University of Alcalá

About: University of Alcalá is a education organization based out in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 10795 authors who have published 20718 publications receiving 410089 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Alcala & University of Alcala de Henares.

Ultrasonic ranging sensor using simultaneous emissions from different transducers

Abstract: In recent applications based on ultrasound, several ultrasonic transducers have been geometrically and electronically associated to constitute a global sensor. There are several different methods used to process the ultrasonic signals obtained from these transducers. In this work, multimode techniques using Golay complementary sequences are proposed for processing the ultrasonic signal. The system increases scan rate, precision, and reliability. It is also capable of echo discrimination, allowing simultaneous measurements to be made and detection of the same obstacle by different transducers without cross-talk problems. The real-time implementation of the algorithm is presented on a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) device.

Suggestion of a Deficient Osteoblastic Function in Diabetes Mellitus: The Possible Cause of Osteopenia in Diabetics

Abstract: The mechanism underlying diabetic osteopenia is still unclear and may involve osteoblastic activity and/or the deficit of insulin's anabolic action. Bone gla protein (BGP) is synthesized by the osteoblast and its synthesis increases with 1,25(OH)2D3 and fluoride. Because 1,25(OH)2D3 also stimulates insulin secretion, sodium fluoride administration can be used to investigate deficient osteoblastic activity in diabetics, as reflected by BGP levels. BGP was determined before and after administering sodium fluoride at a dosage of 50 mg/day/15 days to three groups: 14 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes, 16 diabetics on oral antidiabetic treatment, and 25 controls, all of similar age, sex, and characteristics. Basal BGP values (mean±SD) were low in diabetics on insulin treatment (4.3±1.1 ng/ml) and in diabetics on oral antidiabetics (5.8±1.2 ng/ml) as compared with controls (6.5±0.7 ng/ml) (P<0.001 and <0.05, respectively). After giving fluoride, BGP values did not change in the two diabetic groups but did vary in controls (8.1±0.6 ng/ml,P<0.001). These results suggest that deficient osteoblast function could be responsible for osteopenia in diabetics.

Allergen immunotherapy for insect venom allergy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract: Background: The European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) is in the process of developing the EAACI Guidelines on Allergen Immunotherapy (AIT) for the management of insect venom allergy. To inform this process, we sought to assess the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and safety of AIT in the management of insect venom allergy. Methods: We undertook a systematic review, which involved searching 15 international biomedical databases for published and unpublished evidence. Studies were independently screened and critically appraised using established instruments. Data were descriptively summarized and, where possible, meta-analysed. Results: Our searches identified a total of 16 950 potentially eligible studies; of which, 17 satisfied our inclusion criteria. The available evidence was limited both in volume and in quality, but suggested that venom immunotherapy (VIT) could substantially reduce the risk of subsequent severe systemic sting reactions (OR = 0.08, 95% CI 0.03–0.26); meta-analysis showed that it also improved disease-specific quality of life (risk difference = 1.41, 95% CI 1.04–1.79). Adverse effects were experienced in both the build-up and maintenance phases, but most were mild with no fatalities being reported. The very limited evidence found on modelling cost-effectiveness suggested that VIT was likely to be cost-effective in those at high risk of repeated systemic sting reactions and/or impaired quality of life. Conclusions: The limited available evidence suggested that VIT is effective in reducing severe subsequent systemic sting reactions and in improving disease-specific quality of life. VIT proved to be safe and no fatalities were recorded in the studies included in this review. The cost-effectiveness of VIT needs to be established.