Visual function alterations in essential tremor: A case report

Our purpose is to report alterations in contrast sensitivity function (CSF) and in the magno, parvo and koniocellular visual pathways by means of a multichannel perimeter in case of an essential tremor (ET). A complete evaluation of the visual function was performed in a 69-year old patient, including the analysis of the chromatic discrimination by the Fansworth–Munsell 100 hue test, the measurement of the CSF by the CSV-1000E test, and the detection of potential alteration patterns in the magno, parvo and koniocellular visual pathways by means of a multichannel perimeter. Visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP) were within the ranges of normality in both eyes. No abnormalities were detected in the fundoscopic examination and in the optical coherence tomography (OCT) exam. The results of the color vision examination were also within the ranges of normality. A significant decrease in the achromatic CSFs for right eye (RE) and left eye (LE) was detected for all spatial frequencies. The statistical global values provided by the multichannel perimeter confirms that there were significant absolute sensitivity losses compared to the normal pattern in RE. In the LE, only a statistically significant decrease in sensitivity was detected for the blue-yellow (BY) channel. The pattern standard deviation (PSD) values obtained in our patient indicated that there were significant localized losses compared to the normality pattern in the achromatic channel of the RE and in the red-green (RG) channel of the LE. Some color vision alterations may be present in ET that cannot be detected with conventional color vision tests, such as the FM 100 Hue.

Role of IFN-gamma in immune responses to Candida albicans infections

Candida albicans is the most frequent etiologic agent that causes opportunistic fungal infections called candidiasis, a disease whose systemic manifestation could prove fatal and whose incidence is increasing as a result of an expanding immunocompromised population. Here we review the role of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) in host protection against invasive candidiasis. This cytokine plays an essential role in both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune response to candidiasis. We focus on recent progress on host-pathogen interactions leading to the production of IFN-γ by host cells. IFN-γ is produced by CD4 Th1, CD8, γδ T, and natural killer (NK) cells, essentially in response to both IL-12 and/or IL-18; more recently, a subset of C. albicans-specific Th17 cells have been described to produce both IL-17 and IFN-γ. IFN-γ plays an important role in the regulation of the immune system as well as in the control of the infectious process, as it is required for optimal activation of phagocytes, collaborates in the generation of protective antibody response, and favors the development of a Th1 protective response.

Error induced by the estimation of the corneal power and the effective lens position with a rotationally asymmetric refractive multifocal intraocular lens

AIM: To evaluate the prediction error in intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation for a rotationally asymmetric refractive multifocal IOL and the impact on this error of the optimization of the keratometric estimation of the corneal power and the prediction of the effective lens position (ELP). METHODS: Retrospective study including a total of 25 eyes of 13 patients (age, 50 to 83y) with previous cataract surgery with implantation of the Lentis Mplus LS-312 IOL (Oculentis GmbH, Germany). In all cases, an adjusted IOL power (PIOLadj) was calculated based on Gaussian optics using a variable keratometric index value (nkadj) for the estimation of the corneal power (Pkadj) and on a new value for ELP (ELPadj) obtained by multiple regression analysis. This PIOLadj was compared with the IOL power implanted (PIOLReal) and the value proposed by three conventional formulas (Haigis, Hoffer Q and Holladay). RESULTS: PIOLReal was not significantly different than PIOLadj and Holladay IOL power (P>0.05). In the Bland and Altman analysis, PIOLadj showed lower mean difference (-0.07 D) and limits of agreement (of 1.47 and -1.61 D) when compared to PIOLReal than the IOL power value obtained with the Holladay formula. Furthermore, ELPadj was significantly lower than ELP calculated with other conventional formulas (P<0.01) and was found to be dependent on axial length, anterior chamber depth and Pkadj. CONCLUSION: Refractive outcomes after cataract surgery with implantation of the multifocal IOL Lentis Mplus LS-312 can be optimized by minimizing the keratometric error and by estimating ELP using a mathematical expression dependent on anatomical factors.

Comparing a bifocal and trifocal diffractive IOL

With the recent development of trifocal diffractive IOLs, to overcome the potential limitation of a lack in intermediate distance vision, studies have been published confirming the benefit of these lenses. However, until now, there has been no comparative study between the visual performance achieved with a bifocal versus a trifocal diffractive IOL. In this article, the authors reveal the details and results of their recent comparative study of the AT LISA diffractive bifocal and trifocal lenses.

Three-dimensional planar object tracking with sub-pixel accuracy

Subpixel techniques are commonly used to increase the spatial resolution in tracking tasks. Object tracking with targets of known shape permits obtaining information about object position and orientation in the three-dimensional space. A proper selection of the target shape allows us to determine its position inside a plane and its angular and azimuthal orientation under certain limits. Our proposal is demonstrated both numerical and experimentally and provides an increase the accuracy of more than one order of magnitude compared to the nominal resolution of the sensor. The experiment has been performed with a high-speed camera, which simultaneously provides high spatial and temporal resolution, so it may be interesting for some applications where this kind of targets can be attached, such as vibration monitoring and structural analysis.

Diseño curricular y elaboración de materiales para el programa de postgrado en tecnología de color utilizando la plataforma Moodle

En los últimos años, la investigación realizada por el grupo de Visión y Color nos ha permitido conocer la demanda existente en el mercado laboral de expertos en tecnología y reproducción del color, especialmente relacionado con los materiales gonio-aparentes, materiales que ofrecen atractivos atributos para el sector del automóvil, entre otros. Por esta razón, miembros del Grupo de Visión y Color de la Universidad de Alicante nos hemos involucrado en esta red cuyo objetivo principal es ofrecer un programa de postgrado para titulados y no titulados, con una amplia y completa formación en Tecnología de Color. En particular, esta red se ha centrado en el diseño curricular y la elaboración de materiales docentes para este programa de postgrado. En primer lugar, se han desarrollado las guías docentes de cada una de las asignaturas propuestas con el fin de planificar cada una de ellas y poder desarrollar los materiales docentes adecuados. Dado las características de este programa de postgrado, todos los materiales se han elaborado en la plataforma Moodle ya que permite el seguimiento por parte del alumno a distancia (b-learning).

¿Cómo medir el plagio entre alumnos universitarios? Revisión de instrumentos utilizados en artículos científicos

El análisis de la frecuencia y de los factores que influyen en las actitudes de los alumnos de grado hacia el plagio en la universidad requiere de escalas validadas. El objetivo de esta comunicación es hacer una revisión bibliográfica –scoping review- de artículos publicados que utilizan cuestionarios sobre el plagio en alumnado. Se realizó una búsqueda en revistas científicas en Medline y Eric, a través de OvidSP y ProQuest, en inglés y español. No se limitó por fecha de publicación. Se revisó título y resumen. Fue criterio de inclusión estudios realizados sobre plagio en estudiantes de grado y que utilizaron cuestionarios para su evaluación, y de exclusión artículos en profesores y estudiantes de posgrado. Se identificaron 377 artículos, 110 en Medline y 267 en Eric. Se excluyeron 319 por no cumplir criterios, por no tratar tema objetivo, por no tener resumen y por repetirse. Se incluyeron 49 artículos. De ellos, solo 5 utilizan cuestionarios validados en Australia, Croacia, Irán y Turquía. Se observa variedad de cuestionarios creados ad hoc, escasez de cuestionarios validados y necesidad de un cuestionario validado para España.

Light capsules shaped by curvilinear meta-surfaces

We propose a simple yet efficient method for generating in-plane hollow beams with a nearly full circular light shell without the contribution of backward propagating waves. The method relies on modulating the phase in the near field of a centrosymmetric optical wave front, such as that from a high-numerical-aperture focused wave field. We illustrate how beam acceleration may be carried out by using an ultranarrow non-flat meta-surface formed by engineered plasmonic nanoslits. A mirror-symmetric, with respect to the optical axis, circular caustic surface is numerically demonstrated that can be used as an optical bottle.

Natural Compounds from Saffron and Bear Bile Prevent Vision Loss and Retinal Degeneration

All retinal disorders, regardless of their aetiology, involve the activation of oxidative stress and apoptosis pathways. The administration of neuroprotective factors is crucial in all phases of the pathology, even when vision has been completely lost. The retina is one of the most susceptible tissues to reactive oxygen species damage. On the other hand, proper development and functioning of the retina requires a precise balance between the processes of proliferation, differentiation and programmed cell death. The life-or-death decision seems to be the result of a complex balance between pro- and anti-apoptotic signals. It has been recently shown the efficacy of natural products to slow retinal degenerative process through different pathways. In this review, we assess the neuroprotective effect of two compounds used in the ancient pharmacopoeia. On one hand, it has been demonstrated that administration of the saffron constituent safranal to P23H rats, an animal model of retinitis pigmentosa, preserves photoreceptor morphology and number, the capillary network and the visual response. On the other hand, it has been shown that systemic administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), the major component of bear bile, to P23H rats preserves cone and rod structure and function, together with their contact with postsynaptic neurons. The neuroprotective effects of safranal and TUDCA make these compounds potentially useful for therapeutic applications in retinal degenerative diseases.

SIN PALABRAS: La comunicación NO verbal en estudiantes de profesiones sanitarias y no sanitarias

La Comunicación NO Verbal (CNV) es un tipo de comunicación que no siempre se incluye como tal en las competencias y objetivos de las titulaciones académicas y que a menudo se considera sólo desde un punto de vista teórico. Pero, en el ámbito laboral, se exige a los profesionales que sepan controlar a su favor la CNV, en especial a los profesionales de la salud, por el posible impacto sobre el paciente. Mediante formulario on-line, se pidió a los estudiantes matriculados en titulaciones relacionadas y no relacionadas con la sanidad, que valorarán el papel de la CNV en diferentes situaciones de la vida cotidiana. Participaron estudiantes universitarios: U. de Alicante y U. Nacional de Tucumán (Argentina), y de Formación Profesional: IES Leonardo da Vinci (Alicante) e INS Gabriela Mistral (Sant Vicenç dels Horts, Barcelona). Los resultados muestran que los estudiantes universitarios consideran más importante y valoran mejor la CNV que los de Formación Profesional. Sin embargo, no se aprecian diferencias significativas entre estudiantes de titulaciones sanitarias y no sanitarias en ninguno de los dos niveles académicos. Ante estos resultados hacemos una llamada a la reflexión sobre la importancia que debería adquirir la práctica de la CNV en las titulaciones sanitarias.

Method for targetless tracking subpixel in-plane movements

We present a targetless motion tracking method for detecting planar movements with subpixel accuracy. This method is based on the computation and tracking of the intersection of two nonparallel straight-line segments in the image of a moving object in a scene. The method is simple and easy to implement because no complex structures have to be detected. It has been tested and validated using a lab experiment consisting of a vibrating object that was recorded with a high-speed camera working at 1000 fps. We managed to track displacements with an accuracy of hundredths of pixel or even of thousandths of pixel in the case of tracking harmonic vibrations. The method is widely applicable because it can be used for distance measuring amplitude and frequency of vibrations with a vision system.

Experiencia de clase inversa

El uso de herramientas multimedia ofrece una serie de oportunidades de mejora del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. El recurso de clase inversa se ha mostrado como una herramienta útil en el proceso de aprendizaje, que permite mejorar los resultados alcanzados en una clase tradicional. Permite además una interacción más personalizada entre el docente y el estudiante y estimula el trabajo autónomo de los alumnos. Experiencia previa de parte del grupo en este tipo de enseñanza, si bien en otra materia, mostraba cómo esta metodología permite profundizar más en los contenidos a desarrollar, puesto que los alumnos llegan a clase con un bagaje previo. Así decidimos realizar una experiencia piloto de clase inversa en un seminario de farmacología. Antes de asistir al seminario, los estudiantes debían visualizar un vídeo que elaboramos previamente y rellenar un cuestionario de autoevaluación para detectar posibles lagunas. Durante el seminario se resolvieron las dudas sobre la materia y se realizó el cuestionario de evaluación. Los alumnos manifestaron que el vídeo les había resultado útil para la comprensión de la materia y se mostraron satisfechos con la actividad. Consideramos que esta metodología es exportable a los temas de teoría y abre una nueva vía de inclusión de contenidos.

Una experiencia docente internacional para la elaboración de material docente práctico sobre la Farmacología

La Farmacología es una asignatura árida y difícil de comprender. Desde hace pocos años se realizan sesiones prácticas de problemas que facilitan a los estudiantes la comprensión y aprendizaje esta asignatura. En colaboración con profesores del área de Farmacología de las universidades de Montevideo (Uruguay) y la Nacional de Tucumán (Argentina), nos planteamos la elaboración de nuevos problemas que comprendieran todas las ramas de la Farmacología, con mayor o menor dificultad, para que pudieran ser útiles a estudiantes de Ciencias de la Salud, ya sean de grado o de postgrado, y estudiantes de Ciencias sociales y Jurídicas. Los problemas se han aplicado a estudiantes de grado en la Universidad de Alicante (Grado en Enfermería y Grado en Criminología) y en la Universidad de Tucumán (Grado en Odontología). En la Universidad de Montevideo los problemas han sido presentados a los estudiantes de dos Maestrías: Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria, y Farmacología Clínica. La calidad del aprendizaje se midió de forma cuantitativa (grado de acierto a las preguntas que se realizaban después de cada problema) y de forma cualitativa (valoración de las actitudes mediante encuesta con escala Likert). Resultados preliminares muestran una valoración positiva de los problemas en las tres universidades.

Neuroprotective Effect of Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid on N-Methyl-D-Aspartate-Induced Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration

Retinal ganglion cell degeneration underlies the pathophysiology of diseases affecting the retina and optic nerve. Several studies have previously evidenced the anti-apoptotic properties of the bile constituent, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, in diverse models of photoreceptor degeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of systemic administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced damage in the rat retina using a functional and morphological approach. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid was administered intraperitoneally before and after intravitreal injection of NMDA. Three days after insult, full-field electroretinograms showed reductions in the amplitudes of the positive and negative-scotopic threshold responses, scotopic a- and b-waves and oscillatory potentials. Quantitative morphological evaluation of whole-mount retinas demonstrated a reduction in the density of retinal ganglion cells. Systemic administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid attenuated the functional impairment induced by NMDA, which correlated with a higher retinal ganglion cell density. Our findings sustain the efficacy of tauroursodeoxycholic acid administration in vivo, suggesting it would be a good candidate for the pharmacological treatment of degenerative diseases coursing with retinal ganglion cell loss.