and the accuracy of the proposed model. Four sets of comparative trials were carried out for the model evaluation. The first group applied the GMM-HMM to model the scanpath, and the average accuracy of the classification could reach 0.507, which is greater than the opportunity probability of three classification (0.333). The second set of trial applied TSS method, and the mean accuracy of classification was raised to 0.610. The third group combined GMM-HMM with TSS method, and the mean accuracy of classification reached 0.602, which was more stable than the second model. Finally, comparing the model analysis results with the saccade amplitude (SA) characteristics analysis results, the modeling analysis method is much better than the basic information analysis method. Via analyzing the characteristics of three types of tasks, the results show that the free viewing task have higher specificity value and a higher sensitivity to the cued object search task. In summary, the application of GMM-HMM model has a good performance in scanpath pattern recognition, and the introduction of TSS method can enhance the difference of scanpath characteristics. Especially for the recognition of the scanpath of search-type tasks, the model has better advantages. And it also provides a new solution for a single state eye movement sequence.

Classification algorithms of error-related potentials in brain-computer interface / 生物医学工程学杂志

Error self-detection based on error-related potentials (ErrP) is promising to improve the practicability of brain-computer interface systems. But the single trial recognition of ErrP is still a challenge that hinters the development of this technology. To assess the performance of different algorithms on decoding ErrP, this paper test four kinds of linear discriminant analysis algorithms, two kinds of support vector machines, logistic regression, and discriminative canonical pattern matching (DCPM) on two open accessed datasets. All algorithms were evaluated by their classification accuracies and their generalization ability on different sizes of training sets. The study results show that DCPM has the best performance. This study shows a comprehensive comparison of different algorithms on ErrP classification, which could give guidance for the selection of ErrP algorithm.

Rapid identification of microbial contaminants in pharmaceutical products using a PCA/LDA-based FTIR-ATR method

Microbiological quality of pharmaceuticals is fundamental in ensuring efficacy and safety of medicines. Conventional methods for microbial identification in non-sterile drugs are widely used; however they can be time-consuming and laborious. The aim of this paper was to develop a chemometric-based rapid microbiological method (RMM) for identifying contaminants in pharmaceutical products using Fourier transform infrared with attenuated total reflectance spectrometry (FTIR-ATR). Principal components analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) were used to obtain a predictive model capable of distinguishing Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Candida albicans (ATCC 10231), Enterococcus faecium (ATCC 8459), Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Micrococcus luteus (ATCC 10240), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027), Salmonella typhimurium (ATCC 14028), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), and Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228) microbial growth. FTIR-ATR spectra provide data on proteins, DNA/RNA, lipids, and carbohydrates constitution of microbial growth. Microbial identification provided by PCA/LDA based on FTIR-ATR method were compatible with those obtained using traditional microbiological methods. The chemometric-based FTIR-ATR method for rapid identification of microbial contaminants in pharmaceutical products was validated by assessing the sensitivity (93.5%), specificity (83.3%), and limit of detection (17-23 CFU/mL of sample). Therefore, we propose that FTIR-ATR spectroscopy may be used for rapid identification of microbial contaminants in pharmaceutical products and taking into account the samples studied