Real-time acquisition of complex optical fields by binary amplitude modulation.

We describe, through simulations and experiments, a real-time wavefront acquisition technique using random binary amplitude masks and an iterative phase retrieval algorithm based on the Fresnel propagator. By using a digital micromirror device, it is possible to recover an unknown complex object by illuminating with this set of masks and simultaneously recording the resulting intensity patterns with a high-speed camera, making this technique suitable for dynamic applications.

High-resolution adaptive imaging with a single photodiode.

During the past few years, the emergence of spatial light modulators operating at the tens of kHz has enabled new imaging modalities based on single-pixel photodetectors. The nature of single-pixel imaging enforces a reciprocal relationship between frame rate and image size. Compressive imaging methods allow images to be reconstructed from a number of projections that is only a fraction of the number of pixels. In microscopy, single-pixel imaging is capable of producing images with a moderate size of 128 × 128 pixels at frame rates under one Hz. Recently, there has been considerable interest in the development of advanced techniques for high-resolution real-time operation in applications such as biological microscopy. Here, we introduce an adaptive compressive technique based on wavelet trees within this framework. In our adaptive approach, the resolution of the projecting patterns remains deliberately small, which is crucial to avoid the demanding memory requirements of compressive sensing algorithms. At pattern projection rates of 22.7 kHz, our technique would enable to obtain 128 × 128 pixel images at frame rates around 3 Hz. In our experiments, we have demonstrated a cost-effective solution employing a commercial projection display.

Concordancia interobservador en el análisis visual y semicuantitativo de las imágenes SPECT 123I-FP-CIT en el diagnóstico del síndrome parkinsoniano / Interobserver agreement in the visual and semi-quantitative analysis of the 123I-FP-CIT SPECT images in the diagnosis of Parkinsonian syndrome

Objetivos. El SPECT 123I-FP-CIT permiten identificar el deterioro presináptico de la vía dopaminérgica mediante el estudio de los transportadores de la dopamina (DAT). Un análisis correcto de las imágenes SPECT contribuye una adecuada interpretación y diagnóstico de los trastornos del movimiento. Objetivos: 1. Comparar el análisis visual y semicuantitativo del SPECT 123I-FP-CIT. 2. Evaluar el acuerdo interobservador en ambos análisis. 3. Buscar un punto de corte del análisis semicuantitativo que permita discriminar SP primarios de no SP primarios. Métodos. Se realizó un 123I-FP-CIT SPECT a 32 pacientes con sospecha clínica de SP primario de no SP primario. El análisis visual y semicuantitativo fueron realizados de forma independiente por dos médicos nucleares. El análisis visual se basó en la interpretación visual de las imágenes. El análisis semicuantitativo se determinó como la relación entre la actividad específica y la no específica. Se calcularon S, E, VPP y VPN. La comparación de los datos se realizó usando el test ANOVA seguido de la corrección de Bonferroni. El coeficiente de correlación intraclase y la Kappa estadística midieron el grado de acuerdo interobservador de ambos análisis respectivamente. Se generó una curva ROC del análisis semicuantitativo. Resultados. El análisis visual mostró una S de 86% y una E de 100-88% en el diagnóstico diferencial del SP primario del no SP primario. El análisis semicuantitativo mostró una hipocaptación gradual proporcional al grado de severidad objetivado en el análisis visual. El análisis semicuantitativo no mostró ninguna información adicional al visual. El coeficiente de correlación intraclase y la Kappa estadística mostraron unos valores de 0,92 y 0,80 respectivamente. El dintel para diferenciar SP primarios de no SP primarios fue de 1,9 como índice putaminal(AU)

Aims. Using 123I-FP-CIT SPECT images makes it possible to identify presynaptic deterioration of the dopaminergic pathway by studying the dopamine transporter (DAT). A correct analysis of the SPECT images contributes to an adequate interpretation and diagnosis of movement disorders. Aims: 1. To compare visual and semiquantitative analysis of 123I-FP-CIT SPECT images in patients with movement disorders. 2. To evaluate interobserver agreement in visual and semiquantitative analysis. 3. To obtain a cut-off in the semiquantitative analysis to discriminate primary Parkinsonism Syndrome (PS) from non-primary PS. Methods. A 123I-FP-CIT SPECT was performed in 32 patients with movement disorders suggestive of primary PS. Visual and semiquantitative images analyses were performed independently by two nuclear medicine physicians. Visual analysis was based on the visual interpretation. Semiquantitative analysis was calculated as specific uptake (caudate, putamen and striatum) versus non-specific uptake (occipital). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were calculated. Data were compared using ANOVA test followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test. Interobserver agreement of the visual and semiquantitative analysis was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient and Kappa statistics, respectively. ROC curve was generated with semiquantitative data. Results. Visual analysis showed 86% sensitivity and 100-88% specificity for the differential diagnosis of primary PS from non-primary PS. Semiquantitative analysis showed a gradual hypouptake proportional to the disease severity obtained in the visual analysis. Semiquantitative analysis did not provide any additional information to the visual analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficient and Kappa statistics showed 0.92 and 0.80 values, respectively. The Cut-off value to differentiate primary PS from non-primary PS was 1.9 on the putamen index(AU)

[Interobserver agreement in the visual and semi-quantitative analysis of the 123I-FP-CIT SPECT images in the diagnosis of Parkinsonian syndrome]. / Concordancia interobservador en el análisis visual y semicuantitativo de las imágenes SPECT (123)I-FP-CIT en el diagnóstico del síndrome parkinsoniano.

AIMS: Using (123)I-FP-CIT SPECT images makes it possible to identify presynaptic deterioration of the dopaminergic pathway by studying the dopamine transporter (DAT). A correct analysis of the SPECT images contributes to an adequate interpretation and diagnosis of movement disorders. Aims: 1. To compare visual and semiquantitative analysis of (123)I-FP-CIT SPECT images in patients with movement disorders. 2. To evaluate interobserver agreement in visual and semiquantitative analysis. 3. To obtain a cut-off in the semiquantitative analysis to discriminate primary Parkinsonism Syndrome (PS) from non-primary PS. METHODS: A (123)I-FP-CIT SPECT was performed in 32 patients with movement disorders suggestive of primary PS. Visual and semiquantitative images analyses were performed independently by two nuclear medicine physicians. Visual analysis was based on the visual interpretation. Semiquantitative analysis was calculated as specific uptake (caudate, putamen and striatum) versus non-specific uptake (occipital). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were calculated. Data were compared using ANOVA test followed by Bonferroni post-hoc test. Interobserver agreement of the visual and semiquantitative analysis was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient and Kappa statistics, respectively. ROC curve was generated with semiquantitative data. RESULTS: Visual analysis showed 86% sensitivity and 100-88% specificity for the differential diagnosis of primary PS from non-primary PS. Semiquantitative analysis showed a gradual hypo-uptake proportional to the disease severity obtained in the visual analysis. Semiquantitative analysis did not provide any additional information to the visual analysis. Intraclass correlation coefficient and Kappa statistics showed 0.92 and 0.80 values, respectively. The Cut-off value to differentiate primary PS from non-primary PS was 1.9 on the putamen index.

[Neuroprotection in Parkinson's disease: analysis though group of experts' methodology]. / Neuroprotección en la enfermedad de Parkinson: análisis a través de la metodología de informadores clave.

INTRODUCTION: Currently used antiparkinsonian drugs neither stop nor slow-down the progressive nature of the disease. The final phase of PD is characterized by the presence of symptoms and signs resistant to dopaminergic agents, such as depression, dementia, freezing and falls. Therefore, it is urgent to develop therapies able to positively modify this outcome. Despite neuroprotection is a research priority in PD, no effective strategies have been found so far. METHOD: A key informants study was conducted. A group of experts in PD fulfilled a questionnaire of 10 questions to explore the most important topics related to neuroprotection. Afterwards a consensus about the current situation of neuroprotection in PD was established and future directions of development were suggested. RESULTS: Most of the answers emphasized the need of new concepts, the limitations of animal models and the difficulties in the difficulties in demonstrating a neuroprotective effects in humans owing to a lack of biomarkers. Some of the experts believe that we are already exerting a disease modifying effect. CONCLUSIONS: The concept of neuroprotection should be widened. Animal models should be improved. A reliable biomarker to start neuroprotective therapies long before the appearance of motor symptoms and to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of any therapy should be urgently developed.

Neuroprotección en la enfermedad de Parkinson: análisis a través de la metodología de informadores clave / Neuroprotection in Parkinson’s disease: analysis though group of expert’s methodology

Introducción. La terapia convencional basada en fármacos dopaminérgicosno frena ni ralentiza de modo significativo el cursoprogresivo de la enfermedad de Parkinson (EP). La fase final de la EPse caracteriza por la presencia de síntomas y signos resistentes a laterapia dopaminérgica (depresión, demencia, disartria, caídas, etc.).Es urgente desarrollar terapias que eviten llegar a estas fases deteniendoo retardando la progresión de la enfermedad. Sin embargo,no se dispone de estrategias neuroprotectoras efectivas.Método. Se realizó un estudio de informadores clave en el queexpertos en EP que cumplimentaron un cuestionario de 10 preguntassobre la problemática más importante en el área de la neuroprotecciónen la EP. Tras ello se estableció un consenso sobre la situaciónactual y se sugirieron nuevas direcciones de investigación.Resultados. La mayoría de respuestas coincidieron en la necesidadde nuevos conceptos, en las limitaciones de los actuales modelosanimales o las dificultades de demostrar un efecto protector en humanospor la falta de biomarcadores. Algunos participantes opinanque ya se está ejerciendo un cierto efecto modificador del curso dela enfermedad.Conclusiones. El concepto de neuroprotección debe ser ampliado,los modelos animales deben mejorarse y urge encontrar un biomarcadorfiable para planificar la terapia en fases más precoces ypara determinar el efecto neuroprotector (AU)

Introduction. Currently used antiparkinsonian drugs neitherstop nor slow-down the progressive nature of the disease. The finalphase of PD is characterized by the presence of symptomsand signs resistant to dopaminergic agents, such as depression,dementia, freezing and falls. Therefore, it is urgent to develop therapies able to positively modify this outcome. Despite neuroprotectionis a research priority in PD, no effective strategieshave been found so far.Method. A key informants study was conducted. A group ofexperts in PD fulfilled a questionnaire of 10 questions to explorethe most important topics related to neuroprotection. Afterwardsa consensus about the cur-rent situation of neuroprotection inPD was established and future directions of development weresuggested.Results. Most of the answers emphasized the need of newconcepts, the limitations of animal models and the difficulties inthe difficulties in demonstrating a neuroprotective effects in humansowing to a lack of biomarkers. Some of the experts believethat we are already exerting a disease modifying effect.Conclusions. The concept of neuroprotection should be widened.Animal models should be improved. A reliable biomarkerto start neuroprotective therapies long before the appearance ofmotor symptoms and to evaluate the neuroprotective effect ofany therapy should be urgently developed (AU)

Calidad de la farmacoterapia y seguridad de los pacientes en hemodialisis tratados con estimulantes eritropoyeticos / Pharmacotherapy quality and patient safety in haemodialysis patients treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents

Objetivo: Evaluar un programa interdisciplinario de mejora de la calidad de la farmacoterapia y la seguridad de los pacientes con enfermedad renal cronica tratados con estimulantes eritropoyeticos. Metodo: Estudio observacional longitudinal. Analisis retrospectivo (periodo A) y prospectivo tras implantar el programa (periodo B) de valores de hemoglobina y dosis de estimulantes eritropoyeticos mensuales. Se compararon, cada 4 meses, la proporcion de pacientes con valores de hemoglobina dentro del ambito objetivo (10,5-12,5 g/dl) y superiores al limite de seguridad (¡Ý 12,5g/dl), y el porcentaje medio de tiempo con valores de hemoglobina dentro del ambito objetivo y superiores al limite de seguridad, respectivamente, durante los periodos A y B. Resultados: Se incluyeron 59 pacientes. La proporcion de estos con hemoglobina dentro del ambito objetivo se incrementa de un 28,8 a un 65,4% (riesgo relativo = 2,27; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 1,56-3,30) y la de pacientes con hemoglobina superior al limite de seguridad se reduce de un 57,6 a un 19,2% (reduccion absoluta del riesgo = 0,39; IC del 95%, 0,19-0,55). El tiempo con hemoglobina en el ambito objetivo se incrementa un 15,7% (IC del 95%, 7,1-24,2) y el tiempo con valores superiores al limite de seguridad se reduce un 26,9% (IC del 95%, -35,1 a -18,6). El n¨²mero de pacientes que hay que incluir para evitar que 1 alcance un valor de hemoglobina superior al limite de seguridad fue 2,6 (IC del 95%, 2,5-2,7). Conclusion: La implantacion de un programa de mejora de la calidad de la farmacoterapia con estimulantes eritropoyeticos en pacientes en hemodiolisis aumenta significativamente la proporcion de pacientes con valores de hemoglobina dentro del ambito de efectividad y seguridad recomendados (AU)

Objective: To assess an interdisciplinary programme for the improvement of pharmacotherapy quality and patient safety in patients with chronic renal disease who are treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Method: Observational, longitudinal study. Retrospective analysis (period A) and prospective analysis (period B) following implementation of the programme for haemoglobin values and monthly erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dosage. The proportion of patients with haemoglobin values within the target range (10-5-12.5 g/dl) and those with values above the safety limit (¡Ý 12.5g/dl) were compared every four months and the average percentage of time with haemoglobin values within the target range and above the safety limit were compared during periods A and B. Results: 59 patients were included in the study. The proportion of patients with haemoglobin levels within the target range increased from 28.8% to 65.4% (RR = 2.27; 95% CI, 1.56-3.30) and the value in patients with haemoglobin levels above the safe level reduced from 57.6% to 19.2% (RAR = 0.39; 95% CI, 0.19-0.55). The time with haemoglobin levels in the target range increased 15.7% (95% CI, 7.1-24.2) and the time with values above the safe level reduced 26.9% (95% CI, -35.1 to -18.6). The number of patients included to avoid one reaching a haemoglobin value above the safe range was 2.6 (95% CI, 2.5-2.7). Conclusions: the implementation of an improvement programme for the quality of pharmacotherapy with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in patients with haemodialysis significantly increases the proportion of patients with haemoglobin values within the recommended ranges of effectiveness and safety (AU)

[Pharmacotherapy quality and patient safety in haemodialysis patients treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents]. / Calidad de la farmacoterapia y seguridad de los pacientes en hemodiálisis tratados con estimulantes eritropoyéticos.

OBJECTIVE: To assess an interdisciplinary programme for the improvement of pharmacotherapy quality and patient safety in patients with chronic renal disease who are treated with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. METHOD: Observational, longitudinal study. Retrospective analysis (period A) and prospective analysis (period B) following implementation of the programme for haemoglobin values and monthly erythropoiesis-stimulating agent dosage. The proportion of patients with haemoglobin values within the target range (10-5-12.5 g/dl) and those with values above the safety limit (>or= 12.5g/dl) were compared every four months and the average percentage of time with haemoglobin values within the target range and above the safety limit were compared during periods A and B. RESULTS: 59 patients were included in the study. The proportion of patients with haemoglobin levels within the target range increased from 28.8% to 65.4% (RR = 2.27; 95% CI, 1.56-3.30) and the value in patients with haemoglobin levels above the safe level reduced from 57.6% to 19.2% (RAR = 0.39; 95% CI, 0.19-0.55). The time with haemoglobin levels in the target range increased 15.7% (95% CI, 7.1-24.2) and the time with values above the safe level reduced 26.9% (95% CI, -35.1 to -18.6). The number of patients included to avoid one reaching a haemoglobin value above the safe range was 2.6 (95% CI, 2.5-2.7). CONCLUSIONS: the implementation of an improvement programme for the quality of pharmacotherapy with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in patients with haemodialysis significantly increases the proportion of patients with haemoglobin values within the recommended ranges of effectiveness and safety.

[Childhood as a value and a problem in the campaigns for health at the beginning of the twentieth century in Spain]. / La infancia como valor y como problema en las luchas sanitarias de principios de siglo en España.

The paper explores how, through a process that began in the last decades of the nineteenth century and continued during the first part of the present century, especially in the 1920's infancy and infant health were regarded as objects of great value and as a social problem. The child's body was studied and analyzed by doctors, a situation that had important repercussions in other spheres of social life. Children were considered to have a series of characteristics which formed, as a whole, an ideal model within the family and home setting. Care, protection and intervention are the three components underlying the sanitary reform process that supported the health and welfare of children in Spain during this period.