Framework Development for Patient-Specific Compliant Aortic Dissection Phantom Model Fabrication: Magnetic Resonance Imaging Validation and Deep-Learning Segmentation.

Type B aortic dissection is a life-threatening medical emergency that can result in rupture of the aorta. Due to the complexity of patient-specific characteristics, only limited information on flow patterns in dissected aortas has been reported in the literature. Leveraging the medical imaging data for patient-specific in vitro modeling can complement the hemodynamic understanding of aortic dissections. We propose a new approach toward fully automated patient-specific type B aortic dissection model fabrication. Our framework uses a novel deep-learning-based segmentation for negative mold manufacturing. Deep-learning architectures were trained on a dataset of 15 unique computed tomography scans of dissection subjects and were blind-tested on 4 sets of scans, which were targeted for fabrication. Following segmentation, the three-dimensional models were created and printed using polyvinyl alcohol. These models were then coated with latex to create compliant patient-specific phantom models. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) structural images demonstrate the ability of the introduced manufacturing technique for creating intimal septum walls and tears based on patient-specific anatomy. The in vitro experiments show the fabricated phantoms generate physiologically-accurate pressure results. The deep-learning models also show high similarity metrics between manual segmentation and autosegmentation where Dice metric is as high as 0.86. The proposed deep-learning-based negative mold manufacturing method facilitates an inexpensive, reproducible, and physiologically-accurate patient-specific phantom model fabrication suitable for aortic dissection flow modeling.

Modeling landslide activity and sediment connectivity after eruptions: Insights from the Blanco River (Chile).

Volcanic eruptions can disrupt entire river basins by affecting the hydro-geomorphic characteristics of channel networks and hillslopes. Reports suggest a pulsed and delayed increase in landslide activity following the eruptions, which, depending on the degree of linkage between hillslopes and channels, i.e. sediment connectivity, can represent a massive source of sediment input for the fluvial system. Therefore, predicting landslide occurrence and sediment connectivity is fundamental for management risk strategies, especially in such dynamic and complex environments. The aim of this work is to develop and offer a more reliable approach to map the areas susceptible to landslides and connected to the active channel in a catchment impacted by volcanic eruption. The analyses were carried out in the Blanco River catchment in southern Chile, affected by the Chaitén eruption (2008-09). A combined approach is presented, based on landslide susceptibility models, carried out multi-temporally (from 2010 to 2019), and a threshold-based sediment connectivity map. The results showed that the highest landslide occurrence was reported 4 years after the eruption, whereas the faster increase in the overall area affected was observed only after 7 years. Landslide susceptibility models showed high accuracy when applied in the same year, but were less accurate in predicting future occurrences. This result is ascribed to the dynamic conditions of the vegetation, regenerating quickly after the mass movements. Nevertheless, considering the potential sources of error, the combined landslide susceptibility-connectivity map for the year 2019 well-identified relevant areas for catchment management. The largest part of the catchment was found non-susceptible and disconnected, while areas classified as susceptible and connected represent only 3.1 %. The application of this novel approach allowed to unravel the geomorphic trajectory of the study area and, more importantly, can represent a benchmark for future applications in other catchments affected by large disturbances.

Efectividad de las medidas y estrategias de prevención de úlceras por presión en neonatos / Effectiveness of measures and strategies for the prevention of pressure ulcers in neonates

OBJETIVOS: Analizar la efectividad, en términos de disminución de la incidencia de úlceras por presión (UPP), de las medidas y estrategias preventivas de UPP en neonatos hospitalizados. MÉTODO: La recuperación de estudios se realizó a través de tres bases de datos (Medline a través de PubMed, Scopus y Science Direct) y a partir de un experto. Solamente se incluyeron en esta revisión los estudios publicados del 2007 al 2017 en español o inglés, que de forma directa o indirecta valoraran la efectividad de una medida o estrategia preventiva de UPP en neonatos hospitalizados y que en cuanto al diseño fueran o estudios clínicos controlados o cuasiexperimentales. RESULTADOS: De 100 estudios recuperados se realizó el análisis de cinco; los demás fueron excluidos por no cumplir los criterios de elegibilidad. La mayoría de los estudios analizan la efectividad de una medida preventiva de UPP secundaria al tratamiento con ventilación mecánica no invasiva en neonatos prematuros. Todos ellos tienen limitaciones en la metodología que emplean, lo que hace que la evidencia de sus recomendaciones sea baja-moderada. CONCLUSIONES: Es necesaria la realización de estudios controlados aleatorios de mayor potencia para poder recomendar alguna medida o estrategia preventiva

Objetives: The main objective of this review was to examine the effectiveness, in terms of reducing the incidence of pressure ulcers (PU), of measures and preventive strategies of PU in hospitalized infants. METHOD: The recovery of studies was carried out through three databases (Medline through Pubmed, Scopus and Science Direct), and from an expert. Only studies published from 2007-2017 in Spanish or English were included in this review, which directly or indirectly appreciate the effectiveness of a measure or preventive strategy of PU in hospitalized neonates and that in terms of design were controlled or quasi-experimental trials. RESULTS: From 100 retrieved studies was conducted analysis of 5 studies, others were excluded for failing to meet the eligibility criteria. Most studies analyze the effectiveness of a preventive measure of secondary PU to treatment with Noninvasive mechanical ventilation in preterm infants. All of the studies have limitations in the methodology used, which makes the evidence of its recommendations to be low-moderate. CONCLUSIONS: Is necessary the realization of randomized controlled studies of higher power to be able to recommend any measure or preventive strategy

Abnormal Origin of one Pulmonary Artery from the Ascending Aorta-Embryologic Considerations.

Anomalous origin of one of the pulmonary arteries from the aorta is unusual. The reported morbidity and mortality is mostly due to early onset vascular disease. Early surgical intervention has significantly improved outcomes. The diagnosis of this abnormality is challenging. The nomenclature used is inconsistent. Familiarity with this abnormality and consistent use of definitions and classifications is mandatory. An attempt is made to clarify misleading inconsistencies. An older ontogenetic theory is revisited.

Tetralogy of Fallot and anomalous origin of the left pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta associated with absent right internal carotid artery.

Anomalous origin of the left pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta is a rare cardiac malformation more commonly described with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). The association of absent right carotid artery with TOF and anomalous left pulmonary artery from the ascending aorta has been rarely reported in the past. This case highlights the need for careful evaluation of the aortic arch and head vessels anatomy in patients with TOF because of the potential neurologic complications after surgery.

Utility of blood culture in uncomplicated pneumonia in children.

BACKGROUND: It is believed to be the standard of care to obtain a blood culture in a child who is hospitalized for pneumonia. In recent years, many studies have questioned the utility of this practice in the presence of age appropriate immunization. We conducted this study to determine the current prevalence of bacteremia in children with uncomplicated pneumonia and the utility of obtaining blood cultures in these children. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk of bacteremia in hospitalized young children with pneumonia. METHODS: This was a retrospective review from July 2003 until July 2008. The setting was the pediatric emergency department of an urban teaching hospital. The study population included children under 36 months of age who had been fully immunized and who had been hospitalized with radiographic evidence of uncomplicated pneumonia. Excluded were children who were currently using antibiotics or who had used antibiotics within the previous 48 hours, as well as children with immunodeficiency status such as sickle cell anemia, immunoglobulin deficiency, or children on steroid therapy. The radiologist's interpretation of each chest radiograph was reviewed and recorded. The variables studied were age (in months), gender, race, birth history, pneumococcal vaccination status, appearance on arrival, temperature on arrival, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, white blood cell (WBC) count, neutrophil count, band count, and urine culture. The chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: A blood culture was obtained in 535 children hospitalized with radiographic pneumonia. Bacteremia was present in 12 children (2.2%). All organisms isolated from the blood cultures were considered contaminants. CONCLUSION: Children hospitalized with uncomplicated pneumonia have a low rate of positive blood cultures. None of the variables studied predicted bacteremia. The absence of true-positive cultures among the organisms isolated suggests little value in obtaining blood cultures in children hospitalized due to uncomplicated pneumonia.

The mediating role of perceived competence: testing a motivational sequence in university students / El rol mediador de la competencia percibida: análisis de una secuencia motivacional en estudiantes universitarios

In order to test the mediating role of perceived competence between each goal orientation (i.e. task and ego orientations) and intrinsic motivation in a motivational sequence in the context of university education, two models based on the cognitive evaluation theory and the achievement goal theory were tested with 276 Bolivian undergraduate students (138 males, 138 females), who completed Spanish versions of instruments designed to assess motivation, perceived competence, and positive emotions and interest. Two models were found with structural equation modeling techniques, one for ego orientation and one for task orientation. Results showed that perceived competence acts as a good mediator in the relation between ego orientation and intrinsic motivation, and as a partial mediator in the relation between task orientation and intrinsic motivation.

Con el objetivo de probar el rol mediador de la competencia percibida entre cada una de las orientaciones de meta (ego y tarea) y la motivación intrínseca en una secuencia motivacional en el contexto universitario, se examinaron dos modelos basados en la teoría de la evaluación cognitiva y en la teoría de metas de logro. Las versiones en español de varias pruebas de motivación para evaluar la competencia percibida y las emociones positivas y el interés, fueron completadas por 276 (138 hombres y 138 mujeres) estudiantes universitarios bolivianos. Mediante la técnica de ecuaciones estructurales se verificaron dos modelos, uno para la orientación al ego y otro para la orientación a la tarea. Los resultados mostraron que la competencia percibida resulta un buen mediador en la relación entre orientación al ego y motivación intrínseca, y un mediador parcial en la relación entre orientación a la tarea y motivación intrínseca.

Effect of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest followed by low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass on brain metabolism in newborn piglets: comparison of pH-stat and α-stat management.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of pH-stat and α-stat management before deep hypothermic circulatory arrest followed by a period of low-flow (two rates) cardiopulmonary bypass on cortical oxygenation and selected regulatory proteins: Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and phospho-Akt. DESIGN: Piglets were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass, cooled with pH-stat or α-stat management to 18 °C over 30 mins, subjected to 30-min deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and 1-hr low flow at 20 mL/kg/min (LF-20) or 50 mL/kg/min (LF-50), rewarmed to 37 °C, separated from cardiopulmonary bypass, and recovered for 6 hrs. SUBJECTS: Newborn piglets, 2-5 days old, assigned randomly to experimental groups. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Cortical oxygen was measured by oxygen-dependent quenching of phosphorescence; proteins were measured by Western blots. The means from six experiments ± sem are presented as % of α-stat. Significance was determined by Student's t test. For LF-20, cortical oxygenation was similar for α-stat and pH-stat, whereas for LF-50, it was significantly better using pH-stat. For LF-20, the measured proteins were not different except for Bax in the cortex (214 ± 24%, p = .006) and hippocampus (118 ± 6%, p = .024) and Caspase 3 in striatum (126% ± 7%, p = .019). For LF-50, in pH-stat group: In cortex, Bax and Caspase-3 were lower (72 ± 8%, p = .001 and 72 ± 10%, p = .004, respectively) and pAkt was higher (138 ± 12%, p = .049). In hippocampus, Bcl-2 and Bax were not different but pAkt was higher (212 ± 37%, p = .005) and Caspase 3 was lower (84 ± 4%, p = .018). In striatum, Bax and pAkt did not differ, but Bcl-2 increased (146 ± 11%, p = .001) and Caspase-3 decreased (81 ± 11%, p = .042). CONCLUSIONS: In this deep hypothermic circulatory arrest-LF model, when flow was 20 mL/kg/min, there was little difference between α-stat and pH-stat management. However, for LF-50, pH-stat management resulted in better cortical oxygenation during recovery and Bax, Bcl-2, pAk, and Caspase-3 changes were consistent with lesser activation of proapoptotic signaling with pH-stat than with α-stat.

Resuscitation with 100%, compared with 21%, oxygen following brief, repeated periods of apnea can protect vulnerable neonatal brain regions from apoptotic injury.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of repeated intermittent apnea and resuscitation with 100% vs. 21% oxygen enriched gas on levels of key regulatory proteins contributing to cell death (Bax, Caspase-3) or protecting neurons from hypoxic/ischemic injury (Bcl-2, p-Akt, p-CREB). METHODS: The anaesthetized, mechanically ventilated newborn piglets underwent 10 episodes of apnea with resuscitation either with 100% or with 21% oxygen. Following 6h recovery the animals were sacrificed painlessly, the brain dissected out and used to determine levels of Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase-3, p-Akt and p-CREB in the striatum, frontal cortex, midbrain and hippocampus were studied. RESULTS: In hippocampus and striatum, Bcl-2 expression was higher with 100% vs. 21% group (173+/-29% vs. 121+/-31%, p<0.05 and 189+/-10% vs. 117+/-47%, p<0.01, respectively) whereas the Bax expression was lower (88+/-3% vs. 100+/-9%, p<0.05 and 117+/-5% vs. 133+/-10%, p<0.05, respectively). Expression of Caspase-3 in the striatum, was lower with 100% vs. 21% group (197+/-35% vs. 263+/-33%, p<0.05, respectively) but not different in the hippocampus. p-Akt expression was higher with 100% vs. 21% oxygen in the hippocampus and striatum (225+/-44% vs. 108+/-35%, p<0.01 and 215+/-12% vs. 164+/-16%, p<0.01, respectively). The p-CREB expression was higher with 100% vs. 21% oxygen resuscitation in the hippocampus (217+/-41% vs. 132+/-30%, p<0.01) with no changes in striatum. Much smaller or insignificant differences between 100% vs. 21% oxygen groups were observed in the frontal cortex and midbrain, respectively. CONCLUSION: In neonatal piglet model of intermittent apnea, selectively vulnerable regions of brain (striatum and hippocampus) are better protected from apoptotic injury when resuscitation was conducted with 100%, rather than 21%, oxygen.

Response of brain oxygenation and metabolism to deep hypothermic circulatory arrest in newborn piglets: comparison of pH-stat and alpha-stat strategies.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effect of pH-stat as compared with alpha-stat management on brain oxygenation, level of striatal extracellular dopamine, phosphorylation, and levels of protein kinase B (Akt) and cyclic adenosine 3', 5'-monophosphate response element-binding protein (CREB), and levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, Bcl-2, and Bax in a piglet model of deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA). METHODS: The piglets were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), cooled with pH-stat or alpha-stat to 18 degrees C, subjected to 90 minutes of DHCA, rewarmed, weaned from CPB, and maintained for two hours recovery. The cortical oxygen was measured by: quenching of phosphorescence; dopamine by microdialysis; phosphorylation of CREB (p-CREB), ERK (p-ERK) 1/2, Akt (p-Akt), and level of Bcl-2, Bax by Western blots. RESULTS: Oxygen pressure histograms for the microvasculature of the cortex show substantially higher oxygen levels during cooling and during the oxygen depletion period after cardiac arrest (up to 15 minutes) when using pH-stat compared with alpha-stat management. Significant increases in dopamine occurred at 45 minutes and 60 minutes of DHCA in the alpha-stat and pH-stat groups, respectively. The p-CREB and p-Akt in the pH-stat group were significantly higher than in the alpha-stat group (140 +/- 9%, p < 0.05 and 125 +/- 6%, p < 0.05, respectively). There was no significant difference in p-ERK1/2 and Bax. The Bcl-2 increased in the pH-stat group to 121 +/- 4% (p < 0.05) compared with the alpha-stat group. The ratio Bcl-2:Bax increased in the pH-stat group compared with the alpha-stat group. CONCLUSIONS: The increase in p-CREB, p-Akt, Bcl-2, Bcl-2/Bax, and delay in increase of dopamine indicated that pH-stat, in the piglet model, prolongs "safe" time of DHCA and provides some brain protection against ischemic injury.

Brain oxygen and metabolism is dependent on the rate of low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass following circulatory arrest in newborn piglets.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimum rate of low-flow hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (LF), following circulatory arrest (DHCA) on brain oxygenation (bO(2)), extracellular dopamine (DA), phosphorylation of select neuroregulatory proteins responsible for neuronal injury, and survival following ischemic brain injury: CREB, Erk1/2, Akt, Bcl-2, and Bax. METHODS: The piglets were placed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and cooled to 18 degrees C. They were then subjected to 30 min of DHCA followed by 1h of LF at 20, 50, or 80 ml/(kg/min), rewarmed, separated from CPB, and maintained for 2h. The bO(2) was measured by quenching of phosphorescence; DA by microdialysis; phosphorylation of CREB, ERK1/2, Akt, Bcl-2, and Bax by Western blots. The results are means+/-SD for seven experiments. RESULTS: Pre-bypass bO(2) was 47.4+/-4.2 mmHg and decreased to 1.9+/-0.8 mmHg during DHCA. At the end of LF at 20, 50, and 80 ml/(kg/min), bO(2) was 11.8+/-1.6, 26+/-1.8, and 33.9+/-2.6 mmHg, respectively. The DA increased 510-fold relative to control (p<0.001) by 15 min of LF-20 with maximum increase occurring at 45 min. With LF-50, increase in DA was not statistically significant and no increase was observed when LF-80 was used. Bcl-2 immunoreactivity increased after LF-50 and LF-80 (140+/-14.5%, p<0.05 and 202+/-34%, p<0.05, respectively). Neither flow increased Bax immunoreactivity. The ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, pCREB, pAkt, pErk increased significantly with increasing the flow rate of LF. CONCLUSIONS: The protective effect of LF following DHCA on brain metabolism is dependent on the flow rate. Flow-dependent increase in pCREB, pErk1/2, pAkt, increase in Bcl-2/Bax, and decrease in DA indicated that to minimize DHCA-dependent neuronal injury, LF flow should be above 50 ml/(kg/min).

Aspectos inconscientes da teoria da reciprocidade das trocas de Marcel Mauss

O fato social representado pela obrigatoriedade de retribuir algum presente ou doação recebido é pesquisado, principalmente, na obra específica de Marcel Mauss - ENSAIO SOBRE DÁDIVA - e nos comentários críticos à mesma , efetuados por Claude Lévi-Strauss, em sua introdução. A principal conclusão a que se chega é a de que tal costume é universal e sua origem é de ordem muito profunda, não podendo ser atribuída a explicações de nível consciente. O caráter inconsciente do fenômeno abre a necessidade de pesquisas adicionais interdisciplinares entre a Psicologia e a Antropologia Social(AU)

O inconsciente em Jung e em Lévi-Strauss

Existe uma separação crescente entre a Antropologia Social e a Psicologia Analítica. Uma das razões principais de tal separação, são as opiniões de autores proeminentes da Antropologia Social, tais como as de Claude Lévi-Straus, contrárias aos conceitos de arquétipo e de inconsciente coletivo formulado por Jung. Este ensaio mostra como as opiniões de Lévi-Strauss a respeito da teoria junguiana são inconsistentes e contraditórias e se baseiam em leituras parciais ou mal efetuadas da obra de Jung. O objetivo do artigo é o de estabelecer uma ponte sobre o abismo que separa os seguidores de ambos autores nos campos respectivos da psicologia Analítica e da Antropologia Social (AU)

Aspectos psicológicos das teorias religiosas

Após percorrer os principais momentos do pensamento antropológico, desde o século passado ao momento atual, no que se refere às teorias religiosas, constata-se que todos eles esbarram na necessidade de se aprofundar em termos específicos do campo de estudo da psicologia. Mais uma vez, a necessidade de interdisciplinaridade entre a psicologia e a antropologia social fica entendida(AU)

A antropologia e a psicologia - interdisciplinaridade

Todos os principais campos de especialização da psicologia (organizacional, educacional e clínica) necessitam dos conhecimentos aportados pela antropologia social e cultural para sua prática profissional. Apesar de sua origem comum, existe atualmente uma especialização exagerada que impede o fluxo de infs entre esses ramos das ciências humanas provocando a desatualização recíproca de seus profissionais bem como a existência de cursos de formação em psicologia onde nem sequer são ministradas cadeiras de antropologia social e cultural. O artigo propõe-se a servir de alerta contra tais distorções(AU)