DOSED: A deep learning approach to detect multiple sleep micro-events in EEG signal.

BACKGROUND: Electroencephalography (EEG) monitors brain activity during sleep and is used to identify sleep disorders. In sleep medicine, clinicians interpret raw EEG signals in so-called sleep stages, which are assigned by experts to every 30s window of signal. For diagnosis, they also rely on shorter prototypical micro-architecture events which exhibit variable durations and shapes, such as spindles, K-complexes or arousals. Annotating such events is traditionally performed by a trained sleep expert, making the process time consuming, tedious and subject to inter-scorer variability. To automate this procedure, various methods have been developed, yet these are event-specific and rely on the extraction of hand-crafted features. NEW METHOD: We propose a novel deep learning architecture called Dreem One Shot Event Detector (DOSED). DOSED jointly predicts locations, durations and types of events in EEG time series. The proposed approach, applied here on sleep related micro-architecture events, is inspired by object detectors developed for computer vision such as YOLO and SSD. It relies on a convolutional neural network that builds a feature representation from raw EEG signals, as well as two modules performing localization and classification respectively. RESULTS AND COMPARISON WITH OTHER METHODS: The proposed approach is tested on 4 datasets and 3 types of events (spindles, K-complexes, arousals) and compared to the current state-of-the-art detection algorithms. CONCLUSIONS: Results demonstrate the versatility of this new approach and improved performance compared to the current state-of-the-art detection methods.

Diseño de un filtro de arena lento para la remoción de aguas con contaminantes fecales del acuífero pampeano / Design of a slow sand filter for the removal of water with fecal pollutants from the Pampean aquifer

INTRODUCCIÓN Los filtros de arena lentos (FDAL) son una tecnología que se desarrolló hace más de dos siglos con la finalidad de remover la turbidez del agua superficial para suministrarla a la población de Escocia. Con el transcurso de los años se efectuaron hallazgos en otros lugares, que demostraron que, además, se eliminaban microrganismos enteropatógenos que viven en el agua sin necesidad de adicionar compuestos químicos y sin realizar otros procesos de filtración antes o después del tratamiento. OBJETIVOS Diseñar y construir un sistema a escala piloto de un FDAL y probarlo en condiciones reales de uso, evaluando su capacidad de remoción de contaminantes fecales del agua subterránea del acuífero pampeano. MÉTODOS El filtro piloto fue diseñado con materiales de fácil acceso y bajo costo. Se buscó que su construcción no requiriera mano de obra especializada, a fin de poder replicar fácilmente este tipo de tecnología en otras comunidades con problemas de carácter biológico en el agua de consumo. El manejo y la revisión de las variables del filtro para su adecuado funcionamiento fueron de baja complejidad, por lo que se comprobó su cómoda operación. RESULTADOS Se determinó el tiempo de maduración del biofilm en el FDAL (tiempo necesario para una remoción total de E. Coli). Asimismo, se midieron variables del proceso de filtración (por ejemplo, temperatura ambiental). El filtro removió completamente E. Coli del agua a partir del día 65 desde su puesta en marcha y hasta el día 90 (fin del experimento). DISCUSIÓN Se diseñó, construyó y puso en funcionamiento un FDAL a escala piloto que remueve bacterias fecales hasta 0 bact/100 ml, obteniendo agua de calidad potable según norma del CAA (Código Alimentario Argentino). La maduración del biofilm se completó el día 65 de trabajo, obteniendo a la salida del sistema agua potable microbiológicamente. Las fluctuaciones de velocidades de filtración dentro de los límites establecidos no interfirieron en los resultados de remoción de coliformes fecales. El sistema requirió poco mantenimiento y acompañamiento durante el tiempo de trabajo, haciendo evidente su fácil y práctico funcionamiento. Los valores de concentración de bacterias fecales a la entrada fluctuaron de manera abrupta en algunos momentos, igualmente el filtro demostró que puede someterse a estos cambios y seguir obteniendo agua libre de E. coli. Las variaciones de temperatura y pH se generaron debido a factores ambientales externos, el crecimiento bacteriano no interfirió en estos parámetros.

Titania hollow spheres modified with tungstophosphoric acid with enhanced visible light absorption for the photodegradation of 4-chlorophenol.

Titania hollow spheres were synthesized using silica nanospheres as the template. The core was removed using NaOH solution. They were subsequently impregnated with tungstophosphoric acid (TPA) solutions and annealed at two different temperatures (100 and 500 °C). These materials were characterized by several physicochemical techniques (XRD, BET, SEM, DRS, FT-IR, FT-Raman and 31P MAS-NMR). The 31P MAS-NMR and FT-IR characterization showed that the main species present in the samples was the [PW12O40]3- anion, which was partially transformed into the [P2W21O71]6- anion during the synthesis and drying step. 31P MAS-NMR, and FT-Raman characterization revealed the evidence of a strong interaction between the Keggin anion of TPA and TiO2 surfaces, possibly due to the formation of surface heteropolyacid-TiO2 complexes. The DRS results showed that the absorption threshold onset continuously shifted to the visible region with increased TPA concentration and calcination at 500 °C. The enhanced visible light absorption could be related to the formation of a surface complex TPA Keggin anion-TiO2. The catalytic activity of the materials in the photodegradation of 4-chlorophenol under UV and visible light irradiation increased when the TPA content and the calcination temperature of the samples were raised.

Effect of Sleep Extension on the Subsequent Testosterone, Cortisol and Prolactin Responses to Total Sleep Deprivation and Recovery.

Total sleep deprivation (TSD) in humans is associated with altered hormonal levels, which may have clinical relevance. Less is known about the effect of an extended sleep period before TSD on these hormonal changes. Fourteen subjects participated in two experimental counterbalanced conditions (randomised cross-over design): extended sleep (21.00-07.00 h time in bed, EXT) and habitual sleep (22.30-07.00 h time in bed, HAB). For each condition, subjects performed two consecutive phases: six nights of either EXT or HAB. These nights were followed by 3 days in the sleep laboratory with blood sampling at 07.00 and 17.00 h at baseline (B-07.00 and B-17.00), after 24 and 34 h of continuous awakening (24 h-CA, 34 h-CA) and after one night of recovery sleep (R-07.00 and R-17.00) to assess testosterone, cortisol, prolactin and catecholamines concentrations. At 24 h of awakening, testosterone, cortisol and prolactin concentrations were significantly lower compared to B-07.00 and recovered basal levels after recovery sleep at R-07.00 (P < 0.001 for all). However, no change was observed at 34 h of awakening compared to B-17.00. No effect of sleep extension was observed on testosterone, cortisol and catecholamines concentrations at 24 and 34 h of awakening. However, prolactin concentration was significantly lower in EXT at B-07.00 and R-07.00 compared to HAB (P < 0.05, P < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, 24 h of awakening inhibited gonadal and adrenal responses in healthy young subjects and this was not observed at 34 h of awakening. Six nights of sleep extension is not sufficient to limit decreased concentrations of testosterone and cortisol at 24 h of awakening but may have an impact on prolactin concentration.

Biocompatibility of core@shell particles: cytotoxicity and genotoxicity in human osteosarcoma cells of colloidal silica spheres coated with crystalline or amorphous zirconia.

The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of novel colloidal silica spheres coated with crystalline or amorphous zirconia (SiO2@ZrO2(cryst) or SiO2@ZrO2(am)) have been studied in a human osteosarcoma cell line (MG-63), after 24 h exposure. SiO2@ZrO2(cryst) and SiO2@ZrO2(am) had mean diameters of 782±19 and 891±34 nm, respectively. SiO2@ZrO2(cryst) exposure reduced cell viability, with an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a decrease of the GSH/GSSG ratio. The comet and micronucleus (MN) assays detected DNA damage at 5 and 25 µg/mL, respectively. SiO2@ZrO2(am) induced genotoxic action only at 10 and 50 µg/mL (comet and MN assays), along with a decrease of the GSH/GSSG ratio at 50 µg/mL. Both particles were found inside the cells, forming vesicles; however, none of them entered the nucleus. Our findings show that crystallization of the shell of the amorphous ZrO2 increases both cytotoxicity and genotoxicity.

Effects of endurance training on the maximal voluntary activation level of the knee extensor muscles.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the neural adaptations to endurance training, and more specifically the adaptation of the cortical voluntary activation of the knee extensor (KE) muscles. METHODS: Sixteen sedentary men were randomly allocated into an endurance training (n = 8) or a control group (n = 8). All subjects performed a maximal aerobic speed test (MAS) before and immediately after the training period. Training lasted 8 weeks and was based on endurance running. During Pre- and Post-training testing sessions, maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) was measured and voluntary activation (VA) was calculated via peripheral nerve (PNS) and transcranial magnetic stimulations (TMS) superimposed to MVC. Electromyographic activity (EMG) of the KE muscles was also measured during MVC, PNS (M-wave) and TMS (motor evoked potentials-MEP). The cortical silent period following TMS was also assessed. RESULTS: Despite a significant improvement in endurance running performance, as suggested by the increase of MAS in the training group (Pre 15.4 ± 1.6 vs. Post 16.4 ± 1.6 km·h(-1)), endurance training did not affect MVC or VA as measured with PNS and TMS. Similarly, the EMG of KE muscles during MVC did not show any significant changes. Furthermore, the MEP amplitude and the duration of the silent period also remained unchanged after endurance training. CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests an 8-week endurance-training program does not generate adaptations of neural factors in sedentary subjects.

A new synthesis pathway for colloidal silica spheres coated with crystalline titanium oxide and its comparative cyto- and genotoxic study with titanium oxide nanoparticles in rat osteosarcoma (UMR106) cells.

Spherical particles with an amorphous core of silica and a crystalline shell of titanium oxide (SiO(2)@TiO(2)) formed in a three-step procedure, being the last step a mild chemical treatment. SiO(2)@TiO(2) had a shell with pores (micro and mesopores) permeating between TiO(2) nanocrystals (anatase) and a solid core of amorphous silica. The spheres had an outstanding specific surface area (300 m(2) g(-1)). A cyto- and genotoxic study of SiO(2)@TiO(2) and titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO(2)-NP) on UMR106 cells with 24h exposure showed that SiO(2)@TiO(2) colloidal particles were less toxic than TiO(2)-NP.

Hemorragia digestiva alta: Helicobacter pylori e ingesta de ácido acetil salicílico / Upper gastrointetinal bleeding. Helicobacter pylori and intake of acetylsalicylic acid

Introducción. La hemorragia digestiva en niños requiere un adecuado diagnóstico etiológico, que variará en función de la localización, edad del paciente. Ante la presencia de hemorragia digestiva alta, se debe considerar la infección por Helicobacter pylori, ya que se asocia a gastritis crónica y desarrollo de úlcera garoduodenal. Además se deberán tener encuentra otros factores como realización de pruebas invasivas, ingesta de cuerpo extraño o tratamiento con antinflamatorios no esteroideos. Caso clínico. Describimos el caso de un niño de 11 años, que presenta una hemorragia digestiva alta asociada a enfermedad ulceropéptica por helicobacter pylori exacerbada por la ingesta de ácido acetil salicílico. Conclusiones. La infección por Helicobacter pylori puede permanecer asintomática hasta la edad adulta y aunque la primera manifestación suele ser el dolor abdominal, no deberemos olvidarla ante la presencia de hemorragia digestiva, patología poco habitual en la edad pediátrica, peor que se correlaciona con este microrganismo de manera similar a la población adulta. Se deberá descartar la presencia de otros factores de riesgo como la ingesta de ácido acetil salicílico u otros antinflamatorios no esteroideos, que pueden provocar exacerbaciones en una mucosa dañada previamente (AU)

Introduction. Gastrointestinal hemorrhage in children requires an adequate etiologic diagnosis, which depends on the location and the age of the patient. In upper gastrointestinal bleeding, Helicobacter pylori infection should be considered, because it is associated with chronic gastritis an peptic ulcer. In addition other factors such invasive techniques, foreign body ingestion or AINES therapy should be investigated. Clinical case. We report the case of a child under 11 years, who presents an upper gastrointestinal bleeding, associated with Helicobacter pylori peptic ulcer disease which was exacerbated by aspirin ingestion. Conclusions. Helicobacter pylori infection can remain asymptomatic until adulthood, and although the first manifestation is usually abdominal pain, we shouldn´t forget it in the presence of gastro intestinal bleeding, unusual disease in children, but with similar correlation that in the adult people. We should investigate other risk factors such as the ingestion of aspirin or other AINES, which cause exacerbation in a previously damaged mucosa (AU)

Características nutricionales de los recién nacidos de madres con sobrepeso y obesidad / Nutritional characteristics of newborns of overweight and obese mothers

Introducción: El estado nutricional materno es determinante para el crecimiento fetal y el peso del recién nacido (RN). El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar en nuestro medio la relación existente entre el IMC pregestacional materno y la antropometría de los niños desde el nacimiento hasta los 6 meses de vida, así como la prevalencia de lactancia materna. Material y métodos: Se han evaluado las variables antropométricas y el tipo de alimentación en una muestra de 1.547 RN durante 2009, representativa de nuestra población, en dependencia del IMC materno y en una cohorte de 759 lactantes de dicha muestra seguida hasta los 6 meses de vida. Resultados: El 72,9% de las gestantes presentaban normopeso, el 18,7% sobrepeso y el 8,4% obesidad. Las gestantes con IMC ≥ 25 kg/m2 ganaron menos peso durante el embarazo (p < 0,001), tenían menor nivel sociocultural (p < 0,001) y sus hijos pesaban más al nacer (p = 0,003) y a los6 meses de vida, sin encontrar diferencia en su longitud. El peso medio de los RN aumentó en relación con el IMC materno pero a partir de 35 kg/m2 disminuyó progresivamente (p < 0,001).Las mujeres obesas tuvieron una prevalencia de lactancia materna exclusiva del 58,5% al alta hospitalaria tras el parto y del 8,6% a los 6 meses frente al 70,8 y el 13,9%, respectivamente, en mujeres con normopeso (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: En nuestra muestra, la obesidad materna se asocia a un bajo nivel sociocultural, mayor peso del recién nacido que se mantiene hasta los 6 meses de vida y menor prevalencia de lactancia materna exclusiva. En conjunto, todos ellos son factores de riesgo nutricional acorto y largo plazo (AU)

Introduction: Maternal nutritional status is an important factor of adequate intrauterine growth and neonatal weight. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between pregestational BMI (Body Mass Index) and breastfeeding duration, as well as infant anthropometric measurements during their first six months of life. Materials and methods: Anthropometric measurements and the type of feeding were evaluated in a representative sample of 1,547 newborns from our population during 2009, according to their maternal BMI, and also in a sub-cohort of 759 infants followed up to 6 months of life. Results: A total of 72.9% of women had a normal weight, 18.7% were overweight and 8.4% obese. Women with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 had lower weight gain during pregnancy (P < 0.001), lower socioeconomic and cultural level (P < 0.001), and their infants had higher weight at delivery (P = 0.003) and at 6 months of life, with no differences in body length. Newborn weight increased in relation to maternal BMI, but over 35 kg/m2 it decreased progressively (P <0.001). Breastfeeding prevalence in obese women was 58.5% at hospital postpartum discharge, and 8.6% at six months of life; as opposed to 70.8% and 13.9%, respectively in women with normal BMI. Conclusions: In our sample, maternal obesity is associated with a low socioeconomic and cultural level, higher infant weight at delivery and at 6 months of life, and less prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding; all of them nutritional risk factors in the short and long term (AU)

[Nutritional characteristics of newborns of overweight and obese mothers]. / Características nutricionales de los recién nacidos de madres con sobrepeso y obesidad.

INTRODUCTION: Maternal nutritional status is an important factor of adequate intrauterine growth and neonatal weight. The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between pre-gestational BMI (Body Mass Index) and breastfeeding duration, as well as infant anthropometric measurements during their first six months of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anthropometric measurements and the type of feeding were evaluated in a representative sample of 1,547 newborns from our population during 2009, according to their maternal BMI, and also in a sub-cohort of 759 infants followed up to 6 months of life. RESULTS: A total of 72.9% of women had a normal weight, 18.7% were overweight and 8.4% obese. Women with a BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) had lower weight gain during pregnancy (P < .001), lower socioeconomic and cultural level (P < .001), and their infants had higher weight at delivery (P=.003) and at 6 months of life, with no differences in body length. Newborn weight increased in relation to maternal BMI, but over 35 kg/m(2) it decreased progressively (P < .001). Breastfeeding prevalence in obese women was 58.5% at hospital postpartum discharge, and 8.6% at six months of life; as opposed to 70.8% and 13.9%, respectively in women with normal BMI. CONCLUSIONS: In our sample, maternal obesity is associated with a low socioeconomic and cultural level, higher infant weight at delivery and at 6 months of life, and less prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding; all of them nutritional risk factors in the short and long term.

Comparative study of the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of titanium oxide and aluminium oxide nanoparticles in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells.

The aim of this study was to analyze the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of titanium oxide (TiO(2)) and aluminium oxide (Al(2)O(3)) nanoparticles (NPs) on Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells using neutral red (NR), mitochondrial activity (by MTT assay), sister chromatid exchange (SCE), micronucleus (MN) formation, and cell cycle kinetics techniques. Results showed a dose-related cytotoxic effect evidenced after 24h by changes in lysosomal and mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity. Interestingly, transmission electronic microscopy (TEM) showed the formation of perinuclear vesicles in CHO-K1 cells after treatment with both NPs during 24h but no NP was detected in the nuclei. Genotoxic effects were shown by MN frequencies which significantly increased at 0.5 and 1 microg/mL TiO(2) and 0.5-10 microg/mL Al(2)O(3). SCE frequencies were higher for cells treated with 1-5 microg/mL TiO(2). The absence of metaphases evidenced cytotoxicity for higher concentrations of TiO(2). No SCE induction was achieved after treatment with 1-25 microg/mL Al(2)O(3). In conclusion, findings showed cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of TiO(2) and Al(2)O(3) NPs on CHO-K1 cells. Possible causes of controversial reports are discussed further on.

Laparoscopia en urología infantil / Laparoscopy in children´s urology

El empleo de la laparoscopia en la urología pediátrica se ha extendido de forma significativa en los últimos años. Los beneficios de la laparoscopia están bien definidos, acorta la estancia hospitalaria, produce una recuperación más rápida y ofrece un mejor resultado estético. La orquidopexia y la nefrectomía laparoscópica son procedimientos ampliamente aceptados y se ofrecen como alternativas a la cirugía abierta. Aquellos procedimientos que demandan una mayor dependencia técnica, tales como la pieloplastia, la cirugía reconstructiva vesical y la reimplantación ureteral, se realizan en centros especialmente equipados y están a la espera de determinar sus beneficios potenciales (AU)

The use of laparoscopy in pediatric urology has suffered growth significantly over the last years. The benefits of laparoscopic procedures are well defined, shorter hospitalization, quicker return and aesthetic advantages. Laparoscopic orchiopexy and nephrectomy are become widely accepted as alternatives to open surgery. More technically demanding procedures, such as laparoscopic pieloplasty, bladder reconstruction and ureteral reimplantation are being performed at specially equipped centers and have not yet specified its potential benefits (AU)

Development and validation of a computer program to design and calculate ROPS.

In Spain, there are more than 250,000 tractors built before 1980, when it became mandatory for all new tractors to be equipped with a rollover protective structure (ROPS). A similar situation is found in the European Union, but the situation is worse in the U.S. and in developing countries. Directive 2003/37/EEC establishes that tractors over 800 kg weight can be homologated by using the OECD standard code for the official testing of protective structures on agricultural and forestry tractors (static test), called Code 4. A ROPS attachable to the rear axle of different tractor models has been designed, and a computer program for the calculation of the ROPS design has been developed. The program, named ESTREMA, is available at: www.cfnavarra.es/insl. Using this program, it has been possible to design a ROPS for the Massey Ferguson model 178 tractor, one of the most common tractor models without a ROPS in Spain. After the tractor was equipped with the designed ROPS, it was tested at the Spanish Authorized Station for testing ROPS and passed the homologation test (OECD Code 4), the main results being a maximum distortion of 21.3 cm when the absorbed energy was 5437 N and the maximum force applied was 34 kN during loading from the side. The ROPS was improved, redesigned, and remounted on the tractor, the tractor was tested in a real overturn, and no part of the structure intruded on the driver's clearance zone during the test. In conclusion, the ESTREMA program worked correctly, and the designed ROPS was able to pass the authorized test and provide adequate protection to the operator during a real overturn.

Bilateral laparoscopic nephrectomy with simultaneous peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation.

Bilateral nephrectomy prior to transplantation is indicated in some patients with end-stage renal disease. The indications for bilateral nephrectomy include persistent heavy proteinuria, refractory hypertension, and urinary tract infections. We report an eight-month-old baby with male pseudohermaphroditism and renal failure secondary to diffuse mesangial sclerosis. While awaiting renal transplantation, dialysis became necessary and the child presented standard drug therapy-resistant hypertension. A bilateral nephrectomy was performed simultaneously to peritoneal dialysis catheter implantation by using laparoscopy. At the present time, the patient is doing well with ambulatory dialysis and all antihypertensive medication has been discontinued. We recommend this technique in children who require bilateral nephrectomy and peritoneal dialyisis. Not only is it somewhat less aggressive than traditional open surgery, but it also reduces post-operative pain, allows earlier initiation of peritoneal dialysis, and improves cosmetic appearance.