CVD-MET: an image difference metric designed for analysis of color vision deficiency aids.

Color vision deficiency (CVD) has gained in relevance in the last decade, with a surge of proposals for aid systems that aim to improve the color discrimination capabilities of CVD subjects. This paper focuses on the proposal of a new metric called CVD-MET, that can evaluate the efficiency and naturalness of these systems through a set of images using a simulation of the subject's vision. In the simulation, the effect of chromatic adaptation is introduced via CIECAM02, which is relevant for the evaluation of passive aids (color filters). To demonstrate the potential of the CVD-MET, an evaluation of a representative set of passive and active aids is carried out both with conventional image quality metrics and with CVD-MET. The results suggest that the active aids (recoloration algorithms) are in general more efficient and produce more natural images, although the changes that are introduced do not shift the CVD's perception of the scene towards the normal observer's perception.

Irrigation and phosphorous fertilization management to minimize rice grain arsenic content.

This research sought to minimize inorganic arsenic levels in polished rice grain by using different irrigation and phosphorous fertilization practices while also maintaining crop yield and water productivity. Two experiments were conducted during seasons 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 using a split-plot design with three blocks, five irrigation treatments (main-plots) and two phosphorous levels (sub-plots). Irrigation treatments consisted of a traditional continuous flood (CF) control and four alternatives irrigation techniques with one or two drying events during the irrigation cycle. The phosphorous fertilization levels investigated were an unfertilized control (0 kg P2O5 ha-1) and the recommended fertilization level of 50 kg P2O5 ha-1. Soil pH and redox potentials were measured in each treatment. Strategically-timed, low severity drying events were effective at achieving aerobic soil conditions, resulting in Eh values over 50 mV. The alternative irrigation treatment with two drying events, implemented at panicle initiation and full flowering, was the most effective in reducing inorganic arsenic in grain without affecting grain yield or the amount of irrigation water applied. This irrigation technique could be considered as an alternative management to the traditional continuous flooded to reach minimal inorganic arsenic accumulation in grain in order to attend special quality standards or specific market requirements. Accumulated inorganic arsenic in grain was below international maximum levels in all analyzed samples, with an average value of 0.084 mg kg-1.

Exploratory analysis of clinical benefit of ipilimumab and nivolumab treatment in patients with metastatic melanoma from a single institution

PurposeWe retrospectively analysed overall survival (OS) and potential predictive biomarkers of OS in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with ipilimumab plus nivolumab in a single institution.Methods and patientsElectronic medical records of patients with advanced melanoma receiving ≥ 1 dose of a combined ipilimumab plus nivolumab regimen between March 3, 2016 and March 7, 2020 in a single institution, were reviewed. OS was analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Sub-group analyses were conducted to examine several endpoints according to relevant clinical, molecular and pathological variables using logistic and Cox models.ResultsForty-four cases were reviewed, 38 (86.4%), of whom had cutaneous melanoma, 21 (47.7%) were BRAF mutant, 21 (47.7%) presented high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) values, 23 (52.3%) had ≥ 3 disease sites, and 10 (22.7%) patients had brain metastases. The median follow-up was 37.7 months, and the median OS was 21.1 months (95% CI 8.2–NR). In the multivariate analysis, the OS was significantly longer in patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score of 0, LDH ≤ upper limit of normal, absence of liver metastases and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) < 5 (all p ≤ 0.05, log-rank test). These factors allowed the classification of patients into three prognostic risk groups (low/intermediate/high risk) for death.ConclusionOverall survival of real-world patients from our cohort receiving ipilimumab plus nivolumab was lower than in previous studies. The ECOG score, LDH values, the presence of liver metastases and the NLR were independent prognostic factors for survival.

Exploratory analysis of clinical benefit of ipilimumab and nivolumab treatment in patients with metastatic melanoma from a single institution.

PURPOSE: We retrospectively analysed overall survival (OS) and potential predictive biomarkers of OS in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with ipilimumab plus nivolumab in a single institution. METHODS AND PATIENTS: Electronic medical records of patients with advanced melanoma receiving ≥ 1 dose of a combined ipilimumab plus nivolumab regimen between March 3, 2016 and March 7, 2020 in a single institution, were reviewed. OS was analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Sub-group analyses were conducted to examine several endpoints according to relevant clinical, molecular and pathological variables using logistic and Cox models. RESULTS: Forty-four cases were reviewed, 38 (86.4%), of whom had cutaneous melanoma, 21 (47.7%) were BRAF mutant, 21 (47.7%) presented high lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) values, 23 (52.3%) had ≥ 3 disease sites, and 10 (22.7%) patients had brain metastases. The median follow-up was 37.7 months, and the median OS was 21.1 months (95% CI 8.2-NR). In the multivariate analysis, the OS was significantly longer in patients with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score of 0, LDH ≤ upper limit of normal, absence of liver metastases and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) < 5 (all p ≤ 0.05, log-rank test). These factors allowed the classification of patients into three prognostic risk groups (low/intermediate/high risk) for death. CONCLUSION: Overall survival of real-world patients from our cohort receiving ipilimumab plus nivolumab was lower than in previous studies. The ECOG score, LDH values, the presence of liver metastases and the NLR were independent prognostic factors for survival.

Regional variability of arsenic content in Uruguayan polished rice.

Characterization of the country internal variability of arsenic (As) accumulation in rice grain across different rice production regions is very important in order to analyze its compliance with international and regional limits. A robust sampling study scheme (n = 150 samples) was performed to determine total arsenic (tAs) and inorganic (iAs) levels from polished rice grain covering all rice producing regions along two growing seasons. The mean and median concentration of tAs were 0.178 mg kg-1 and 0.147 mg kg-1, with a minimum and maximum value of 0.015 mg kg-1 and 0.629 mg kg-1, respectively and a coefficient of variation of 63.6%. The mean and median concentration of iAs were 0.062 mg kg-1 and 0.055 mg kg-1 respectively ranging from 0.005 mg kg-1 up to a maximum of 0.195 mg kg-1 and a coefficient of variation of 51.5%. A moderate correlation was revealed within iAs and tAs. Levels of iAs in all of the samples were below the international limits of 0.2 mg kg-1 according to the international limits for human health by the Codex Alimentarius (FAO and WHO, 2019). Rice fields cultivated on soils originated from igneous geological material reported lower arsenic levels accumulated in rice grain in relation to sedimentary soils. Japonica cultivars presented significantly lower tAs and iAs concentrations than Indica ones (p = 0.0121 and p < 0.0001; respectively). Consumption of rice by male and female adults in Uruguay is safe according to its level of annual consumption and based on the mean iAs levels determined in this study.

Do EnChroma glasses improve color vision for colorblind subjects?

The commercialization of EnChroma glasses has generated great expectations for people to be able to see new colors or even correct color vision deficiency (CVD). We evaluate the effectiveness of these glasses using two complementary strategies for the first time. The first consists of using the three classical types of tests - recognition, arrangement and discrimination - with and without glasses, with a high number of individuals. In the second, we use the spectral transmittance of the glasses to simulate the appearance of stimuli in a set of scenes for normal observers and observers with CVD. The results show that the glasses introduce a variation of the perceived color, but neither improve results in the diagnosis tests nor allow the observers with CVD to have a more normal color vision.

Neuroplasticidad asociada a miembro fantasma / Neuroplasticity and phantom limb

En las últimas décadas, el concepto de neuroplasticidad ha tomado clara relevancia asociado a la salud del paciente y al aprendizaje y conducta en el individuo sano. Esta capacidad del sistema nervioso implica asimilación, reorganización y modificación de nuestro mecanismo biológico, bioquímico y fisiológico. Con el advenimiento de nuevas tecnologías científicas que han aparecido en los últimos años, respondemos y mantenemos a este concepto de plasticidad del sistema nervioso como premisa base de ser susceptible a cambios externos y dinámicos. La experiencia del miembro fantasma pone al descubierto, de forma permanente, la existencia de un mapa corporal mental que subyace y modifica la experiencia con nuestro cuerpo, cuyo sistema nervioso posee la capacidad de reorganización cortical por estimulación sensitiva, sensorial, endocrina y motora. La relación entre miembro fantasma y neuroplasticidad es compleja, difícil de investigar a pesar de los avances científicos obtenidos y, a la vez, es dinámica, ya que esta capacidad responde a las necesidades de salud en el ser humano en las diferentes etapas de su vida (AU)

In recent decades, the concept of neuroplasticity has taken clear relevance associated with the patient’s health and learning and behavior in the healthy individual. This ability of the nervous system involves assimilation, reorganization and modification of our biological mechanism, biochemical and physiological. With the advent of new scientific technologies that have appeared in recent years, we respond and maintain this concept of plasticity of the nervous system as a basic premise of being susceptible to external changes and dynamic. The phantom limb experience exposes permanently, the existence of an underlying mental body map and modifies the experience with our body, whose nervous system has the ability of cortical reorganization by sensory stimulation, sensory, endocrine and motor. The relationship between phantom and neuroplasticity is complex, difficult to investigate despite scientific breakthroughs, yet is dynamic, and that this capacity meets the needs of human health at different stages of his life (AU)

[Complex congenital clubfoot: a case report]. / Pie equinovaro congénito complejo: presentación de un caso.

The Ponseti method is the ideal treatment for the management of congenital clubfoot of any etiology; it corrects the deformity in more than 90% of cases. However, a small percent of idiopathic clubfoot cases, known as complex clubfoot, do not respond properly to this treatment and thus a modification of the original technique described by Doctor Ponseti for manipulating the forefoot is required. We present herein the case of a patient with complex congenital clubfoot treated during her first year of life with the modified Ponseti method with good results.

Prevalencia de factores de riesgo para enfermedad cardiovascular en una muestra de pacientes con hipertensión arterial esencial: estudio descriptivo / Prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in a sample of patients with essential hypertension: descriptive study

Introducción: la valoración del riesgo cardiovascular permite identificar los grupos en los cuales se debe dar prioridad a las actividades de prevención (primaria y secundaria) dirigidas a reducir la morbimortalidad cardiovascular. Metodología: se incluyeron 2.167 pacientes hipertensos colombianos (edad media: 62,6 años; de los cuales 56,4% eran mujeres y 43,6% hombres) a quienes su médico realizó una encuesta estructurada y registró los resultados del examen físico y de las determinaciones bioquímicas para efectuar una estratificación del riesgo de enfermedad cardiovascular. Resultados: únicamente 32,1% de los pacientes tenía cifras de tensión arterial controladas al momento de la evaluación. El riesgo cardiovascular de la población en estudio fue bajo en 19,3%, moderado en 35,9%, alto en 30,6% y muy alto en 14%. La coexistencia de hipertensión arterial más diabetes incrementó la prevalencia de patologías renales, hipertrofia ventricular izquierda, enfermedad coronaria y enfermedad vascular periférica. Conclusiones: en pacientes hipertensos existe la necesidad de generar estrategias de detección y reducción efectiva del riesgo cardiovascular más allá del control de las cifras de tensión.

Introduction: with the assessment of cardiovascular risk physicians can identify those groups in which they must prioritize prevention activities (primary and secondary) to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Methodology: we included 2,167 colombian hypertensive patients (average age: 62.6 years, 56.4% were women and 43.6% men), their doctors conducted a structured survey, recorded their results of physical examination and biochemical determinations for make a stratification of risk of cardiovascular disease. Results: only 32.1% of patients had controlled blood pressure levels at the survey time. This is the cardiovascular risk observed: low 19.3%, 35.9% moderate, high 30.6% and 14% very high. The coexistence of HBP + diabetes increased prevalence of kidney diseases, left ventricular hypertrophy, coronary disease and peripheral vascular disease. Conclusions: in hypertensive patients is necessary to generate strategies for detection and effective reduction of cardiovascular risk factors beyond the control of blood pressure levels.

[Describing neurolathyrism. Physicians and the lathyrism epidemic in post-civil war Spain]. / Describiendo el neurolatirismo. Los clinicos ante la epidemia de latirismo en la Espana de la posguerra.

INTRODUCTION: Lathyrism is a chronic disease involving spastic paralysis of the lower limbs caused by the prolonged consumption of large amounts of flour made from grass pea, or almorta as it is known in Spain. In Spain it became an epidemic in the early post-civil war years, and this gave rise to a series of studies and clinical descriptions of unquestionable medical and historical interest. DEVELOPMENT: This paper analyses the clinical reports of patients with lathyrism during the above-mentioned epidemic in order to stress the importance of the symptoms and the neurological examination in identifying new cases and in controlling them. One interesting feature that stands out is how uniform these descriptions are, except in the initial phase of the disease, where certain differences have been reported depending on the epidemic area. Likewise, the (typical and atypical) prodromal symptoms, the classic symptoms of the disease and the so-called residual symptoms are all described. CONCLUSIONS: The lathyrism epidemic that occurred in Spain in the years 1941-1943 resulted in a series of clinical descriptions with very detailed accounts of the signs and symptoms written by the Spanish physicians who treated those patients. These reports constitute a valuable historical and clinical contribution on the subject of a disease that has been eradicated in west but is still endemic in other parts of the world.

Describiendo el neurolatirismo. Los clínicos ante la epidemia de latirismo en la España de la posguerra / Describing neurolathyrism. Physicians and the lathyrism epidemic in post-civil war spain

Summary. Introduction. Lathyrism is a chronic disease involving spastic paralysis of the lower limbs caused by the prolonged consumption of large amounts of flour made from grass pea, or almorta as it is known in Spain. In Spain it became an epidemic in the early post-civil war years, and this gave rise to a series of studies and clinical descriptions of unquestionable medical and historical interest. Development. This paper analyses the clinical reports of patients with lathyrism during the above-mentioned epidemic in order to stress the importance of the symptoms and the neurological examination in identifying new cases and in controlling them. One interesting feature that stands out is how uniform these descriptions are, except in the initial phase of the disease, where certain differences have been reported depending on the epidemic area. Likewise, the (typical and atypical) prodromal symptoms, the classic symptoms of the disease and the so-called residual symptoms are all described. Conclusions. The lathyrism epidemic that occurred in Spain in the years 1941-1943 resulted in a series of clinical descriptions with very detailed accounts of the signs and symptoms written by the Spanish physicians who treated those patients. These reports constitute a valuable historical and clinical contribution on the subject of a disease that has been eradicated in west but is still endemic in other parts of the world (AU)

Resumen. Introducción. El latirismo es una enfermedad crónica producida por el consumo excesivo y continuo de harina de almorta (Lathirus sativus), que cursa con parálisis espástica de los miembros inferiores. En España adquirió un carácter epidémico en los primeros años de la posguerra, lo que dio lugar a una serie de investigaciones y descripciones clínicas de indudable interés histórico-médico. Desarrollo. Se analizan las descripciones clínicas realizadas sobre los pacientes con latirismo durante la mencionada epidemia con el fin de destacar la importancia de los síntomas y de la exploración neurológica en la identificación de nuevos casos y en el control de éstos. Se destaca la uniformidad de dichas descripciones, salvo en la fase de inicio de la enfermedad, respecto a la cual se han comunicado algunas diferencias en función de la zona epidémica. Se identifican, asimismo, los síntomas prodrómicos (típicos y atípicos), los síntomas clásicos de la enfermedad y los denominados síntomas residuales. Conclusiones. La epidemia de latirismo que tuvo lugar en la España de los años 1941-1943 dio lugar a una serie de descripciones clínicas de una gran ‘finura’ semiológica por parte de los médicos españoles que trataron a estos pacientes, lo que constituye una aportación de relevancia histórica y clínica en torno a una enfermedad erradicada en el mundo occidental, pero endémica en otras zonas del planeta (AU)

Colourimetric characterisation of disposable optical sensors from spectroradiometric measurements.

Spectroradiometric measurements of reflectance and CIELAB hue-angle, were tested for K(I) determination using disposable optical sensors based on ion exchange mechanism. The linearisation of the sigmoidal response function, using a logistic regression, increases the linear range noticeably to 7.65 x 10(-8)-1.5 M and 1.22 x 10(-7)-1.5 M for CIELAB hue-angle and reflectance, respectively. The trueness of both procedures was demonstrated comparing it with results obtained by a DAD spectrophotometer used as a reference measurement procedure. The usefulness of the procedure was checked by analysing K(I) in different types of waters and beverages. Additionally, we studied the possible visual discrimination for the whole potassium range tested, obtaining the possibility of discriminating twelve groups of concentrations.

Total selenium and selenomethionine in pharmaceutical yeast tablets: assessment of the state of the art of measurement capabilities through international intercomparison CCQM-P86.

Results of an international intercomparison study (CCQM-P86) to assess the analytical capabilities of national metrology institutes (NMIs) and selected expert laboratories worldwide to accurately quantitate the mass fraction of selenomethionine (SeMet) and total Se in pharmaceutical tablets of selenised-yeast supplements (produced by Pharma Nord, Denmark) are presented. The study, jointly coordinated by LGC Ltd., UK, and the Institute for National Measurement Standards, National Research Council of Canada (NRCC), was conducted under the auspices of the Comité Consultatif pour la Quantité de Matière (CCQM) Inorganic Analysis Working Group and involved 15 laboratories (from 12 countries), of which ten were NMIs. Apart from a protocol for determination of moisture content and the provision of the certified reference material (CRM) SELM-1 to be used as the quality control sample, no sample preparation/extraction method was prescribed. A variety of approaches was thus used, including single-step and multiple-step enzymatic hydrolysis, enzymatic probe sonication and hydrolysis with methanesulfonic acid for SeMet, as well as microwave-assisted acid digestion and enzymatic probe sonication for total Se. For total Se, detection techniques included inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometry (MS) with external calibration, standard additions or isotope dilution MS (IDMS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry , flame atomic absorption spectrometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis. For determination of SeMet in the tablets, five NMIs and three academic/institute laboratories (of a total of five) relied upon measurements using IDMS. For species-specific IDMS measurements, an isotopically enriched standard of SeMet (76Se-enriched SeMet) was made available. A novel aspect of this study relies on the approach used to distinguish any errors which arise during analysis of a SeMet calibration solution from those which occur during analysis of the matrix. To help those participants undertaking SeMet analysis to do this, a blind sample in the form of a standard solution of natural abundance SeMet in 0.1 M HCl (with an expected value of 956 mg kg(-1) SeMet) was provided. Both high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-ICP-MS or gas chromatography (GC)-ICP-MS and GC-MS techniques were used for quantitation of SeMet. Several advances in analytical methods for determination of SeMet were identified, including the combined use of double IDMS with HPLC-ICP-MS following extraction with methanesulfonic acid and simplified two-step enzymatic hydrolysis with protease/lipase/driselase followed by HPLC-ICP-IDMS, both using a species-specific IDMS approach. Overall, satisfactory agreement amongst participants was achieved; results averaged 337.6 mg kg(-1) (n = 13, with a standard deviation of 9.7 mg kg(-1)) and 561.5 mg kg(-1) (n = 11, with a standard deviation of 44.3 mg kg(-1)) with median values of 337.6 and 575.0 mg kg(-1) for total Se and SeMet, respectively. Recovery of SeMet from SELM-1 averaged 95.0% (n = 9). The ability of NMIs and expert laboratories worldwide to deliver accurate results for total Se and SeMet in such materials (selensied-yeast tablets containing approximately 300 mg kg(-1) Se) with 10% expanded uncertainty was demonstrated. The problems addressed in achieving accurate quantitation of SeMet in this product are representative of those encountered with a wide range of organometallic species in a number of common matrices.

Heavy metal levels in fish from coastal waters of Uruguay.

Copper, mercury, and zinc levels were determined in muscle and liver (N = 163) of seven fish species caught in coastal waters off Montevideo and Piriapolis (control site): Odontesthes spp., Mugil platanus, Micropogonias furnieri, Urophycis brasiliensis, Cynoscion guatucupa, Menticirrhus americanus, and Mustelus schmitti. The local population commonly uses these species for consumption. Heavy metal concentrations determined in this study were generally below those obtained for fish caught in Argentinean and Brazilian coastal waters, with some exceptions in the case of mercury and zinc. Based on copper, mercury, and zinc levels in muscle tissue, we conclude that the fish studied here are acceptable for human consumption. Nevertheless, it is recommended not to consume the fish liver (up to 466 microg Zn g(-1) dry weight in liver) nor large specimens of the investigated species. Regional programs involving the neighboring countries should be established to assess the fisheries resources and potential risks for human health.

Time course of tissue plasminogen activator-induced recanalization in acute cardioembolic stroke: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The relationship between arterial recanalization, infarct size, and outcome in patients treated with intravenous thrombolytics remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to determine the time course of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA)-induced recanalization in patients with cardioembolic stroke treated <3 hours from symptom onset and to investigate the relationship between arterial recanalization, infarct volume, and outcome. METHODS: We prospectively studied 72 patients with an acute cardioembolic stroke in the middle cerebral artery territory: 24 treated with rtPA at <3 hours and 48 matched controls. Serial transcranial Doppler examinations were performed on admission and at 6,12, 24, and 48 hours. Infarct volume was measured by use of CT at day 5 to 7. Modified Rankin Scale score was used to assess outcome at 3 months. RESULTS: Rate of 6-hour recanalization was higher (P<0.001) in the rtPA group (66%) than in the control group (15%). Five (20.8%) rtPA patients and 15 (31.2%) controls recanalized between 6 and 12 hours, and 2 (8.3%) patients and 12 (25%) controls between 12 and 48 hours, respectively. At 48 hours, 75% of rtPA patients and 27% of controls had improved (P<0.001). Infarct volume was 50.2+/-40.3 cm(3) in rtPA patients and 124.8+/-81.6 cm(3) in controls (P<0.001). Moreover, infarct volume was associated strongly (P<0.001) with duration of middle cerebral artery occlusion. At 3 months, 14 (58%) rtPA patients and 11 (23%) controls (P=0.037) became functionally independent (modified Rankin Scale score

History of health, a valuable tool in public health.

The aim of this article is to highlight the importance of the history of public health for public health research and practice itself. After summarily reviewing the current great vitality of the history of collective health oriented initiatives, we explain three particular features of the historical vantage point in public health, namely the importance of the context, the relevance of a diachronic attitude and the critical perspective. In order to illustrate those three topics, we bring up examples taken from three centuries of fight against malaria, the so called "re-emerging diseases" and the 1918 influenza epidemic. The historical approach enriches our critical perception of the social effects of initiatives undertaken in the name of public health, shows the shortcomings of public health interventions based on single factors and asks for a wider time scope in the assessment of current problems. The use of a historical perspective to examine the plurality of determinants in any particular health condition will help to solve the longlasting debate on the primacy of individual versus population factors, which has been particularly intense in recent times.

N-borane-N-(trimethylsilyl)morpholine.

The title compound, C7H20BNOSi, features an N,N-disubstituted six-membered morpholine ring in a chair conformation, with the trimethylsilyl group in the equatorial position and the borane group in the axial position. The least-squares plane formed by the four C atoms of the morpholine ring has a mean deviation of 0.013 (2) A. The O and N atoms are 0.672 (2) and 0.650 (2) A above and below the plane, respectively.