Visión holística de nuevos desafíos: paradigmas tecnológicos y fundamentos bioéticos en la Medicina futurista / Holistic view of new challenges: technological paradigms and bioethical basis of Futuristic Medicine

Introducción.La medicina del siglo XXI será un punto de fusión de numerosas nuevas tecnologías. Surgirán transformaciones en los paradigmas de la atención médica. Objetivo: Ofrecer una visión de lo que podría ser la atención médica futura. Material y Métodos: Se revisa en la literatura médica las ultimas y nuevas herramientas tecnológicas al servicio de la Medicina, sus posibles transformaciones y aplicación futura a través de la exploración en las principales bases de datos indexadas en los últimos 7 años, que originarán un cambio en el pensamiento científico y una visión predictiva en la atención médica a nivel mundial que realizaran reflexiones sobre enfoques médicos que origina la medicina traslacional. Se analiza el papel de la nanotecnología en la farmacología futurista, así como la genética y robótica, y se establecen comparaciones entre la cantidad de investigaciones por países y el estado actual en la América Latina y cómo influirán los nuevos adelantos científicos en la bioética lo que pudiera dar origen al transhumanismo. Resultados: El influjo de las nuevas tecnologías está ligado con el desarrollo económico y social, por lo que su aplicación no será equitativa, existiendo una diferencia importante en la formulación de patentes, investigaciones indexadas y citaciones entre países desarrollados y subdesarrollados, donde ningún país latinoamericano se encuentra entre los primeros 10 lugares del ranking mundial. Conclusiones: La tecnología actual le da solución a algunos problemas, pero no ha sido capaz de dominar muchas enfermedades. La utilización de la nanotecnología, la genética y la robótica provocarán cambios en los paradigmas de enfrentamiento a las enfermedades. Pudieran ocasionar deshumanización y problemas bioéticos(AU)

Introduction: Medicine in the 21st century will be a fusion point of numerous new technologies. Changes in the paradigms of medical attention will emerge. Objective:To present a view of what future medical attention could be. Material and methods:A review of the last and new technological tools at the service of Medicine is made, and their possible transformations and future implementation are studied through the search of the main databases of the data indexed during the last seven years, which will make a change in the scientific thought and a predictive view of the medical attention worldwide, and make reflections on the medical approaches that arise from translational medicine. The role of nanotechnology in the futuristic pharmacology is analyzed, as well as genetics and robotics; and comparisons are made regarding the amount of research by countries and the current condition in Latin America, and the way the new scientific innovations will influence in the Bioethics, which could give rise to transhumanism. Results:The influence of the new technologies is linked to the economic and social development. Therefore, its implementation will not be equitable, existing an important difference in establishment of patents, indexed research, and quotations between developed and underdeveloped countries, where no Latin American country is among the 10 first places in the world ranking. Conclusions:Current technology gives solution to some problems, but it has not been able to be acquainted with many diseases. The use of nanotechnology, genetics, and robotics will provoke changes in the confrontation paradigms of diseases, which could cause dehumanization and bioethical issues(AU)

Efficacy of Carbon Microcoils in Relieving Cervicogenic Dizziness

Abstract Introduction Cervical pain contributes to postural deviations and imbalance. Nanotechnology may be used for the treatment of neck pain by fixing to the skin small rounds silicone patches containing double spiral carbon nanotubes arranged in the form of a coil (Helical), which would then relieve dizziness caused by muscular contraction. Objective The objective of this study is to Evaluate pain and dizziness scores before and after Helical patches effect on cervicogenic dizziness treatment. Methods The selected patients should have neck pain arising from muscle contraction with loss of balance or instability lasting more than 90 days and normal electrooculography. Treatment consisted of placing 10 Helical patches distributed as follows: two in the upper cervical area, two in the lower cervical area (near the 5th and 6th vertebrae), two in the upper trapezius muscle area (between neck and shoulder), and four in the tender point area (as reported by the patient). Using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), we matched pain and dizziness scores from Day 1 to those from Day 15 and Day 30 using Mann-Whitney test. Results There was a significant difference between pain score reported on Day 1 and Day 15 (Z = 2.43, U = 5, p = 0.01). We also found significant differences between dizziness scores reportedondays1 and15 (Z = 2.62, U = 3.5, p = 0.01) and days 1 and 30 (Z = 2.36, U = 5.5, p = 0.01). Conclusion The Helical patches seem to be an effective treatment for cervicogenic dizziness.

Avaliação in situ e in vitro do efeito antimicrobiano de um nanofilme experimental de dióxido de silício com nanopartículas de prata / In situ and in vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial effect of an experimental nanofilm of silicon dioxide with silver nanoparticles

A difusão da nanotecnologia a fim de projetar novos materiais em escala nanométrica conduziu ao desenvolvimento de uma ampla variedade de nanopartículas fabricadas para aplicações comerciais. Tendo por objetivo buscar um produto que aprimore as características dos materiais dentários em voga, optou-se por pesquisar um novo material que não é utilizado em Odontologia, mas que tem uma extensa aplicabilidade em diversos campos, como na indústria alimentícia, na superfície de bancadas de hospitais, em instrumentais cirúrgicos, paredes, pisos, roupas e no setor automobilístico, de aviação e naval. Assim, buscou-se avaliar um nanofilme de dióxido de silício, comercializado como vidro líquido, e seu possível aperfeiçoamento com a incorporação de nanopartículas de prata à sua composição quanto ao seu comportamento microbiológico utilizando como substrato amostras de resina acrílica autopolimerizável. Primeiramente foram realizados ensaios para caracterização da solução do vidro líquido através da avaliação do teor de sólidos presentes e da sua densidade, além da superfície dos nanofilmes formados por meio de microscópio eletrônico de varredura (MEV) acoplado a espectrômetro de energia dispersiva (EDS). Depois, foi averiguado o comportamento microbiológico dos nanofilmes quanto à citotoxicidade e à formação de biofilme in vitro e in situ. Na caracterização do vidro líquido identificou-se uma pequena discrepância quanto ao teor de sólidos e a densidade obtida em relação aos dados do fabricante. Análises semiquantitativas por MEV e EDS confirmaram a presença da prata no nanofilme experimental e permitiu a observação da configuração de nanoaglomerados formados após a polimerização de ambos os filmes. O ensaio de citotoxicidade mostrou que após a formação do nanofilme este não é citotóxico, mas que as soluções de sílica e experimental apresentam citotoxicidade em baixas diluições. Quanto à formação de biofilme, independente do substrato e do tipo de ensaio, in situ ou in vitro, o nanofilme experimental inibiu a adesão bacteriana. Conclui-se então que o nanofilme experimental de sílica com nanopartículas de prata desenvolvido neste trabalho apresenta o potencial de diminuir o crescimento bacteriano em materiais dentários aplicados provisoriamente em áreas críticas onde é necessária a cicatrização tecidual

The propagation of nanotechnology in order to design new nanoscale materials led to the development of a wide variety of nanoparticles manufactured for commercial applications. With the objective of seeking a product that enhances the characteristics of dental materials in vogue, it was decided to search for a new material that is not used in dentistry, but has a wide applicability in various fields, such as in the food industry, surface countertops of hospitals, surgical instruments, walls, floors, clothing and automotive, aviation and shipbuilding industry. Thus, it sought to evaluate a silicon dioxide nanofilm, commercially available as liquid glass, and its possible improvement with the addition of silver nanoparticles to its composition using samples of acrylic resin as substrate. Initially tests were carried out to characterize the liquid glass solution by evaluating the solids content and their density, beyond the surface of nanofilms formed by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Then it was examined microbiological behavior of nanofilms for cytotoxicity and in vitro and in situ biofilm formation. In the liquid glass characterization it was identified a small discrepancy in the solids content and the density obtained compared to manufacturer's data. The SEM and EDS analysis confirmed the presence of silver in the experimental nanofilm and allowed the observation of the nanoclusters configuration formed after polymerization of both films. The cytotoxicity assay showed that after the formation of nanofilm this is not cytotoxic, but the silica and the experimental solutions exhibit cytotoxicity at lower dilutions. As to the formation of biofilm regardless of the type of substrate and the assay in situ or in vitro, experimental nanofilm inhibit bacterial adhesion. It follows then that the silica experimental nanofilm with silver nanoparticles developed in this work has the potential to reduce bacterial growth in dental materials provisionally applied in critical areas where tissue healing is required

Polymeric nanoparticles in dermocosmetic / Nanopartículas poliméricas en dermocosmética

Recent advances in the fields of biomaterials and nanotechnology have allowed the development of advanced nanoparticles for biomedical applications. Despite a vast number of nanostructures such as liposomes, solid­lipid nanocapsules, polymeric and hybrid lipid­polymer nanoparticles have been studied as carriers for drug delivery for different pathologies with remarkable promising results; the use of polymeric nanoparticles in dermocosmetic still has not been widely explored. The evolution of cosmetic into the care skin and dermatology represents novel technological challenges. Also, the increasing knowledge about normal skin physiology and advances in nanotechnology provide an attractive environment for the creation of innovative dermocosmetic formulations. In this work, we discuss the state of the art of polymeric nanoparticles formulated for dermocosmetics, its mechanisms of action, and diffusion into the skin.

Los recientes avances en el campo de los biomateriales y la nanotecnología han permitido el desarrollo de nanopartículas avanzadas para aplicaciones biomédicas. A pesar de que un gran número de nanoestructuras tales como liposomas, nanocápsulas lípido-sólidas, nanopartículas poliméricas y lípido-polímero híbridas han sido estudiadas como vehículos para la administración de fármacos en diferentes patologías con notables resultados prometedores, el uso de nanopartículas poliméricas en dermocosmética todavía no ha sido ampliamente explorado. La evolución de la cosmética en el cuidado de la piel y la dermatología nos enfrentan a nuevos retos tecnológicos. Además, el aumento de los conocimientos sobre la fisiología de la piel normal y los avances en la nanotecnología proporcionan un entorno atractivo para la creación de formulaciones dermocosméticas innovadoras. En este trabajo se discute el estado del arte de las nanopartículas poliméricas desarrolladas para dermocosmética, sus mecanismos de acción y la difusión en la piel.

Nanotechnology: meeting the future of Veterinary Parasitology Research

The field of nanotechnology involves an array of different areas of expertize with the application of innovative products in Medicine, Engineering, and to a less extent to Veterinary Medicine. In our opinion, more research is needed, in special to Animal Parasitology, to develop state of the art products to solve old problems. Livestock, pets and wildlife may benefit from products in nanoscale, such as vaccines, target recombinant proteins, or new drug candidates. Thus, we want to give some food for thought to drive scientific programs into nanotechnology, creating a safer environment to animals and humans...

In vivo biocompatibility of nanostructured Chitosan/Peo membranes / Biocompatibilidade in vivo de membranas nanoestruturadas de Quitosana/Peo

Electrospinning is a technique that allows the preparation of nanofibers from various materials. Chitosan is a natural and abundant easily obtained polymer, which, in addition to those features, proved to be biocompatible. This work used nanostructured chitosan and polyoxyethylene membranes as subcutaneous implants in Wistar rats to evaluate the biocompatibility of the material. Samples of the material and tissues adjacent to the implant were collected 7, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days post-implantation. Macroscopic integration of the material to the tissues was observed in the samples and slides for histopathological examination that were prepared. It was noticed that the material does not stimulate the formation of adherences to the surrounding tissues and that there is initial predominance of neutrophilia and lymphocytosis, with a declining trend according to the increase of time, featuring a non-persistent acute inflammatory process. However, the material showed fast degradation, impairing the macroscopic observation after fifteen days of implantation. It was concluded that the material is biocompatible and that new studies should be conducted, modifying the time of degradation by changes in obtaining methods and verifying the biocompatibility in specific tissues for biomedical applications.

A eletrofiação é uma técnica que permite a preparação de nanofibras mediante o uso de diversos materiais. A quitosana é um polímero natural, abundante e de fácil obtenção, que, além dessas características, demonstrou ser biocompatível. Este trabalho utilizou membranas nanoestruturadas de quitosana e polióxido de etileno como implantes subcutâneos em ratos Wistar para avaliar a biocompatibilidade do biomaterial. As amostras do material e de tecidos adjacentes ao implante foram retiradas sete, 15, 30, 45 e 60 dias pós-implantação para a observação da integração macroscópica do material aos tecidos e para a preparação de lâminas para exame histopatológico. Verificou-se que o material não estimula a formação de aderências com os tecidos circunvizinhos e que há predominância inicial de neutrofilia e linfocitose, que tendem a decrescer em razão do aumento do tempo, caracterizando um processo inflamatório agudo não persistente. No entanto, o material apresentou degradação rápida, não sendo possível observá-lo macroscopicamente após 15 dias de implantação. Concluiu-se que o material é biocompatível, o que indica que novos estudos devem ser conduzidos, com modificação do tempo de degradação por alterações nos métodos de obtenção e verificação da biocompatibilidade em tecidos específicos para aplicações biomédicas.

Robótica, nanotecnología y singularidad / Robotics, nanotechnology and uniqueness

Los avances en la tecnología nos han llevado a descubrimientos científicos importantes, a descubrir causas y tratamientos de enfermedades que antiguamente solo eran mitos y suposiciones y en las últimas décadas hemos tenido en el campo de la otorrinolaringología nuevos elementos que nos llevan a mejores desempeños en el campo laboral, no es futurista hablar de robots, de cirugía de telepresencia, y cibernética es lo que actualmente estamos viviendo, es el hoy y el mañana de la medicina. Es por ello que en el presente artículo hemos querido plasmar un campo desconocido aun por muchos y por otros realmente exaltado es el campo de la robótica, la nanotecnología y la singularidad, su aplicaciones en la otorrinolaringología, algunas de sus ventajas y desventajas. Puede que para nosotros sea el comienzo pero para nuestros hijos y futuros colegas sea la base fundamental de su vida profesional...

Advances in technology have led to important scientific discoveries, to discover causes and treatments of diseases that formerly were only myths and assumptions and in recent decades we have had in the field of otolaryngology new elements that lead to better performances in the workforce, not to mention futuristic robots, telepresence surgery, and cybernetics is what we are currently experiencing, is the present and the future of medicine. That is why in this article we want to express an unknown field and even by many others really excited is the field of robotics, nanotechnology and the singularity, its applications in otolaryngology, some of the advantages and disadvantages. It may be the start for us but for our children and future colleagues is the foundation of his professional life...

Nanoinformatics: an emerging area of information technology at the intersection of bioinformatics, computational chemistry and nanobiotechnology

After the progress made during the genomics era, bioinformatics was tasked with supporting the flow of information generated by nanobiotechnology efforts. This challenge requires adapting classical bioinformatic and computational chemistry tools to store, standardize, analyze, and visualize nanobiotechnological information. Thus, old and new bioinformatic and computational chemistry tools have been merged into a new sub-discipline: nanoinformatics. This review takes a second look at the development of this new and exciting area as seen from the perspective of the evolution of nanobiotechnology applied to the life sciences. The knowledge obtained at the nano-scale level implies answers to new questions and the development of new concepts in different fields. The rapid convergence of technologies around nanobiotechnologies has spun off collaborative networks and web platforms created for sharing and discussing the knowledge generated in nanobiotechnology. The implementation of new database schemes suitable for storage, processing and integrating physical, chemical, and biological properties of nanoparticles will be a key element in achieving the promises in this convergent field. In this work, we will review some applications of nanobiotechnology to life sciences in generating new requirements for diverse scientific fields, such as bioinformatics and computational chemistry.

Nanoalimentos e nanotecnologias aplicadas a alimentos - riscos potenciais, necessidades regulatórias e proposta de instrumento para verificar opiniões sobre riscos potenciais à saúde e ao ambiente / Nanofoods and nanotechnology applied to food - potential risks, regulatory requirements and proposed instrument to check reviews on potential risks to health and the environment

Um dos objetivos deste trabalho foi efetuar uma revisão sucinta dos aspectos relacionados à aplicação de nanotecnologias na produção de alimentos, seus riscos para a saúde humana e o meio ambiente e necessidades regulatórias. A revisão, associada ao resultado de entrevistas semi estruturadas, realizadas anteriormente, serviu de base para a concretização do segundo objetivo, a construção de um questionário para, com a utilização do método Delphi, verificar posições, ideias e conhecimentos de diferentes grupos da sociedade brasileira sobre nanoalimentos e nanotecnologias aplicadas a alimentos no Brasil. O trabalho está organizado em uma introdução do tema, um artigo e considerações finais. Na introdução foram abordados os aspectos conceituais gerais das nanotecnologias; alguns dos seus benefícios e riscos; a participação do Brasil na competição internacional; a preocupação com a saúde humana, incluindo trabalhadores; as aplicações das nanotecnologias na produção de alimentos, seus impactos sociais e éticos e a importância da opinião pública para a condução de um debate sobre os seus marcos regulatórios. A metodologia se constituiu no estudo de literatura sobre o tema e na construção do questionário, cujas questões foram convertidas em programa eletrônico. Na seleção dos elementos participantes, foi considerada a proximidade profissional, mesmo indireta, com as áreas de alimentos e/ou ambiente e saúde e/ou nanotecnologias. No artigo foi demonstrada, de forma detalhada, a elaboração do questionário, a seleção dos participantes e a forma como será aplicado...

Nanotechnology: Role in dental biofilms.

Biofilms are surface- adherent populations of microorganisms consisting of cells, water and extracellular matrix material Nanotechnology is promising field of science which can guide our understanding of the role of interspecies interaction in the development of biofilm. Streptococcus mutans with other species of bacteria has been known to form dental biofilm. The correlation between genetically modified bacteria Streptococcus mutans and nanoscale morphology has been assessed using AFMi.e atomic force microscopy. Nanotechnology application includes 16 O/ 18 O reverse proteolytic labeling,use of quantum dots for labeling of bacterial cells, selective removal of cariogenic bacteria while preserving the normal oral flora and silver antimicrobial nanotechnology against pathogens associated with biofilms. The future comprises a mouthwash full of smart nanomachines which can allow the harmless flora of mouth to flourish in a healthy ecosystem

Uso da nanotecnologia no reparo das lesões traumáticas de nervos / Nanotechnology and repair of peripheral nerve injuries

A nanotecnologia tem permitido avanços revolucionários nos últimos anos em diversas áreas da Ciência, incluindo a medicina, onde o impacto de novas aquisições se faz presente também na neurocirurgia.Trabalhos experimentais têm demonstrado diversas possibilidades do uso de artefatos obtidos a partir da nanotecnologia no tratamento das lesões traumáticas de nervos periféricos. Isto inclui desde a construção de dispositivos semi-sintéticos que substituem a estrutura de um nervo até a manipulação direta dos axônios. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar ao neurocirurgião uma revisão sobre as principais técnicas de manufatura de nanomateriais e suas aplicações atuais e futuras no manejo das patologias traumáticas dos nervos periféricos.

Over the last several years, nanotechnology has made possible revolutionary advances in several áreas of Science, including medicine, where the impact of new acquisitions also has occurred in neurosurgery.Experimental researchs have demonstrated several possibilities for the treatment of peripheral nerve traumatic lesions with artefacts obtained from nanotechnology. This have included the construction of semi-synthetic devices that replace the structure of the nerve and the direct manipulation of axons. The goal of this study is to present a review to the neurosurgeon about nanomaterials manufacture techniques and its current and future applications in peripheral nerve injury.

La frontera entre la Biología molecular y la Nanotecnología: impacto en la Medicina / Limits between molecular biology and nanotechnology: impact on Medicine

Con el advenimiento de la Nanobiotecnología, han mejorado rápidamente las perspectivas para usar nanomateriales en Imaginología médica, diagnóstico de enfermedades, liberación de fármacos, tratamiento del cáncer, terapia génica y otras áreas. Se entiende por Nanomedicina la aplicación de nanotecnologías en Medicina para el mantenimiento y mejoramiento de la vida humana. Este artículo revisa el vasto potencial de los nanosistemas (nanoliposomas, gotas cuánticas, nanopartículas, dendrímeros) en estas áreas, con aplicaciones novedosas que constantemente están siendo exploradas.

With the advent of Nanotechnology, the prospects have rapidly improved for using nanomaterials in medical imaging, disease diagnoses, drug delivery, cancer treatment, gene therapy, and other areas. Nanomedicine is the application of nanotechnologies to the maintenance and improvement of human life. Nanosystems (nanoliposomes, quantum dots, nanoparticles, dendrimers) have a vast potential in these areas, and novel applications are being actively explored.