Prioritization-Driven Congestion Control in Networks for the Internet of Medical Things: A Cross-Layer Proposal.

Real-life implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT) in healthcare requires sufficient quality of service (QoS) to transmit the collected data successfully. However, unsolved challenges in prioritization and congestion issues limit the functionality of IoT networks by increasing the likelihood of packet loss, latency, and high-power consumption in healthcare systems. This study proposes a priority-based cross-layer congestion control protocol called QCCP, which is managed by communication devices' transport and medium access control (MAC) layers. Unlike existing methods, the novelty of QCCP is how it estimates and resolves wireless channel congestion because it does not generate control packets, operates in a distributed manner, and only has a one-bit overhead. Furthermore, at the same time, QCCP offers packet scheduling considering each packet's network load and QoS. The results of the experiments demonstrated that with a 95% confidence level, QCCP achieves sufficient performance to support the QoS requirements for the transmission of health signals. Finally, the comparison study shows that QCCP outperforms other TCP protocols, with 64.31% higher throughput, 18.66% less packet loss, and 47.87% less latency.

A Comparison of Three Machine Learning Methods for Multivariate Genomic Prediction Using the Sparse Kernels Method (SKM) Library.

Genomic selection (GS) changed the way plant breeders select genotypes. GS takes advantage of phenotypic and genotypic information to training a statistical machine learning model, which is used to predict phenotypic (or breeding) values of new lines for which only genotypic information is available. Therefore, many statistical machine learning methods have been proposed for this task. Multi-trait (MT) genomic prediction models take advantage of correlated traits to improve prediction accuracy. Therefore, some multivariate statistical machine learning methods are popular for GS. In this paper, we compare the prediction performance of three MT methods: the MT genomic best linear unbiased predictor (GBLUP), the MT partial least squares (PLS) and the multi-trait random forest (RF) methods. Benchmarking was performed with six real datasets. We found that the three investigated methods produce similar results, but under predictors with genotype (G) and environment (E), that is, E + G, the MT GBLUP achieved superior performance, whereas under predictors E + G + genotype × environment (GE) and G + GE, random forest achieved the best results. We also found that the best predictions were achieved under the predictors E + G and E + G + GE. Here, we also provide the R code for the implementation of these three statistical machine learning methods in the sparse kernel method (SKM) library, which offers not only options for single-trait prediction with various statistical machine learning methods but also some options for MT predictions that can help to capture improved complex patterns in datasets that are common in genomic selection.

A review of deep learning applications for genomic selection.

BACKGROUND: Several conventional genomic Bayesian (or no Bayesian) prediction methods have been proposed including the standard additive genetic effect model for which the variance components are estimated with mixed model equations. In recent years, deep learning (DL) methods have been considered in the context of genomic prediction. The DL methods are nonparametric models providing flexibility to adapt to complicated associations between data and output with the ability to adapt to very complex patterns. MAIN BODY: We review the applications of deep learning (DL) methods in genomic selection (GS) to obtain a meta-picture of GS performance and highlight how these tools can help solve challenging plant breeding problems. We also provide general guidance for the effective use of DL methods including the fundamentals of DL and the requirements for its appropriate use. We discuss the pros and cons of this technique compared to traditional genomic prediction approaches as well as the current trends in DL applications. CONCLUSIONS: The main requirement for using DL is the quality and sufficiently large training data. Although, based on current literature GS in plant and animal breeding we did not find clear superiority of DL in terms of prediction power compared to conventional genome based prediction models. Nevertheless, there are clear evidences that DL algorithms capture nonlinear patterns more efficiently than conventional genome based. Deep learning algorithms are able to integrate data from different sources as is usually needed in GS assisted breeding and it shows the ability for improving prediction accuracy for large plant breeding data. It is important to apply DL to large training-testing data sets.

Heuristic Evaluation of an IoMT System for Remote Health Monitoring in Senior Care.

This paper presents the usability assessment of the design of an Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) system for older adults; the evaluation, using heuristics, was held early on the design process to assess potential problems with the system and was found to be an efficient method to find issues with the application design and led to significant usability improvements on the IoMT platform.

An IoT System for Remote Health Monitoring in Elderly Adults Through a Wearable Device and Mobile Application.

With the increase in global life expectancy and the advance of technology, the creation of age-friendly environments is a priority in the design of new products for elderly people healthcare. This paper presents a proposal for a real-time health monitoring system of older adults living in geriatric residences. This system was developed to help caregivers to have a better control in monitoring the health of their patients and have closer communication with their patients' family members. To validate the feasibility and effectiveness of this proposal, a prototype was built, using a biometric bracelet connected to a mobile application, which allows real-time visualization of all the information generated by the sensors (heart rate, body temperature, and blood oxygenation) in the bracelet. Using these data, caregivers can make decisions about the health status of their patients. The evaluation found that the users perceived the system to be easy to learn and use, providing initial evidence that our proposal could improve the quality of the adult's healthcare.

The Technology Acceptance of a TV Platform for the Elderly Living Alone or in Public Nursing Homes.

In Mexico, many seniors are alone for most of the day or live in public nursing homes. Simple interaction with computer systems is required for older people. This is why we propose the exploration of a medium well known by seniors, such as the television (TV). The primary objective of this study is to improve the quality of life of seniors through an easier reminder system, using the television set. A technological platform was designed based on interactive television, through which seniors and their caregivers can have a better way to track their daily activities. Finally, an evaluation of the technology adoption was performed with 50 seniors living in two public nursing homes. The evaluation found that the elderly perceived the system as useful, easy to use, and they had a positive attitude and good intention to use it. This helped to generate initial evidence that the system supported them in achieving a better quality of life, by reminding them to take their medications and increasing their rate of attendance to their medical appointments.

[Primary care consultations due to respiratory diseases in the period 2003-2008]. / Epidemiología de las consultas respiratorias de adultos en Santiago de Chile desde 2003 a 2008.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory diseases are the third cause of death, and the second cause of hospitalization among people aged 65 years or more in Chile. AIM: To analyze the distribution of consultations due to respiratory diseases among adults living in Metropolitan Santiago. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A daily registry of all consultations of patients older than 15 years old in seven public primary care centers, was carried out between January 2003 and December 2008. Consultations were classified as having non-respiratory or respiratory causes. The latter were broke down in upper or lower respiratory diseases, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. RESULTS: A total of 1,170,941 consultations were registered and 19% were due to respiratory diseases. Of these, 46% were due to upper respiratory diseases, 31% due to lower respiratory diseases, 8% due to COPD, 6% due to pneumonia, 5% due to asthma and 4% due to other respiratory causes. Pneumonia and COPD were more frequent among consultants older than 65 years. CONCLUSIONS: Consultations due to respiratory diseases are approximately one fifth of all primary care consultations. Older people often have more chronic and severe diseases.

Epidemiología de las consultas respiratorias de adultos en Santiago de Chile desde 2003 a 2008 / Primary care consultations due to respiratory diseases in the period 2003-2008

Background: Respiratory diseases are the third cause of death, and the second cause of hospitalization among people aged 65 years or more in Chile. Aim: To analyze the distribution of consultations due to respiratory diseases among adults living in Metropolitan Santiago. Material and Methods: A daily registry of all consultations of patients older than 15 years old in seven public primary care centers, was carried out between January 2003 and December 2008. Consultations were classified as having non-respiratory or respiratory causes. The latter were broke down in upper or lower respiratory diseases, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Results: A total of 1,170,941 consultations were registered and 19% were due to respiratory diseases. Of these, 46% were due to upper respiratory diseases, 31% due to lower respiratory diseases, 8% due to COPD, 6% due to pneumonia, 5% due to asthma and 4% due to other respiratory causes. Pneumonia and COPD were more frequent among consultants older than 65 years. Conclusions: Consultations due to respiratory diseases are approximately one fifth of all primary care consultations. Older people often have more chronic and severe diseases.

[Epidemiology of pediatric respiratory consultations in Santiago de Chile, from 1993 to 2009]. / Epidemiología de las consultas pediátricas respiratorias en Santiago de Chile desde 1993 a 2009.

OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the analytical methodology and overall distribution of these consultations-particularly respiratory consultations-for children under 15 years of age in Santiago de Chile, Chile. The aim is to understand differences by age groups, as well as seasonal trends and trends over the years. METHODS: The research covered the distribution of consultations and their evolution over a period of 17 years. Information was collected on a daily basis from all pediatric consultations, grouped into nonrespiratory and acute respiratory categories, in seven sentinel centers of Santiago de Chile. RESULTS: Between January 1993 and December 2009, 1 947 477 cases of pediatric illnesses were recorded, of which 1 188 029 (61.0%) were for respiratory causes. Of those, 656 567 (33.7%) were for acute lower respiratory tract illnesses, 418 932 (21.5%) were for broncho-obstructive syndrome, and 48 669 (2.5%) were for pneumonia. Pneumonia and broncho-obstructive syndrome were more frequent in children under age 5. Lower respiratory tract illnesses, broncho-obstructive syndrome, and pneumonia showed a significant downward trend during the period observed. Lower respiratory tract illnesses are the leading cause of pediatric morbidity in primary health care, while broncho-obstructive syndrome is the leading specific reason for pediatric consultations. CONCLUSIONS: These results point to the need to allocate or reallocate resources for programs for promotion, education, prevention, and treatment of these illnesses with the targeting necessary to address seasonal variations.

Epidemiología de las consultas pediátricas respiratorias en Santiago de Chile desde 1993 a 2009 / Epidemiology of pediatric respiratory consultations in Santiago de Chile, from 1993 to 2009

OBJETIVO: El presente trabajo se propone describir la metodología de análisis y la distribución global de las consultas de morbilidad -particularmente las de tipo respiratorio- en menores de 15 años de edad de la ciudad Santiago de Chile, Chile, con el objetivo de conocer sus diferencias según grupos etarios, su comportamiento estacional y su evolución a lo largo de los años. MÉTODOS: Se investigó la distribución de las consultas de morbilidad pediátrica (CP) -en especial las respiratorias- y su evolución en un período de 17 años. En siete centros centinela de Santiago de Chile se recolectó prospectivamente información diaria de todas las CP, agrupadas en infecciones no respiratorias e infecciones respiratorias agudas (IRA). RESULTADOS: Entre enero de 1993 y diciembre de 2009 se registraron 1 947 477 CP, de las cuales 1 188 029 (61,0%) fueron por causa respiratoria: 656 567 (33,7%) por enfermedad respiratoria aguda de vía aérea baja (IRAb), 418 932 (21,5%) por síndrome bronquial obstructivo (SBO) y 48 669 (2,5%) por neumonía. Neumonía y SBO fueron más frecuentes en menores de 5 años. Las IRAb, SBO y neumonía presentaron una significativa tendencia a la disminución durante el período observado. Las IRA constituyen la primera causa de CP en atención primaria de salud y el SBO es la primera causa específica de consulta pediátrica. CONCLUSIONES: Estos resultados enfatizan la necesidad de asignar o redestinar recursos en programas de promoción, educación, prevención y tratamiento de estas enfermedades, con la debida focalización que determina su variación estacional.

OBJECTIVE: This paper describes the analytical methodology and overall distribution of these consultations-particularly respiratory consultations-for children under 15 years of age in Santiago de Chile, Chile. The aim is to understand differences by age groups, as well as seasonal trends and trends over the years. METHODS: The research covered the distribution of consultations and their evolution over a period of 17 years. Information was collected on a daily basis from all pediatric consultations, grouped into nonrespiratory and acute respiratory categories, in seven sentinel centers of Santiago de Chile. RESULTS: Between January 1993 and December 2009, 1 947 477 cases of pediatric illnesses were recorded, of which 1 188 029 (61.0%) were for respiratory causes. Of those, 656 567 (33.7%) were for acute lower respiratory tract illnesses, 418 932 (21.5%) were for broncho-obstructive syndrome, and 48 669 (2.5%) were for pneumonia. Pneumonia and broncho-obstructive syndrome were more frequent in children under age 5. Lower respiratory tract illnesses, broncho-obstructive syndrome, and pneumonia showed a significant downward trend during the period observed. Lower respiratory tract illnesses are the leading cause of pediatric morbidity in primary health care, while broncho-obstructive syndrome is the leading specific reason for pediatric consultations. CONCLUSIONS: These results point to the need to allocate or reallocate resources for programs for promotion, education, prevention, and treatment of these illnesses with the targeting necessary to address seasonal variations.

Hallazgos clínicos y radiográficos de terceros molares con indicación de extracción: resultados preliminares / Clinical and radiographic findings of third molars with extractions indications: preliminary results

Una de las cirugías orales realizadas con más frecuencia en el mundo es la exodoncia de terceros molares (3Ms). Las indicaciones de extracción son muy variadas, siendo algunas de ellas aun controversiales. Se diseñó una completa investigación sobre el estatus de 3Ms con indicación de exodoncia. 158 3Ms correspondientes a 145 pacientes fueron evaluados. Los pacientes incluidos en el estudio acudieron voluntariamente a un centro quirúrgico privado, a un centro público de especialidades odontológicas y al centro odontológico universitario. La relación hombre:mujer fue de 0,56:1 y la edad mas frecuente de consulta fue desde los 18 a los 25 años. Casi el 70 por ciento de los pacientes fueron derivados desde centros de menor complejidad, 43 por ciento presento dolor como motivo de consulta, 23 por ciento presento pericoronitis y el 27 por ciento tuvo experiencia de caries. El dolor se asocio significativamente con la edad del paciente (p < 0,05). La mayoría de los molares se encontraba semierupcionado (35 por ciento) y con posición vertical (44 por ciento).

The most frequent oral surgeries in the world are the extractions of the third molars (3Ms). The extraction indications vary as some of them are yet controversial. A complete research program was designed on the status of 3Ms with extraction indications. One hundred fifty eight 3Ms corresponding to 145 patients were evaluated. The patients included in this investigation arrived at a private surgical centre, a public centre of odontologic specialties and at the university clinic voluntarily. The relation men: women was 0,56:1 and the average age of the consulting patient was between 18 and 25 years of age. Almost 70 percent of the patients were diverted to the minor odontologic centre, 43 percent presented pain justifying the consultation, 23 percent presented pericoronitis and 27 percent experienced caries. The pain was significantly associated with the age of the patient (p < 0,05). The majority of the molars were “semi erupted” (35 percent) and in vertical position (44 percent).

Ventilación mecánica invasiva domiciliaria (VMI): una propuesta para un nuevo programa / Domiciliary invasive mechanical ventilation: proposal for a new program

El presente escrito resume las recomendaciones, que como extensión del Programa Nacional de Asistencia Ventilatoria no Invasiva Domiciliario (AVNI), se han considerado por los autores, como las más apropiadas para ser incluidas en una propuesta que permita la entrega de prestaciones de ventilación mecánica invasiva en domicilio en niños.

[Atmospheric pollution and cardiovascular damage]. / Contaminación atmosférica y daño cardiovascular.

The damaging effect of atmospheric pollution with particulate matter and toxic gases on the respiratory system and its effect in the incidence and severity of respiratory diseases, is well known. A similar effect on the cardiovascular system is currently under investigation. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the inhalation of particulate matter can increase cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality, specially ischemic heart disease. The damage would be mediated by alterations in the autonomic nervous system, inflammation, infections and free radicals. In human studies, environmental pollution is associated with alterations in cardiac frequency variability and blood pressure and with changes in ventricular repolarization. Experimentally, an enhancement of ischemia, due to coronary obstruction, has been demonstrated. The study of the toxic effects of environmental pollution over the cardiovascular system, is an open field, specially in Chile, were the big cities have serious contamination problems.

Contaminación atmosférica y daño cardiovascular / Atmospheric pollution and cardiovascular damage

The damaging effect of atmospheric pollution with particulate matter and toxic gases on the respiratory system and its effect in the incidence and severity of respiratory diseases, is well known. A similar effect on the cardiovascular system is currently under investigation. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the inhalation of particulate matter can increase cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality, specially ischemic heart disease. The damage would be mediated by alterations in the autonomic nervous system, inflammation, infections and free radicals. In human studies, environmental pollution is associated with alterations in cardiac frequency variability and blood pressure and with changes in ventricular repolarization. Experimentally, an enhancement of ischemia, due to coronary obstruction, has been demonstrated. The study of the toxic effects of environmental pollution over the cardiovascualr system, is an open field, specially in Chile, were the big cities have serious contamination problems (Rev Méd Chile 2004; 132: 761-7).