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In the active vibration reduction of two-dimensional structures, piezoelectric actuators of regular shapes, e.g. rectangular, circular, are commonly used. However, the shape of the transducers can be irregular, asymmetric (a-PZT), and its geometry can be an object for optimization. The paper presents an experimental validation of the application of optimal shaped a- PZT in the active reduction of triangular plate vibrations. Optimization was based on the criterion of the maximum bending moment. This means that the center of a-PZT is located at the point where the bending moment of the plate has reached its absolute maximum. The isosceles right triangular plate with simply supported edges was chosen as the research object. The research confirms the validity of the criterion used for optimization and may be an introduction to considering the use of optimal a-PZT in the active reduction of vibrations for more complex structures.

In this narrative review, we investigate the essential role played by the computed tomography Aortic Valve Calcium Score (AVCS) in the cardiovascular diagnostic landscape, with a special focus on its implications for clinical practice and scientific research. Calcific aortic valve stenosis is the most prevalent type of aortic stenosis (AS) in industrialized countries, and due to the aging population, its prevalence is increasing. While transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) remains the gold standard, AVCS stands out as an essential complementary tool in evaluating patients with AS. The advantage of AVCS is its independence from flow; this allows for a more precise evaluation of patients with discordant findings in TTE. Further clinical applications of AVCS include in the assessment of patients before transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), as it helps in predicting outcomes and provides prognostic information post-TAVR. Additionally, we describe different AVCS thresholds regarding gender and the anatomical variations of the aortic valve. Finally, we discuss various scientific studies where AVCS was applied. As AVCS has some limitations, due to the pathophysiologies of AS extending beyond calcification and gender differences, scientists strive to validate contrast-enhanced AVCS. Furthermore, research on developing radiation-free methods of measuring calcium content is ongoing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Annales Françaises de Médecine d'Urgence is the property of John Libbey Eurotext Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper presents the results of comparison of vibration reduction levels between standard disc based piezo actuators and piezoelectric sensor-actuator hybrids. Modelling was done using FEM method in ANSYS software. Model consisted of a steel plate with piezo elements attached. A square based element was used as an actuator to excite plate's vibrations. Disc based element which was either a standard homogeneous disc based actuator or a sensor actuator hybrid with 2 possible sizes of the sensor part of said hybrid. Harmonic analyses were performed for the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th mode shapes with the goal function being the minimalization of displacement vector sum of a number of nodes (there were 3 possible cases). Significant vibration reduction levels were obtained with no significant differences in said levels between standard actuators and sensor-actuator hybrids. Reducing the size of sensor part of sensor-actuator allowed for lower voltages needed to achieve vibration reduction levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

E-learning has experienced a surge in popularity, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Online learning has proven to be a vital tool for students and educators to continue academic activities while adhering to social distancing guidelines and during the times of natural disasters that disrupt the conventional learning environments. It also offers accessibility to disabled students and those facing challenges to reach to the traditional learning. But due to increased demand, it is crucial to optimize cost of transmission while minimizing bandwidth usage while maintaining high-quality video transmission. To optimize cost and reduce network load, it is essential to minimize bandwidth usage while maintaining high-quality video. In response to this need, we present a novel dataset consisting of four e-learning scenarios. We encoded this dataset using various resolutions, bit rates, and encoder presets, and evaluated it in terms of encoding time, and quality using full-reference objective quality metrics such as MSE, PSNR, and SSIM. After experimenting with more than 1400 videos and configurations of encoders and codecs, we found out that it is possible to transmit videos in exceptional quality at bit rates as low as 5 Mbps for e-learning scenarios. We also present detailed results about correlation between file size, quality and encoding time to make optimizations for specific bandwidth, target quality or encoding speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an active voltage compensator (AVC) to prevent voltage fluctuations on the load in both voltage’s rise and fall directions. This AVC is designed based on modeling a three-phase four-branch inverter according to the large-signal average model and the small-signal model—calculation and design of d-q channel controller and 0 channel controller by the frequency-domain method. This AVC significantly reduces production interruptions while protecting equipment life reduction. The theory results are proven through MATLAB/Simulink simulation.

Introdução: O número de ocorrências de Acidentes Vasculares Cerebrais (AVC) tem crescido nos últimos tempos. Uma das consequências do AVC é a diminuição do controlo postural, levando a alterações na marcha. A terapia de circuitos é uma das possibilidades terapêuticas que, por meio de um circuito com diferentes estações, permite ao utente realizar inúmeras repetições de movimento durante a mesma sessão. Este estudo objetivou descrever a evolução da marcha após a aplicação de um programa de treino em circuito centrado na melhoria do controlo postural de utente com sequela de AVC isquémico na protuberância anelar. Material e métodos: Sujeito de 50 anos, sexo masculino, com AVC pôntico ínfero-lateral esquerdo. Inicialmente foi avaliado utilizando as escalas Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM), escala de equilíbrio de Berg, Time Up Go Test (TUG) e 10 metros de marcha. Foi submetido a terapia de circuito de uma hora, com quatro estações de exercícios, cinco vezes por semana, durante quatro semanas, com reavaliação após. Resultados: Houve aumento de 24 pontos na escala STREAM, 17 pontos na escala de Berg, 0,4 m/s no teste de marcha de 10 metros e diminuição de 7,22 segundos no TUG. Conclusão: A terapia de circuito direcionada para o controlo postural revelou melhorias na marcha e no equilíbrio no utente em estudo.

Reversible Cerebral Vasoconstriction Syndrome is a rare condition, and its pathophysiology is not yet fully understood. Its clinical presentation is characterized by neurological manifestations such as "thunderclap" headache, focal deficit, vomiting, photophobia, and, in severe cases, it can lead to complications such as ischemic or hemorrhagic cerebrovascular events. The diagnosis is made through cerebral angiography, CT angiography, or magnetic resonance angiography, which demonstrate vasoconstriction of the cerebral arteries with spontaneous resolution, which in most cases is consistent with a good clinical prognosis. Here, we present the case of a patient with reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome and associated myocardial injury, where a diagnosis was achieved through imaging and timely treatment. The importance of this case lies in raising awareness about the early recognition of a rare myocardial complication of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome, which carries a risk of morbidity and mortality within the spectrum of cerebrovascular disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Le lipofilling , initialement décrit par Coleman en 1991, est une procédure connue et enseignée depuis de nombreuses années. Plusieurs cas d'embolies graisseuses ont été décrits dans la littérature dans les suites de cette procédure. Nous allons détailler le cas de notre patient, qui a présenté un AVC secondaire à une obstruction de l'artère carotide commune dans les suites d'un lipofilling temporal. Lipofilling is a well-known procedure, initially described by Coleman in 1991. Many cases of fat embolism following this procedure are published. Our patient had a common carotid fat embolism after a temporal autologous fat graft. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper proposes a performance comparison of throughput between context-based adaptive binary arithmetic decoding (CABAC) processes adopted in the three recent video codecs: advanced video coding (AVC), high efficiency video coding (HEVC), and versatile video coding (VVC). Consequently, in order to highlight the performance and the modification in three CABAC versions: the three main stages of CABAC decoding Context Selection and Modeling (CSM), Binary Arithmetic Decoding (BAD) and De-binarization (DBZ) are designed, described in VHDL language and implemented on Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) device. Firstly, the most efficient CSM is obtained for CABAC VVC with maximum frequency of 183.8 MHz and low power consumption of 0.346 mW. Secondly, the BAD in RM is modified only in the last video standard VVC. The most efficient design of BAD RM is given in the AVC and HEVC version of CABAC with maximum frequency of 261.75 MHz. Thirdly, the BAD in BM and TM are the same adopted in the three CABAC version, with maximum frequencies of 439.657 MHz and 798.861 MHz, respectively. Thirdly, the de-binarization codes are also the same adopted in the three last CABAC versions. Consequently, high frequency of 789.26 MHz is obtained in DBZ but the resources cost and power consumption are greater than that given in CSM and BAD stages. Finally, high throughput of 178.13 bins/s is given by our proposed design of VVC CABAC decoder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introdução: A incontinência urinária tem uma grande prevalência em utentes com AVC. O tratamento conservador é o mais recomendado, pois envolve menor custo financeiro e menos efeitos colaterais. Este estudo objetiva: Avaliar o efeito de um Programa de Reabilitação na Gestão da Incontinência Urinária na mulher após a ocorrência do AVC. Metodologia: Trata-se de um Estudo de Casos Múltiplos, de método quantitativo. A amostra foi constituída por (n=5) mulheres com idade entre 53 e 87 anos. Foi aplicado um programa de reabilitação desde a deteção da incontinência urinária, até ao momento da alta. Os instrumentos utilizados foram: Escala de Autoeficácia de Broome e Diário Miccional. Resultados: Este estudo permitiu concluir que as utentes que inicialmente apresentavam urgência e perdas de urina, deixaram de ter. Nos scores da escala de autoeficácia de Broome: na 1ª avaliação, na parte A e B todas apresentaram baixa autoeficácia, exceto o Caso 8 que na parte B obteve autoeficácia moderada. Na 2ª avaliação todas obtiveram elevada autoeficácia. Discussão: Quando se compara o pré e pós do programa, verifica-se que todas obtiveram resultados positivos em relação à urgência urinária, perdas de urina, assim como ao nível de confiança na realização das contrações dos músculos pélvicos, sem que ocorram perdas de urina. Conclusão: O programa de reabilitação para a gestão da incontinência urinária, teve um efeito positivo em todas as utentes do estudo.

Background: Patients with chronic hemodialysis due to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severely impaired kidney function (CKD) constitute a relevant share of patients undergoing trans-catheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). However, data on specific challenges and outcomes remain limited. Aim: We aimed to characterize this patient population, evaluate clinical results and assess the significance of calcification patterns. Methods: This retrospective single-center analysis evaluated 2,712 TAVI procedures (2012–2019) according to baseline renal function: GFR < 30 ml/min/1.73m2 (CKD; n = 210), chronic hemodialysis (ESRD; n = 119) and control (CTRL; n = 2383). Valvular and vascular calcification patterns were assessed from contrast-enhanced multi-detector computed tomography. Outcomes were evaluated in accordance with the VARC-2 definitions. Results: Operative risk was higher in ESRD and CKD vs. CTRL (STS-score 8.4% and 7.6% vs. 3.9%, p < 0.001) and patients with ESRD had more severe vascular calcifications (49.1% vs. 33.9% and 29.0%, p < 0.01). Immediate procedural results were similar but non-procedure-related major/life-threatening bleeding was higher in ESRD and CKD (5.0% and 5.3% vs. 1.6%, p < 0.01). 3-year survival was impaired in patients with ESRD and CKD (33.3% and 35.3% vs. 65.4%, p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified ESRD (HR 1.60), CKD (HR 1.79) and vascular calcifications (HR 1.29) as predictors for 3-year and vascular calcifications (HR 1.51) for 30-day mortality. Conclusion: Patients with ESRD and CKD constitute a vulnerable patient group with extensive vascular calcifications. Immediate procedural results were largely unaffected by renal impairment, yielding TAVI a particularly valuable treatment option in these high-risk operative patients. Mid-term survival was determined by underlying renal disease, cardiovascular comorbidities, and vascular calcifications as a novel risk marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introdução: O Acidente Vascular Cerebral (AVC) é a principal causa de morte em Portugal e um dos principais responsáveis pela presença de compromisso na deglutição. A avaliação e despiste da deglutição comprometida são reconhecidos como indicadores de qualidade dos cuidados de saúde. A Enfermagem de Reabilitação assume grande importância na deteção precoce do compromisso na deglutição bem como na definição de um programa de reabilitação que vise a reaquisição de capacidades e a prevenção de complicações. Este estudo pretende analisar os efeitos de um programa desenvolvido por enfermeiros de reabilitação na reeducação funcional da pessoa com deglutição comprometida em contexto de AVC. Método: Estudo quantitativo, exploratório, descritivo e retrospetivo. Resultados: Foram avaliados 218 indivíduos. A população avaliada é predominantemente do sexo masculino, a média de idade foi de 73 anos e o evento vascular predominante foi o AVC isquémico. À admissão 50,5% dos participantes apresentavam compromisso na deglutição. Destes, 13,5% desenvolveram infeção respiratória. Inicialmente foram incluídos no estudo 110 pessoas. 6 destas faleceram, pelo que os dados finais referem-se a 104 pessoas. Estabeleceram-se relações estatisticamente significativas entre o compromisso na deglutição e pontuações mais elevadas na NIHSS. Conclusão: A maioria das pessoas apresentou melhoria na capacidade de deglutição após a intervenção do enfermeiro de reabilitação através de um programa de reabilitação estruturado. O compromisso na deglutição relaciona-se com pontuações mais elevadas na National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), não se tendo estabelecido relação com outras variáveis como a tipologia e localização do AVC.

Accidentul vascular cerebral (AVC) la tineri este considerat a fi un eveniment mai puțin frecvent în comparație cu vârstnicii, deși, în ultimele decenii s-a înregistrat o tendință negativă și un debut mai precoce al AVC. Atacul cerebral la tineri reprezintă o problemă actuală de sănătate publică care necesită fortificarea intervenției de prevenire, diagnosticare precoce și management. Scopul prezentei cercetări este de a investiga caracteristicile clinice, factorii de risc și alți manifestări paraclinice la populația tânără care a dezvoltat AVC. Materiale și metode. O analiză multidirecțională a pacienților internați în Institutul de Neurologie și Neurochirurgie „Diomid Gherman” care a inclus persoanele cu vârsta cuprinsă între 18-49 de ani cu diagnostic clinic confirmat de AVC în perioada anilor 2019-2021. Profilurile clinic, paraclinice și sociale ale pacienților au fost analizate cu ajutorul SPSS prin aplicarea statisticii descriptive. Rezultate: AVC primar a reprezentat 67,6% din grupul analizat, majoritatea fiind ischemice, la nivelul arterei cerebrale medii. Factorii de risc care au fost similari cu populația vârstnică, înregistrându-se disfuncții ale ritmului cardiac în 83%, hipertensiunea arterială în 73,2%, obezitatea în 19,6% și diabet zaharat în 14%. Este de remarcat faptul că mai puțin de jumătate dintre pacienți au luat tratament pentru controlul factorilor de risc. Caracteristicile clinice sunt dominate de deficitele motorii – 69,6%, tulburările de vorbire – 35,7%, iar manifestările mai puțin frecvente includ alterarea stării de conștiență sau convulsii. Tomografia computerizată a fost utilizată la majoritatea pacienților (87,5 %) completată suplimentar de rezonanță magnetică în 36,7% și Doppler în 78,8 % pentru a susține și clarifica diagnosticul. Există o serie largă de comorbidități care includ tulburări hematologice, cancer, infecții și tulburări valvulare, reumatism care au contribuit la dezvoltarea accidentului vascular cerebral la adulții tineri. Concluzie: În timp ce în majoritatea cazurilor de AVC la tineri are caracteristici similare cu cele clasice (la vârstnici), există unele tendințe specifice care ar trebui evaluate în timpul managementului acestui grup de vârstă. Profilaxia factorilor de risc este esențială pentru toate grupurile de pacienți cu AVC. Algoritmi specifici de diagnostic și tratament ar ajuta clinicienii să îmbunătățească rezultatele legate de AVC la adulții tineri.

Introdução: Aproximadamente 90% dos sujeitos com AVC ficam com algum tipo de limitação funcional. Têm surgido um conjunto de técnicas coadjuvantes no campo da reabilitação, tal como o priming, que consiste num processo inconsciente associado à aprendizagem, em que a exposição prévia a um estímulo altera a resposta a outro estímulo subsequente. Quando usado em conjunto com outra intervenção terapêutica, o priming pode resultar numa mudança de comportamento que parece coincidir com alterações nas redes neurais. Objetivos: Rever e analisar os ensaios clínicos randomizados (Randomized Controlled trial - RCT) que avaliam os efeitos do priming nas limitações motoras e na excitabilidade cortical de sujeitos com AVC. Material e Métodos: Realizou-se uma pesquisa bibliográfica em 3 bases de dados (Pubmed, PEDro e CENTRAL) e utilizada a metodologia de investigação - Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Foram incluídos estudos realizados em sujeitos que sofreram AVC, cuja intervenção usava explicitamente terapia priming. Resultados: Foram incluídos 14 estudos. 4 usaram estimulação magnética transcraniana, 3 usaram estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua, 2 usaram imagética e observação da ação e 5 usaram priming baseado em movimento. Devido à heterogeneidade clínica e metodológica dos estudos, não foi possível a realização de meta-análise. Dos estudos incluídos, 10 mostraram que o priming associado à reabilitação teve melhorias significativas e 4 que não houve melhorias significativas entre os grupos. Conclusões: As terapias de priming, quando usadas em conjunto com outra intervenção terapêutica, parecem potencializar a reabilitação da função motora após o AVC. No futuro dever-se-ão realizar estudos experimentais com amostras maiores e padronizar a forma com se aplica cada uma das técnicas de priming.

In the acute phase of stroke many individuals remain bedridden and inactive, despite the benefits promoted by physical activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of physical activity of stroke patients during hospitalization. The sample consisted of 10 stroke patients with mild to moderately severe disability, admitted to the Neurology ward. Individuals were evaluated using the Postural Assessment Scale (PASS), Modified Rankin Scale, and an activity diary, in which date, time and activity performed were recorded. The activities recorded in the diary were classified from 1 to 4, with a lower score for activities restricted to bed, and a higher score for activities outside the bed. Participants were grouped according to the Modified Rankin Scale, into group 1: no/ mild disability, and group 2: moderate or severe disability. Some individuals registered activities at levels 1, 2 and 4 (no, little and high physical activity), but not at level 3 (moderate activity), which includes activities such as sitting in an armchair and at the edge of the bed. There was a predominance of activities at levels 1 and 2 in both groups. It was observed that, regardless of the degree of disability, the level of activity remained low, that is, the individuals spent most of their time confined to bed and sitting in bed. It is suggested that future studies investigate the barriers to physical activity, and invest in team training and the creation of mobilization protocols during the acute phase of stroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Les publications sur l'accident vasculaire cérébral (AVC) sont rares au Sénégal, en particulier au niveau régional. Le but de l'étude était de déterminer les aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques, tomodensitométriques et évolutives de l'AVC de l'enfant et de l'adolescent à Ziguinchor. Il s'agissait d'une étude rétrospective de dossiers de patients pédiatriques hospitalisés pour AVC à Ziguinchor, du 1er octobre 2015 au 31 octobre 2020. Nous avons collecté 16 cas (9 garçons et 7 filles). L'âge moyen des patients était de 7,7 ans avec des extrêmes allant de 7 mois à 18 ans [7 mois–18 ans]. Onze enfants étaient issus de famille ayant un niveau socioéconomique bas. Le tableau clinique était dominé par l'hémiplégie/l'hémiparésie 13 cas ; les convulsions 13 cas ; l'hyperthermie 8 cas. Le délai moyen de réalisation du scanner cérébral était de 61,5 heures [28,5–160]. Les AVC ischémiques et hémorragiques représentaient respectivement 13 cas (81,3 %) et 03 cas (18,7 %). Les principaux facteurs étiologiques étaient la drépanocytose (37,6 %), la cardiopathie congénitale (18,8 %). La durée moyenne d'hospitalisation était de 11,1 jours [5–23]. Deux décès ont été déplorés. Après un recul d'au moins trois mois, nous avons enregistré 2 enfants avec une récupération satisfaisante ; 9 enfants avec une récupération insatisfaisante et 3 enfants perdus de vus. L'AVC représente une pathologie grave de l'enfant et de l'adolescent à Ziguinchor et se présente sous forme de déficit moteur, de convulsions, d'hyperthermie. L'ischémie cérébrale est la forme la plus fréquente et les principaux facteurs étiologiques sont la drépanocytose et la cardiopathie congénitale. Publications on cerebrovascular accident (stroke) are rare in Senegal, especially at the regional level. The aim of the study was to determine the epidemiological, clinical, tomodensitometric and evolutionary aspects of stroke in children and adolescents in Ziguinchor. This was a retrospective study of records of pediatric patients hospitalized for stroke in Ziguinchor, from October 1st, 2015 to October 31st, 2020. We collected 16 cases (9 boys and 7 girls). The average age of patients was 7.7 years with extremes ranging from 7 months to 18 years [7 months–18 years]. Eleven children came from families with a low socioeconomic level. The clinical picture was dominated by hemiplegia/hemiparesis in 13 cases; seizures 13 cases; hyperthermia 8 cases. The average time to perform a brain scan was 61.5 hours [28.5–160]. Ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes represented 13 cases (81.3%) and 03 cases (18.7%), respectively. The main etiological factors were sickle cell disease (37.6%), congenital heart disease (18.8%). The mean hospital stay was 11.1 days [5–23]. Two deaths were deplored. After a follow-up of at least three months, we recorded 2 children with satisfactory oucome; 9 children with an unsatisfactory outcome and 3 children lost to follow up. Stroke is a serious pathology in children and adolescents in Ziguinchor and presents in the form of motor deficit, seizures, hyperthermia. Cerebral ischemia is the most common form and the main causative factors are sickle cell anemia and congenital heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper presents the results of comparison of vibration reduction levels between standard square based piezo actuators and piezoelectric sensor-actuator hybrids. Modelling was done using FEM method in ANSYS software. Model consisted of a steel plate with piezo elements attached. One of the elements was used as an actuator to excite plate's vibrations. The other was either a standard homogeneous square based actuator or a sensor actuator hybrid with 2 possible sizes of the sensor part of said hybrid. Harmonic analyses were performed for the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th mode shapes with the goal function being the minimalization of displacement vector sum of a number of nodes (there were 3 possible cases). Significant vibration reduction levels were obtained with no significant differences in said levels between standard actuators and sensor-actuator hybrids. Reducing the size of sensor part of sensor-actuator allowed for lower voltages needed to achieve vibration reduction levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) é uma das principais causas de óbitos e incapacidades físicas no Brasil e no mundo. Sendo causada por uma interrupção do fluxo cerebral vascular, é capaz de levar o indivíduo a óbito ou gerar quadros de incapacidades funcionais. A fisioterapia aquática vem demonstrando grandes resultados para a reabilitação desses pacientes, o que é propiciado pelas propriedades físicas da água, que são capazes de proporcionar alívio de dores e relaxamento muscular, facilitando assim a deambulação. Desta forma, este trabalho teve como objetivo revisar artigos publicados a fim de relatar os efeitos da terapia aquática como um recurso fisioterapêutico na marcha e o equilíbrio de pacientes com AVC. Para tal, foi realizada uma revisão de artigos nas bases de dados eletrônicas PubMed e PEDro e oito artigos foram escolhidos, após considerar os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Os resultados mostraram que este recurso fisioterapêutico proporciona benefícios nos aspectos funcionais, qualidade da marcha, velocidade, equilíbrio estático e dinâmico de pacientes com AVC, comprovando a eficácia da hidroterapia nesses indivíduos. Ainda, a pesquisa bibliográfica permitiu observar que a técnica surte efeitos quando utilizada de forma a substituir ou adicional aos métodos convencionais de terapia de solo. Diante dos bons resultados obtidos, verifica-se que a técnica pode ser utilizada para tratar um paciente com AVC.

Copyright of JBES: Brazilian Journal of Health Economics / Jornal Brasileiro de Economia da Saúde is the property of JBES: Brazilian Journal of Health Economics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Résumé: La fibrillation auriculaire non rhumatismale représente l'étiologie la plus fréquente des infarctus cérébraux cardioemboliques. Elle est souvent asymptomatique ou peu symptomatique, ne gêne pas la vie quotidienne et est méconnue par la population générale, ce qui rend difficile sa découverte, souvent lors des stades de complications comme les infarctus cérébraux, alors qu'à ces stades, les conséquences sont graves et souvent handicapantes tout au long de la vie. Quant aux patients déjà victimes d'un AVC cardioembolique, le risque de récidive est important s'il est secondaire à une FA qui n'est pas dépistée. Dans la pratique quotidienne en unité de Neurologie du CHU Joseph Raseta Befelatanana, la recherche des FA au décours des infarctus cérébraux est systématique bien que toutes les investigations nécessaires pour le dépistage ne soient pas toujours toutes réalisées. Ainsi, la découverte et la connaissance sur les caractéristiques de ces FA à l'origine des infarctus cérébraux permettraient d'en améliorer la prévention secondaire. Non-rheumatic atrial fibrillation is the most frequent etiology of cardioembolic cerebral infarction. It is often asymptomatic or slightly symptomatic, does not interfere with daily life and is unknown to the general population, which makes it difficult to discover, often during the stages of complications such as cerebral infarction, whereas at these stages the consequences are severe and often disabling throughout life. As for patients who have already suffered a cardioembolic stroke, the risk of recurrence is high if it is secondary to AF that is not detected. In daily practice in the Neurology Unit of the CHU Joseph Raseta Befelatanana, the search for FA after cerebral infarction is systematic although all the investigations necessary for screening are not always all carried out. Thus, the discovery and knowledge of the characteristics of these AFs at the origin of cerebral infarctions would make it possible to improve their secondary prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HAND2 transcriptional regulator controls cardiac development, and we uncover additional essential functions in the endothelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) underlying cardiac cushion development in the atrioventricular canal (AVC). In Hand2-deficient mouse embryos, the EMT underlying AVC cardiac cushion formation is disrupted, and we combined ChIP-seq of embryonic hearts with transcriptome analysis of wild-type and mutants AVCs to identify the functionally relevant HAND2 target genes. The HAND2 target gene regulatory network (GRN) includes most genes with known functions in EMT processes and AVC cardiac cushion formation. One of these is Snai1, an EMT master regulator whose expression is lost from Hand2-deficient AVCs. Re-expression of Snai1 in mutant AVC explants partially restores this EMT and mesenchymal cell migration. Furthermore, the HAND2-interacting enhancers in the Snai1 genomic landscape are active in embryonic hearts and other Snai1-expressing tissues. These results show that HAND2 directly regulates the molecular cascades initiating AVC cardiac valve development.

Introdução – O acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) está intimamente relacionado com o aumento da ocorrência de quedas, assim como o medo de cair, também este um fator predisponente para quedas. As alterações ao nível do equilíbrio e da marcha, presentes até em fases mais crónicas, provocam o aumento do risco de quedas nesta população. Objetivo – Investigar os efeitos do treino orientado para a tarefa na marcha, equilíbrio e medo de cair num paciente com AVC em fase crónica. Métodos – O presente estudo seguiu uma metodologia de estudo de caso, tendo sido realizada uma avaliação inicial, seguida de uma intervenção durante sete semanas, baseada em treino orientado para a tarefa. Os testes utilizados foram a Escala Internacional de Eficácia de Quedas (FES-I), a Escala de Equilíbrio de Berg (EEB), o Índice de Barthel (IB), o Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) e o Teste de Velocidade de Marcha de quatro metros (TVM4). Resultados – Observaram-se melhorias clínicas na FES-1, EEB, Índice de Barthel, TUG e TVM4. Discussão/Conclusão – Em 14 sessões de programa baseado no treino orientado para a tarefa observaram-se ganhos com importância clínica a nível do equilíbrio, marcha e medo de cair num indivíduo em fase crónica após AVC. As melhorias no equilíbrio e funcionalidade da marcha foram acompanhadas do aumento da confiança na realização das atividades da vida diária.

Body-shape variability may respond to the interaction between history and environment, particularly in species whose range includes known biogeographical barriers. Central America has traditionally been regarded to have functioned as a complete land-bridge connecting two continents since the Plio-Pleistocene and as an incomplete one since much earlier. This history has helped shape species diversification and distributions. Vieja maculicauda is a widely distributed cichlid, found throughout most of the Atlantic slope of Central America, across three of the four geological blocks that make up this region and whose borders are known dispersal barriers. We asked whether there is an effect of geologic blocks on body shape of V. maculicauda as determined by geometric morphometric assessment of 151 individuals from across its range. We asked how much variance in body shape is explained by environmental variables. We used a CVA and a MANCOVA to determine whether a relationship between body shape and geologic blocks exists. For testing body shape correlation against geographic and environmental variables, we used a Mantel test. Our results suggest that body shape in V. maculicauda can be segregated by geologic blocks, while the correlation results showed no strong correlation between our sets of variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology is the property of Speech-Language & Audiology Canada and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Physiotherapy Research / Revista Pesquisa em Fisioterapia is the property of Journal of Physiotherapy Research / Revista Pesquisa em Fisioterapia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introdução: A espasticidade é definida como uma alteração motora, sendo caracterizada pelo aumento do tônus muscular após um alongamento passivo, associada diretamente a velocidade do estiramento muscular, causando uma resposta exacerbada do reflexo miotático. A espasticidade se apresenta como uma das principais manifestações clinicas das patologias neurológicas, entre elas as mais comuns são: acidente vascular cerebral (AVC), traumatismo cranioencefálico (TCE), traumatismo raquimedular (TRM) e paralisia cerebral (PC). Objetivo: Este estudo objetivou descrever os efeitos das principais técnicas e recursos fisioterapêuticos no tratamento da espasticidade. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, realizada entre os meses de janeiro e setembro de 2021. As seguintes bases de dados utilizadas como fonte de levantamento para as pesquisas foram: Scielo, Medlne, Pubmed e Lilacs. Resultados: As principais técnicas e recursos fisioterapêuticos utilizados para o tratamento da espasticidade, encontradas na literatura foram as seguintes: Agulhamento a seco, estimulação elétrica transcutânea (TENS), vibração do corpo inteiro (WBV), estimulação elétrica funcional (FES), cinesioterapia e crioterapia. Conclusão: foi possível concluir que o agulhamento a seco e a eletroterapia se destacaram entre as principais técnicas utilizadas para o tratamento da espasticidade em patologias neurológicas. Contudo as demais técnicas também tiveram suas efetividades comprovadas e são recursos úteis para o tratamento da espasticidade. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Fisioterapia e Pesquisa is the property of Universidade de Sao Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

• Dans une vaste cohorte nord-américaine de patients atteints de GPA et de GEPA, nous avons observé une incidence élevée d'infarctus du myocarde et d'AVC. • Les événements cardiovasculaires dans le contexte de la GPA et de la GEPA peuvent s'expliquer par une combinaison de facteurs de risque traditionnels et liés à la maladie. • L'âge relativement jeune de notre cohorte souligne l'importance du risque CV et de sa prise en charge dans toutes les classes d'âge dans la GPA et la GEPA. Les personnes atteintes de vascularite à ANCA présentent un risque accru d'événements cardiovasculaires. L'objectif de cette étude était d'évaluer les facteurs prédictifs d'événements cardiovasculaires chez des patients atteints de granulomatose avec polyangéite ou de granulomatose éosinophilique avec polyangéite. Il s'agit d'une étude longitudinale rétrospective menée sur des patients de la cohorte du réseau de recherche Canadian Vasculitis de Toronto. Les caractéristiques au moment du diagnostic ont été collectées. Pendant la période de suivi, les événements cardiovasculaires non mortels ont été déterminés à partir de l'indice VDI (séquelles liées à la vascularite) et la mortalité a été enregistrée avec les causes de décès. Des modèles de régression de Cox ont été élaborés pour identifier les facteurs prédictifs d'événements cardiovasculaires, définis comme un AVC ou un infarctus du myocarde. Au total, 336 patients ont été inclus : 231 (69 %) atteints de granulomatose avec polyangéite et 105 (31 %) de granulomatose éosinophilique avec polyangéite. L'âge moyen au moment du diagnostic était de 44 ans (± 18) et 44 % des patients étaient des hommes. Le taux d'incidence du critère combiné de l'ensemble des événements mortels et non mortels était de 7,2 événements pour 1000 années–patient. Dans un modèle multivarié, les antécédents familiaux d'événements cardiovasculaires et un score BVAS (Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score) plus élevé au moment du diagnostic étaient prédictifs d'événements cardiovasculaires (odds ratio et intervalle de confiance à 95 % : 3,46 [1,06–11,28] et 1,09 [1,02–1,16], respectivement). Une analyse de sous-groupe n'a pas montré d'association entre les caractéristiques cardiovasculaires ou spécifiques à la maladie et la survenue d'événements cardiovasculaires dans la granulomatose éosinophilique avec polyangéite. Dans cette cohorte de patients atteints de granulomatose avec polyangéite et de granulomatose éosinophilique avec polyangéite, des facteurs de risque traditionnels et spécifiques à la maladie étaient prédictifs d'événements cardiovasculaires. Des études prospectives complémentaires devraient permettre de préciser leurs effets, ainsi que ceux d'autres facteurs de risque modifiables, sur le risque cardiovasculaire dans la vascularite à ANCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke is the second leading cause of mortality in the world. In addition to causing physical and cognitive sequelae to the patient, stroke can contribute to the appearance of anxious and depressive symptoms, usually in the first year after stroke. The aim of this study was to carry out an analysis of self-awareness about the deficits caused by stroke, and their possible relationship with the presence of anxious and depressive symptoms. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out based on the collection of variables related to self-awareness and the presence of anxious and depressive symptoms. The sample included the presence of 71 people who had a stroke, aged between 18 and 60 years and attended at a public referral center in southern Brazil. Instruments were used to assess self-awareness, to check for the presence of anxious and depressive symptoms and to screen for cognitive decline. It was possible to confirm that there is a link between anxious / depressive factors and the presence of deficits in self-awareness. That is, the more anxious the participant was, the lower his self-awareness of the deficits he had. Approximately 63% of the sample also showed mild cognitive decline that can influence aspects of self-awareness. This research contributed to the analysis of factors related to self-awareness and the appearance of anxious and depressive symptoms in post-stroke patients. The results found can effectively assist in the elaboration of rehabilitation plans better adapted to the reality of these patients, facilitating prevention and health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revue Francophone de Recherche en Ergotherapie is the property of Communaute Pour l Avancement de la Recherche Appliquee Francophone en Ergotherapie and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Efficient video compression algorithms in advanced multimedia broadcasting systems are in high demand. In the last decades, different video compression tools have been developed which can influence the final Quality of Experience in different ways. This paper has two goals. The first goal is to present a study of different compression algorithms available for stereoscopic 3D videos. The second goal is to present the possibilities in the creation of new stereoscopic models. The well-established video codecs (AVC, MVC, HEVC and MV-HEVC) are considered as encoders. Generic objective video quality metrics are used to analyze the compression efficiencies of the considered codecs, extended with results from subjective tests. The correlations between the objective and subjective scores are analyzed statistically. Due to unsatisfactory results of generic 2D metrics for the stereoscopic sequences used in the test, new objective models are presented. Such models show improved correlation with subjective stereoscopic video quality. The validation, verification and a description of models are presented in detail.

The extensions of Advanced Video Coding (AVC) and High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) for multiview video plus depth allow for the coding of 3D video scenes. During the standardization of these extensions, it was demonstrated that compression performance can often be improved by the application of nonlinear depth transformation prior to the compression and applying the respective backward nonlinear depth transformation after decompression. Such an approach is referred to as the compression of nonlinear depth representation (NDR). In this paper, a survey of the NDR technology is provided, but a large part of this survey comprises yet unpublished results. First, the motivation and rationale behind the idea of NDR are discussed. The options for the choice of nonlinear transformation are provided with the respective formulations. Also, the standardization of 3D video coding with NDR within ISO/IEC and ITU is discussed along with the experimental results that demonstrate benefits related to the application of NDR in 3D-AVC and 3D-HEVC. Furthermore, the experimental comparisons are provided for simulcast coding of multiview plus depth video using AVC and HEVC technology with and without the NDR. The similar experimental results are also provided for simulcast coding using the current version of Versatile Video Coding technology that is under development for the forthcoming standard of ISO/IEC (MPEG-I) and ITU. All of the experimental results have been obtained for the standard JVC-3V video test sequences under common test conditions for 3D video coding.

Proposer un modèle d'intervention en réadaptation sexuelle à la suite d'un accident vasculaire cérébral (AVC). L'élaboration du modèle se base sur deux recensions d'écrits, concernant les méthodes de réadaptation existantes et les dysfonctions sexuelles suivant un AVC, ainsi que sur les résultats de deux études analysant la distribution des lésions et leur impact. Des pistes d'intervention multidisciplinaires sont suggérées suivant le modèle de Foley, favorisant une évaluation et prise en charge en fonction des impacts primaires (localisation de la lésion), secondaires (impact de la lésion sur d'autres fonctions corporelles) et tertiaires (facteurs psychosociaux) de l'AVC sur la sexualité. S'ajoute des interventions ciblées par rapport à quatre profils de patients émergeants d'une analyse d'agrégats permettant de regrouper et distinguer les besoins des survivants d'AVC. Malgré les efforts pour améliorer le suivi, les patients se plaignent toujours d'un manque d'information sur l'impact de leur AVC sur la sexualité. Le modèle proposé, conforme aux modèles précédents et adapté de la classification de Foley, offre une approche structurée, pragmatique et intuitive pour les professionnels de divers horizons souhaitant participer à la prise en charge multidisciplinaire des troubles sexuels post-AVC. To propose a model of intervention in sexual rehabilitation following stroke. The model was developed based on two literature reviews, concerning existing rehabilitation methods and sexual dysfunctions following stroke, as well as the results of two studies analyzing the distribution of lesions and their impacts. Multidisciplinary avenues of intervention are suggested according to Foley's model, encouraging an assessment and management according to the primary impacts of stroke on sexual functioning (localization of the lesion), their secondary (impact of the lesion on other bodily functions) and tertiary impacts (psychosocial factors). Interventions also consider the patients' profile amongst the four emerging from cluster analysis modulating the needs of stroke survivors. Despite efforts to improve sexual follow up, stroke patients still report a lack of information concerning the impact of stroke on their sexuality. The proposed model, consistent with previous models and adapted from Foley's classification, provides a structured, pragmatic and intuitive approach for professionals with different expertise wishing to contribute to the multidisciplinary treatment of sexual difficulties poststroke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]