Changes in the Dentate Gyrus Gene Expression Profile Induced by Levetiracetam Treatment in Rats with Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy.

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is one of the most common forms of focal epilepsy. Levetiracetam (LEV) is an antiepileptic drug whose mechanism of action at the genetic level has not been fully described. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the relevant gene expression changes in the dentate gyrus (DG) of LEV-treated rats with pilocarpine-induced TLE. Whole-transcriptome microarrays were used to obtain the differential genetic profiles of control (CTRL), epileptic (EPI), and EPI rats treated for one week with LEV (EPI + LEV). Quantitative RT-qPCR was used to evaluate the RNA levels of the genes of interest. According to the results of the EPI vs. CTRL analysis, 685 genes were differentially expressed, 355 of which were underexpressed and 330 of which were overexpressed. According to the analysis of the EPI + LEV vs. EPI groups, 675 genes were differentially expressed, 477 of which were downregulated and 198 of which were upregulated. A total of 94 genes whose expression was altered by epilepsy and modified by LEV were identified. The RT-qPCR confirmed that LEV treatment reversed the increased expression of Hgf mRNA and decreased the expression of the Efcab1, Adam8, Slc24a1, and Serpinb1a genes in the DG. These results indicate that LEV could be involved in nonclassical mechanisms involved in Ca2+ homeostasis and the regulation of the mTOR pathway through Efcab1, Hgf, SLC24a1, Adam8, and Serpinb1a, contributing to reduced hyperexcitability in TLE patients.

Efectos de un programa de ejercicio físico con enfoque sanológico en universitarios / Effects of a physical exercise program with a sanological approach in university students / Efeitos de um programa de exercícios físicos com abordagem saudável em estudantes universitários

Objetivo: identificar el efecto del programa de ejercicio físico del proyecto institucionalUSCO saludable con enfoque sanológico en 40 jóvenes universitarios con sobrepeso. Metodología: se plantea un estudio mixto el cual utiliza metodología cuantitativa y cualitativa. En específico, se desarrolló un estudio cuasiexperimental de un solo grupo con valoración antes y después, los datos se tomaron de la revisión de historias clínicosanológicas del programa de ejercicio físico, de la dimensión actividad física. Del proyecto USCO Saludable, se seleccionaron 40 estudiantes con un índice de masa muscular (IMC) entre los rangos de 25 a 30 kg/m2. Se utilizó un instrumento denominado historia clínico-sanológica, esta fue diseñada, ajustada y estandarizada por los investigadores Pedro Reyes Gaspar y Dolly Arias Torres. Los datos se trabajaron a través de entrevista semiestructurada, mediante la creación de códigos y categorías con el programa ATLAS. ti 6.0. Para la comparación del IMC se empleó la prueba de Wilcoxon y el tamaño del efecto por medio de la g de Hedges en el programa SPSS versión 24. Resultados: después de la intervención, en el grupo de estudiantes universitarios con sobrepeso se observaron cambios importantes en la comprensión del concepto de salud, salud actual y del ejercicio físico como herramienta de cuidado de la salud y la vejez. Además, se identificó un cambio significativo en el IMC de la población. Conclusiones: la estrategia de ejercicio físico desde un enfoque sanológico es factible y eficaz, debido a los cambios significativos en el pensamiento y comportamiento en la salud de estudiantes universitarios con sobrepeso.

Objective: to identify the effect of the physical exercise program, of the healthy USCO institutional project with a sanological approach, on 40 overweight university students. Methodolgy: a mixed study is proposed using quantitative and qualitative methodology. Specifically, a quasiexperimental study of a single group was developed with evaluation before and after, the data was taken from the review of clinical-sanological histories of the physical exercise program, of the physical activity dimension, of the Healthy USCO project, 40 students with BMI (body mass index) between the ranges of 25 to 30 kg/ m2 were selected. An instrument called clinical-sanological history was used, it was designed, adjusted, and standardized by researchers Pedro Reyes Gaspar and Dolly Arias Torres. The data was processed through a semi-structured interview through the creation of codes, and categories with the ATLAS.ti 6.0 software, for the comparison of the BMI the Wilcoxon test was used and the effect size through Hedges' G in the SPSS program version 24. Results: after the intervention, important changes were observed in the understanding of the concept of health, current health, and physical exercise as a tool for health care and old age in a group of overweight university students. Furthermore, a significant change in the BMI of the population was identified. Conclusions: the strategy of physical exercise from a sanological approach is feasible and effective due to the significant changes in the thinking and behavior in the health of overweight university students.

Objetivo: identificar o efeito do programa de exercícios físicos do projeto institucional USCO saudável com enfoque saudável em 40 universitários com excesso de peso. Metodologia: propõe-se um estudo misto que utiliza metodologia quantitativa e qualitativa. Especificamente, foi desenvolvido um estudo quase-experimental de grupo único com avaliação antes e depois, os dados foram retirados da revisão dos registros clínico-saúde do programa de exercício físico, da dimensão atividade física. Do projeto USCO Healthy, foram selecionados 40 alunos com índice de massa muscular (IMC) entre 25 e 30 kg/m2. Foi utilizado um instrumento denominado histórico clínico-saúde, desenhado, ajustado e padronizado pelos pesquisadores Pedro Reyes Gaspar e Dolly Arias Torres. Os dados foram trabalhados por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, mediante criação de códigos e categorias com o programa ATLAS.ti 6.0. Para a comparação do IMC foi utilizado o teste de Wilcoxon e o tamanho do efeito por meio do g de Hedges no programa SPSS versão 24. Resultados: após a intervenção, no grupo de universitários com excesso de peso, foram observadas mudanças importantes na compreensão do conceito de saúde, saúde atual e exercício físico como ferramenta de cuidado à saúde e à velhice. Além disso, foi identificada uma alteração significativa no IMC da população. Conclusões: a estratégia de exercício físico sob uma abordagem de saúde é viável e eficaz, devido às mudanças significativas no pensamento e no comportamento de saúde de estudantes universitários com excesso de peso

Differential DNA methylation and CTCF binding between the ESR1 promoter a of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells.

BACKGROUND: ESR1 is expressed by 60-70% of breast tumours. it's a good prognosis factor and the target of hormone therapy. Optimization of ESR1 reactivation therapy is currently ongoing. Here we probe if the transcription factor CTCF plays a role in the differential expression of ESR1 in the breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 (ESR1+) and MDA-MB-231 (ESR1-). METHODS AND RESULTS: Knockdown of CTCF in MCF-7 resulted in decreased ESR1 gene expression. CTCF binds to the promoter of ESR1 in MCF-7 but not in MDA-MB-231 cells. CTCF ESR1 binding sites are unmethylated in MCF7 but methylated in MDA-MB-231 cells. CONCLUSION: ESR1 expression in MCF7 cells is dependent on CTCF expression. CTCF can bind to specific regions of the promotor of ESR1 gene in MCF-7 cells but not in MDA-MB-231 cells, this correlates with the methylation status of these regions and could be involved in the transcriptional regulation of ESR1.

Tracking anthropogenic microparticles in wildlife of an alpine insular environment.

Despite the isolation of remote natural regions, it has been discovered that they are experiencing the accumulation of anthropogenic microparticles (i.e., microplastics or natural or semisynthetic cellulosic particles). Teide National Park (Canary Islands, Spain) is a high-mountain protected area known for its rich biodiversity. This study aims to assess the occurrence of coloured anthropogenic particles in the faecal matter of wild mammals, specifically rabbits and mouflons, residing in the park. With this purpose, faeces were collected from 68 systematically distributed sampling points. A stereomicroscopy-guided grinding process allowed a chemical-free and quick visual inspection of 616 individual excreta, revealing that 96% were particle-free. However, 37 anthropogenic particles were found, which correspond to 0.79 ± 0.20 items per gram of dry faecal matter. The archetypical particle was a cellulosic blue microfibre of 2721 ± 407 µm, though poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) and polypropylene were also identified via micro Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic analysis. Atmospheric deposition and touristic pressure may be the sources of the anthropogenic particles, as they were randomly found in 36% of the sampling points. These findings represent the first evidence of anthropogenic particle ingestion by wild rabbits and mouflons, signifying the introduction of microplastics into terrestrial food chains in a remote high-mountain environment.

Síndrome antifosfolípidos catastrófico en México. Revisión de la bibliografía / Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in Mexico. Literature review

El síndrome antifosfolípidos catastrófico (SAFC) es una entidad rara. Se han reportado aproximadamente 600 casos en todo el mundo, y se desconoce la prevalencia en México. Objetivo: Conocer la prevalencia estimada de SAFC en México. Material y métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica de casos clínicos aislados o series de casos en los diversos buscadores, utilizando los términos «síndrome antifosfolípidos catastrófico» y «México», en mayo de 2022. Resultados: Encontramos una serie de casos retrospectivos en necropsias que incluyeron 12 casos, dos reportes que incluyeron 2 casos cada uno, y también se encontraron reportes de 11 casos clínicos aislados; estas publicaciones se generaron entre 2003 y 2020. En total, se tienen datos de 27 casos de SAFC, de los cuales 16 corresponden al síndrome antifosfolípidos primario, 10 en asociación con lupus eritematoso sistémico y 1 caso de esclerosis sistémica. La tasa de prevalencia estimada en la población mexicana en 2022 es de 2 casos por cada 10.000.000 de habitantes. La mortalidad estimada fue del 68% en esta serie de casos. Conclusión: Los casos de SAFC en México están subreportados; sin embargo, identificarlos ayudará a mejorar las estrategias diagnósticas y terapéuticas que se utilizan actualmente en el país, incentivando la implementación de la triple terapia y, en casos refractarios, el uso de eculizumab, para reducir la mortalidad actual. (AU)

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare entity, approximately 600 cases have been reported around the world, and the prevalence in Mexico is unknown. Objective: To determine the estimated prevalence of CAPS in Mexico. Material and methods: A literature search of isolated clinical cases or case series was conducted in diverse search engines, using the terms: «catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome» and «Mexico» in May 2022. Results: We found a series of retrospective cases in autopsies that included 12 cases, two reports that included 2 cases each, and reports of 11 isolated clinical cases; these publications were generated between 2003 and 2020. In total, we collected data on 27 cases of CAPS, of which 16 correspond to primary antiphospholipid syndrome, 10 are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 1 case corresponds to systemic sclerosis. The estimated prevalence rate in the Mexican population in 2022 is 2 cases per 10,000,000 inhabitants. The estimated mortality was 68% in this case series. Conclusion: Cases of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in Mexico are underreported; identifying them will help improve current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies used in the country, encouraging the implementation of triple therapy and, in refractory cases, the use of eculizumab, to reduce current mortality. (AU)

Anaerobic digestion of commercial PLA and PBAT biodegradable plastic bags: Potential biogas production and 1H NMR and ATR-FTIR assessed biodegradation.

Bioplastics aim to substitute conventional plastics in most applications, a critical one being the collection of organic wastes for composting or anaerobic degradation. The anaerobic biodegradability of six commercial bags composed of PBAT or PLA/PBAT blends and certified as compostable [1] was studied using 1H NMR and ATR-FTIR techniques. This study aims to elucidate if commercial bioplastic bags are biodegradable under conventional conditions found in anaerobic digestates. Results showed that all studied bags are hardly anaerobically biodegradable at mesophilic temperatures. The biogas yield resulting from the anaerobic digestion under laboratory conditions oscillated between 270.3 ± 45.5 L kgVS-1 for a trash bag composed of 26.64 ± 0.03%/73.36 ± 0.03% PLA/PBAT and 36.7 ± 25.0 L kgVS-1 for a bag composed of 21.24 ± 0.08%/78.76 ± 0.08% PLA/PBAT. The degree of biodegradation did not correlate with PLA/PBAT molar composition. However, 1H NMR characterization showed that the anaerobic biodegradation occurred mostly in the PLA fraction. No bioplastics biodegradation products were detected in the digestate fraction (<2 mm). Finally, none of the biodegraded bags comply with the EN 13432 standard.

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in Mexico. Literature review.

Catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome (CAPS) is a rare entity, approximately 600 cases have been reported around the world, and the prevalence in Mexico is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine the estimated prevalence of CAPS in Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A literature search of isolated clinical cases or case series was conducted in diverse search engines, using the terms: "Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome" and "Mexico" in May 2022. RESULTS: We found a series of retrospective cases in autopsies that included 12 cases, two reports that included 2 cases each, and reports of 11 isolated clinical cases; these publications were generated between 2003 and 2020. In total, we collected data on 27 cases of CAPS, of which 16 correspond to primary antiphospholipid syndrome, 10 are associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, and 1 case corresponds to systemic sclerosis. The estimated prevalence rate in the Mexican population in 2022 is 2 cases per 10,000,000 inhabitants. The estimated mortality was 68% in this case series. CONCLUSION: Cases of catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome in Mexico are underreported; identifying them will help improve current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies used in the country, encouraging the implementation of triple therapy and, in refractory cases, the use of eculizumab, to reduce current mortality.

Low Expression of BRCA1 as a Potential Relapse Predictor in B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is the most common childhood hematological malignancy worldwide. Treatment outcomes have improved dramatically in recent years; despite this, relapse is still a problem, and the potential molecular explanation for this remains an important field of study. We performed microarray and single-cell RNA-Seq data mining, and we selected significant data with a P -value<0.05. We validated BRCA1 gene expression by means of quantitative (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction.) We performed statistical analysis and considered a P -value<0.05 significant. We identified the overexpression of breast cancer 1, early onset (BRCA1; P -value=2.52 -134 ), by means of microarray analysis. Moreover, the normal distribution of BRCA1 expression in healthy bone marrow. In addition, we confirmed the increases in BRCA1 expression using real-time (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and determined that it was significantly reduced in patients with relapse ( P -values=0.026). Finally, we identified that the expression of the BRCA1 gene could predict early relapse ( P -values=0.01). We determined that low expression of BRCA1 was associated with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia relapse and could be a potential molecular prognostic marker.

Nanoplastics in the soil environment: Analytical methods, occurrence, fate and ecological implications.

Soils play a very important role in ecosystems sustainability, either natural or agricultural ones, serving as an essential support for living organisms of different kinds. However, in the current context of extremely high plastic pollution, soils are highly threatened. Plastics can change the chemical and physical properties of the soils and may also affect the biota. Of particular importance is the fact that plastics can be fragmented into microplastics and, to a final extent into nanoplastics. Due to their extremely low size and high surface area, nanoplastics may even have a higher impact in soil ecosystems. Their transport through the edaphic environment is regulated by the physicochemical properties of the soil and plastic particles themselves, anthropic activities and biota interactions. Their degradation in soils is associated with a series of mechanical, photo-, thermo-, and bio-mediated transformations eventually conducive to their mineralisation. Their tiny size is precisely the main setback when it comes to sampling soils and subsequent processes for their identification and quantification, albeit pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and other spectroscopic techniques have proven to be useful for their analysis. Another issue as a consequence of their minuscule size lies in their uptake by plants roots and their ingestion by soil dwelling fauna, producing morphological deformations, damage to organs and physiological malfunctions, as well as the risks associated to their entrance in the food chain, although current conclusions are not always consistent and show the same pattern of effects. Thus, given the omnipresence and seriousness of the plastic menace, this review article pretends to provide a general overview of the most recent data available regarding nanoplastics determination, occurrence, fate and effects in soils, with special emphasis on their ecological implications.

Perfil del estilo de vida en docentes y administrativos de una universidad / Profile of the lifestyle in professors and administrators of a university / Perfil do estilo de vida em professores e administradores de uma universidade

Objetivo: Determinar los comportamientos del estilo de vida en docentes y administrativos de una universidad pública de Colombia. Materiales y métodos: Investigación cuantitativa descriptiva de corte trasversal. El tamaño de la muestra fue de 178 docentes y administrativos, mediante un muestreo aleatorio simple. Se aplicó un cuestionario auto diligenciado compuesto por una ficha sociodemográfica y el instrumento fantástico, diseñado por el Departamento de Medicina Familiar de la Universidad McMaster de Canadá, ajustado por el investigador Pedro Reyes Gaspar, obteniendo un Alfa de Cronbach, de 0,706, y un coeficiente de Spearman Brown r=0,616 y la correlación dos mitades de Guttman r=0,615. Los datos se trabajaron a través del programa SPSS versión 24, mediante análisis estadístico descriptivo univariado de frecuencias y tablas de contingencia. Resultados: El 40% de la población no es activa físicamente, más de la mitad de los docentes y administrativos aseguran que no ingieren una dieta adecuada, el 26% casi nunca duermen bien y se sienten descansados, el 29% algunas veces duerme bien y descansa. El 50% algunas veces es capaz de hacer frente al estrés en sus vidas y 10% casi nunca puede manejar el estrés. Se identificó riesgo en salud en los docentes en las dimensiones de actividad física, nutrición, sueño y estrés (p.000) en comparación con los administrativos. Conclusiones: Se halló que el perfil de estilo de vida en docentes y administrativos de una universidad pública de Colombia se caracteriza por la inactividad física, una mala alimentación, un mal manejo del estrés y trastornos del sueño.

Objective: To determine the behaviors of the lifestyle in teachers and administrators of a public university in Colombia. Materials and methods: cross-sectional descriptive quantitative research. The sample size was 178 teachers and administrators, using simple random sampling. A self-completed questionnaire was applied, consisting of a sociodemographic record and the fantastic instrument, designed by the Department of Family Medicine of the McMaster University of Canada, adjusted by the researcher Pedro Reyes Gaspar, obtaining a Cronbach's Alpha of 0.706, and a coefficient Spearman Brown r=0.616 and Guttman's twohalf correlation r=0.615. The data was worked through the SPSS version 24 program, through univariate descriptive statistical analysis of frequencies and contingency tables. Results: 40% of the population is not physically active, more than half of teachers and administrators say they do not eat a proper diet, 26% almost never sleep well and feel rested, 29% sometimes sleep well and rest. 50% are sometimes able to cope with stress in their lives and 10% can hardly ever handle stress. Health risk was identified in teachers in the dimensions of physical activity, nutrition, sleep and stress (p.000) compared to administrative staff. Conclusions:it was found that the lifestyle profile of teachers and administrators at a public university in Colombia is characterized by physical inactivity, poor nutrition, poor stress management and sleep disorders.

Validación de un instrumento para medir experiencias infantiles adversas en estudiantes universitarios colombianos / Validation of an instrument to measure adverse child experiences in Colombian university students / Validação de um instrumento para medir as experiências adversas de crianças em universitários colombianos

El objetivo del presente estudio fue adaptar culturalmente y desarrollar la versión colombiana del test Adverse Childhood Experiences y explorar sus propiedades psicométricas. Metodología: participaron cinco jueces expertos para validar el contenido de la versión adaptada y 100 estudiantes universitarios para realizar la confiabilidad y validez del constructo. Resultados: El instrumento Adverse Childhood Experiences versión Colombia es autoaplicable de 16 ítems y mide cuatro factores o Subsescalas: violencia sociopolítica y desastres naturales, abusos, desafíos domésticos, y negligencia física y emocional. Esta versión mostro una muy buena validez de contenido (k=0,83-1,00), una consistencia interna fuerte y perfecta (0,95) y una validez de constructo que muestra un contenido discriminante importante de las cuatro Subsescalas o factores con el 57% de la varianza. Conclusiones: el Adverse Childhood Experiences versión colombiana es confiable para medir experiencias traumáticas en la infancia y eventos traumáticos por violencia sociopolítica y desastres naturales en población universitaria colombiana.

Objective: The objective of the present study was to culturally adapt and develop the colombi-an version of the Adverse Childhood Experiences test and explore its psychometric properties. Methodology: five expert judges participated to validate the content of the adapted version and 100 university students to perform the reliability and validity of the construct. Results: The Adverse Childhood Experiences instrument, colombia version, is self-applied with 16 items and measures four factors or Subscales: sociopolitical violence and natural disasters, abuse, domestic challenges, and physical and emotional neglect. This version showed a very good content validity (k = 0.83-1.00), a strong and perfect internal consistency (0.95) and a construct validity that shows an important discriminant content of the four subscales or factors with 57% of the variance. Conclusions: The Adverse Childhood Experiences Colombian version is reli-able to measure traumatic experiences in childhood and traumatic events due to socio-political violence and natural disasters in Colombian university population

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi adaptar culturalmente e desenvolver a versão colombiana do teste Adverse Childhood Experiences e explorar suas propriedades psicométricas. Metodolo-gia: participaram cinco juízes especialistas para validar o conteúdo da versão adaptada e 100 uni-versitários para realizar a confiabilidade e validade do construto. Resultados: A versão colombi-ana do instrumento Adverse Childhood Experiences é autoaplicável com 16 itens e mede quatro fatores ou subescalas: violência sociopolítica e desastres naturais, abuso, desafios domésticos e negligência física e emocional. Esta versão apresentou uma validade de conteúdo muito boa (k=0,83-1,00), uma consistência interna forte e perfeita (0,95) e uma validade de construto que mostra um conteúdo discriminante importante das quatro subescalas ou fatores com 57% da variância. Conclusões: a versão colombiana das Experiências Adversas da Infância é confiável para medir experiências traumáticas na infância e eventos traumáticos devido à violência socio-política e desastres naturais na população universitária colombiana

Publishing data to support the fight against human vector-borne diseases.

Vector-borne diseases are responsible for more than 17% of human cases of infectious diseases. In most situations, effective control of debilitating and deadly vector-bone diseases (VBDs), such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika and Chagas requires up-to-date, robust and comprehensive information on the presence, diversity, ecology, bionomics and geographic spread of the organisms that carry and transmit the infectious agents. Huge gaps exist in the information related to these vectors, creating an essential need for campaigns to mobilise and share data. The publication of data papers is an effective tool for overcoming this challenge. These peer-reviewed articles provide scholarly credit for researchers whose vital work of assembling and publishing well-described, properly-formatted datasets often fails to receive appropriate recognition. To address this, GigaScience's sister journal GigaByte partnered with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to publish a series of data papers, with support from the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Here we outline the initial results of this targeted approach to sharing data and describe its importance for controlling VBDs and improving public health.

The Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) Transcript Variants as Potential Relapse Markers in B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Leukemia is the most common childhood malignancy in Mexico, representing more than 50% of all childhood cancers. Although treatment leads to a survival of up to 90% in developing countries, in our country, it is less than 65%. Additionally, ~30% of patients relapse with poor prognosis. Alternative splicing plays an important role in transcriptome diversity and cellular biology. This mechanism promotes an increase in the assortment of proteins with potentially distinct functions from a single gene. The proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene encodes two transcripts for the same protein of 261 amino acids, which is associated with several important cellular processes and with several types of cancer. However, the diversity of the transcript variants expressed in this condition is not clear. Then, we used microarray gene expression to identify changes in the exon expression level of PCNA. The data were validated using RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing, and three additional transcripts (PCNA_V3, PCNA_V4, and PCNA_V5) were identified. Computational analyses were used to determine the potential proteins resulting, their structure, and interactions with PCNA native protein and themselves. Additionally, the PCNA transcript variants were inhibited using specific siRNA, determining that their inhibition contributes to the malignant characteristics in vitro. Finally, we quantified the PCNA transcript variants in acute lymphoblastic leukemia samples and identified their expression in this disease. Based on the clinical characteristics, we determined that PCNA_V2 and PCNA_V4 are expressed at significantly low levels in relapsed B-ALL patients. We conclude that the low expression of PCNA_V2 and PCNA_V4 could be a potential molecular marker of relapse in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients.

Data-Driven Real-Time Magnetic Tracking Applied to Myokinetic Interfaces.

A new concept of human-machine interface to control hand prostheses based on displacements of multiple magnets implanted in the limb residual muscles, the myokinetic control interface, has been recently proposed. In previous works, magnets localization has been achieved following an optimization procedure to find an approximate solution to an analytical model. To simplify and speed up the localization problem, here we employ machine learning models, namely linear and radial basis functions artificial neural networks, which can translate measured magnetic information to desired commands for active prosthetic devices. They were developed offline and then implemented on field-programmable gate arrays using customized floating-point operators. We optimized computational precision, execution time, hardware, and energy consumption, as they are essential features in the context of wearable devices. When used to track a single magnet in a mockup of the human forearm, the proposed data-driven strategy achieved a tracking accuracy of 720 µm 95% of the time and latency of 12.07 µs. The proposed system architecture is expected to be more power-efficient compared to previous solutions. The outcomes of this work encourage further research on improving the devised methods to deal with multiple magnets simultaneously.

Transcriptional Regulation of Yin-Yang 1 Expression through the Hypoxia Inducible Factor-1 in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Yin-Yang transcription factor 1 (YY1) is involved in tumor progression, metastasis and has been shown to be elevated in different cancers, including leukemia. The regulatory mechanism underlying YY1 expression in leukemia is still not understood. Bioinformatics analysis reveal three Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) putative binding sites in the YY1 promoter region. The regulation of YY1 by HIF-1α in leukemia was analyzed. Mutation of the putative YY1 binding sites in a reporter system containing the HIF-1α promoter region and CHIP analysis confirmed that these sites are important for YY1 regulation. Leukemia cell lines showed that both proteins HIF-1α and YY1 are co-expressed under hypoxia. In addition, the expression of mRNA of YY1 was increased after 3 h of hypoxia conditions and affect several target genes expression. In contrast, chemical inhibition of HIF-1α induces downregulation of YY1 and sensitizes cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. The clinical implications of HIF-1α in the regulation of YY1 were investigated by evaluation of expression of HIF-1α and YY1 in 108 peripheral blood samples and by RT-PCR in 46 bone marrow samples of patients with pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We found that the expression of HIF-1α positively correlates with YY1 expression in those patients. This is consistent with bioinformatic analyses of several databases. Our findings demonstrate for the first time that YY1 can be transcriptionally regulated by HIF-1α, and a correlation between HIF-1α expression and YY1 was found in ALL clinical samples. Hence, HIF-1α and YY1 may be possible therapeutic target and/or biomarkers of ALL.