Bio-inspired design of hard-bodied mobile robots based on arthropod morphologies: a 10-year systematic review and bibliometric analysis.

This research presents a 10-year systematic review based on bibliometric analysis of the bio-inspired design of hard-bodied mobile robot mechatronic systems considering the anatomy of arthropods. These are the most diverse group of animals whose flexible biomechanics and adaptable morphology, thus, it can inspire robot development. Papers were reviewed from two international databases (Scopus and Web of Science) and one platform (Aerospace Research Central), then they were classified according to: year of publication (January 2013 to April 2023), arthropod group, published journal, conference proceedings, editorial publisher, research teams, robot classification according to the name of arthropod, limb's locomotion support, number of legs/arms, number of legs/body segments, limb's degrees of freedom, mechanical actuation type, modular system, and environment adaptation. During the screening, more than 33000 works were analyzed. Finally, a total of 174 studies (90 journal-type, 84 conference-type) were selected for in-depth study: Insecta - hexapod (53,8%), Arachnida - octopods (20.7%), Crustacea - decapods (16,1%), and Myriapoda - centipedes and millipedes (9,2%). The study reveals that the most active editorials are the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., Springer, MDPI, and Elsevier, while the most influential researchers are located in the USA, China, Singapore, and Japan. Most works pertained to spiders, crabs, caterpillars, cockroaches, and centipedes. We conclude that "arthrobotics" research, which merges arthropods and robotics, is constantly growing and includes a high number of relevant studies with findings that can inspire new methods to design biomechatronic systems.

Experimental study and geometrical method to design bio-inspired robotic kinematic chains of inching-locomotion caterpillars.

Inching-locomotion caterpillars (ILAR) show impressive environmental adaptation, having high dexterity and flexibility. To design robots that mimic these abilities, a novel bioinspired robotic design (BIROD) method is presented. The method is composed by an algorithm for geometrical kinematic analysis (GEKINS) to standardize the proportional dimensions according to the insect's anatomy and obtain the kinematic chains. The approach is experimentally applied to analyze the locomotion and kinematic chain of these specimens:Geometridae-two pair of prolegs (represents 35 000 species) andPlusiinae-three pair of prolegs (represents 400 species). The obtained data indicate that the application of the proposed method permits to locate the attachment mechanisms, joints, links, and to calculate angular displacement, angular average velocity, number of degrees of freedom, and thus the kinematic chain.Geometridaein contrast toPlusiinae, shows a longer walk-stride length, a lower number of single-rotational joints in 2D (3 DOF versus 4 DOF), and a lower number of dual-rotational joints in 3D (6 DOF versus 8 DOF). The application of BIROD and GEKINS provides the forward kinematics for 35 400 ILAR species and are expected to be useful as a preliminary phase for the design of bio-inspired arthropod robots.

Una mirada a la seguridad del ultrasonido en ecotomografía obstétrica / A look at the safety of ultrasound in obstetric echotomography

Resumen Los índices térmico y mecánico son estimadores de riesgo fetal en una ecografía y se deben controlar sus valores minimizando la exposición. Comparamos los valores de los índices térmico y mecánico obtenidos en exámenes ecográficos obstétricos de pacientes gestantes, con el valor recomendado por la comunidad internacional. Se realizó la estimación de estos índices en 421 ecografías obstétricas en 2019. Los valores fueron comparados entre ellos y con el valor recomendado para cada índice y según el modo de visualización (B, Doppler color y Doppler espectral). Del total de la muestra, para el índice térmico en modo Doppler color un 0,24% superó el valor estándar recomendado y en modo Doppler espectral un 2,85%. Para el índice mecánico se sobrepasó el valor recomendado en modo B en un 11,16%, en un 8,08% en modo Doppler color y, por último, en un 0,48% para el modo Doppler espectral. Los índices mecánico y térmico en esta muestra de exámenes ecográficos obstétricos se encuentran en promedio bajo el valor de referencia. Sin embargo, existe un número importante de casos en que se superan las normas, lo que debe ser una voz de alerta para la comunidad médica.

Abstract The thermal and mechanical indices are the best estimators of fetal risk in an ultrasound and their values should be controlled in order to minimize exposure as much as possible. We compared the values of the thermal and mechanical indices obtained in obstetric ultrasound examinations of pregnant patients, with the value recommended by the international community. These indices were estimated in 421 obstetric ultrasounds during 2019. The estimated values were compared with each other and with the recommended value for each index and according to the display mode (B, color Doppler and spectral Doppler). Of the total sample, for the thermal index in color Doppler mode, 0.24% exceeded the recommended standard value and 2.85%. in spectral Doppler mode. For the mechanical index, the recommended value was exceeded in B mode by 11.16%, in 8.08% in color Doppler mode and, finally, by 0.48% for spectral Doppler mode. The mechanical and thermal indices in this sample of obstetric ultrasound examinations are on average below the reference value. However, there is a significant number of cases in which the standards are exceeded, which should be a warning to the medical community.

Anatomical Engineering and 3D Printing for Surgery and Medical Devices: International Review and Future Exponential Innovations.

Three-dimensional printing (3DP) has recently gained importance in the medical industry, especially in surgical specialties. It uses different techniques and materials based on patients' needs, which allows bioprofessionals to design and develop unique pieces using medical imaging provided by computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Therefore, the Department of Biology and Medicine and the Department of Physics and Engineering, at the Bioastronautics and Space Mechatronics Research Group, have managed and supervised an international cooperation study, in order to present a general review of the innovative surgical applications, focused on anatomical systems, such as the nervous and craniofacial system, cardiovascular system, digestive system, genitourinary system, and musculoskeletal system. Finally, the integration with augmented, mixed, virtual reality is analyzed to show the advantages of personalized treatments, taking into account the improvements for preoperative, intraoperative planning, and medical training. Also, this article explores the creation of devices and tools for space surgery to get better outcomes under changing gravity conditions.

Déficit de vitamina D en niños y adolescentes que reciben tratamiento antiepiléptico. Estudio descriptivo / Vitamin D deficiency in children and adolescents receiving antiepileptic treatment. Descriptive study

Resumen Introducción: la hipovitaminosis D es un problema prevalente en la población general y muy frecuente en niños; relacionado a diferentes patologías o factores como el uso de medicamento antiepilépticos (MAEs), principalmente aquellos inductores enzimáticos del citocromo P450, ampliamente relacionados con la salud ósea. Razón por la que este estudio busca determinar la distribución de insuficiencia de Vitamina D en niños tratados farmacológicamente para la epilepsia, así como establecer factores asociados basándose en características sociodemográficas, clínicas y terapéuticas. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, transversal, retrospectivo con 103 pacientes con epilepsia en manejo con MAEs, asistentes a la consulta de neuropediatría en un hospital de tercer nivel, se tomó información de las historias clínicas de niños entre 0 y 18 años durante enero del 2016 y junio del 2019. Se construyó un modelo multivariado en relación a la presencia de insuficiencia de vitamina D y valores normales de esta. Resultados: el 44,7% presentaron insuficiencia de vitamina D, mientras 6,8% de pacientes presentó deficiencia, de los cuales 4 tenían historia de fracturas. Se encontró asociación estadísticamente significativa con la insuficiencia en pacientes que residen en área rural (ORa=4,2 (IC95=1,3-13,4) p=0,013), pertenecen a nivel socio económico bajo (Ora=2,9 (IC95%=1,1-77) p=0,030) y padecen epilepsia refractaria (Ora=3,1 (IC95%=1-8,7) p=0,033). Conclusiones: la hipovitaminosis D es frecuente en paciente con epilepsia en manejo farmacológico con MAE. La insuficiencia se asoció con epilepsia refractaria, nivel socioeconómico bajo y provenir de área rural, por lo que se recomienda vigilancia rutinaria de los niveles de vitamina D y suplementación en aquellos pacientes con déficit. MÉD.UIS.2022;35(1): 71-9

Abstract Hypovitaminosis D is a prevalent problem in the general population and very common in children; related to different pathologies or factors such as the use of antiepileptic drugs (MAEs), mainly those enzymatic inducers of cytochrome P450, broadly related with bone health. Reason why this study seeks to determine the distribution of vitamin D insufficiency in children with epilepsy in pharmacological treatment and to establish associated factors based on sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics. Methodology: descriptive, cross- sectional, retrospective study with 103 patients with epilepsy in management with MAEs, attending the neuropaediatric consultation in a third-level hospital, information was taken from the medical records of children between 0 and 18 years of age during January 2016 and June 2019. A multivariate model was built in relation to the presence of vitamin D insufficiency and its normal values. Results: 44.7% of patients had vitamin D insufficiency, while 6.8% had deficiency, of which 4 had a history of fractures. A statistically significant association with insufficiency was found in patients residing in rural areas (ORa=4.2 (IC95=1.3-13.4) p=0.013), they belong to a low socio-economic level (Ora=2.9 (95% CI=1.1-77) p=0.030) and suffering from refractory epilepsy (Ora=3.1 (95% CI=1-8.7) p=0.033). Conclusions: hypovitaminosis D is frequent in a patient with epilepsy under pharmacological management with MAE. Insufficiency was associated with refractory epilepsy, low socioeconomic status and coming from rural areas, so routine monitoring of vitamin D levels is recommended in those patients with deficits. MÉD.UIS.2022;35(1): 71-9

Flow Cytometry and Molecular Techniques Could Complement Morphological Detection of Leukemic Infiltration in Ascitic Fluids: A Case Report.

Extramedullary involvement of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is infrequent, and ascitic infiltration is even more unusual. We present a case of a 48-year-old woman diagnosed with NPM1-mutated AML that debuted with ascites, for which morphological studies of the ascitic fluid did not detect leukemic infiltration, maybe due to technical problems in the sample preparation. Multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC) detected a blast population compatible with AML, and allele-specific PCR detected NPM1-mutated transcripts. Body fluid infiltrations are an infrequent initial manifestation or sign of progression in AML. As far as we know, this is the first reported case of an NPM1-mutated AML that debuted with ascites, and also the first description of the utilization of molecular techniques to detect the leukemic origin of the ascites. This case highlights that, given that allele-specific PCR and MFC increase the sensitivity of morphological studies, these techniques should be routinely applied in the study of any kind of effusion detected in an AML patient.

Guía de práctica clínica para el tratamiento de infecciones odontogénicas en el Seguro Social de Salud del Perú (EsSalud) / Clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of odontogenic infection of the Peruvian Health Social Security (EsSalud)

Introducción. El presente artículo resume las recomendaciones basadas en evidencias de la guía de práctica clínica (GPC) para el tratamiento de los pacientes con infecciones odontogénicas (absceso dentoalveolar, celulitis facial y absceso cervicofacial) en el Seguro Social de Salud del Perú (EsSalud). Objetivo. Brindar recomendaciones clínicas basadas en evidencia para el tratamiento de pacientes con infecciones odontogénicas en EsSalud. Métodos. Se conformó un grupo elaborador de la guía (GEG) que incluyó cirujanos dentistas, especialistas y metodólogos. El GEG formuló cuatro preguntas clínicas a ser respondidas en la presente GPC. Se realizó búsquedas sistemáticas de revisiones sistemáticas y cuando fue considerado pertinente­ estudios primarios en PubMed y CENTRAL durante el año 2019. Se seleccionó la evidencia para responder cada una de las preguntas clínicas planteadas. La certeza de la evidencia fue evaluada usando la metodología Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE). En reuniones de trabajo periódicas, el GEG usó la metodología GRADE para revisar la evidencia y formular las recomendaciones, los puntos de buena práctica clínica y el flujo- grama de tratamiento. Finalmente, la GPC fue aprobada con Resolución N° 067­IET- SI-ESSALUD-2020. Resultados. La presente GPC abordó cuatro preguntas clínicas, divididas en dos temas: manejo farmacológico y manejo quirúrgico de las infecciones odontogénicas. En base a dichas preguntas se formularon seis recomendaciones fuertes, dos recomendaciones condicionales, 11 puntos de buena práctica clínica, y un flujograma. Conclusión. El presente artículo resume la metodología y las conclusiones basadas en evidencias de la GPC para tratamiento de las infecciones odontogénicas (absceso dentoalveolar, celulitis facial y absceso cervicofacial) en EsSalud.

Introduction. This article summarizes the evidence-based recommendations of the clinical practice guide (CPG) for the treatment of patients with odontogenic infections (dentoalveolar abscess, facial cellulitis and cervicofacial abscess) in the Social Security of Health of Peru (EsSalud). Objective. To provide evidence-based clinical recommendations for the treatment of patients with odontogenic infections in EsSalud. Methods. A guideline development group (GEG) was formed that included dental surgeons, specialists, and methodologists. The GEG formulated four clinical questions to be answered in this CPG. We conducted systematic searches for systematic reviews and when deemed relevant - primary studies in PubMed and CENTRAL during 2019. The evidence was selected to answer each of the clinical questions posed. The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. In periodic work meetings, the GEG used the GRADE methodology to review the evidence and formulate the recommendations, the points of good clinical practice and the treatment flow chart. Finally, the CPG was approved with Resolution No. 067 ­ IETSI-ESSALUD-2020. Results. This CPG addressed four clinical questions, divided into two topics: pharmacological management and surgical management of odontogenic infections. Based on these questions, six strong recommen- dations were formulated, two conditional recommendations, 11 points of good clinical practice, and a flow chart. Conclusion. This article summarizes the methodology and evidence-based conclusions of the CPG for the treatment of odontogenic infections (dentoalveolar abscess, facial cellulitis and cervicofacial abscess) in EsSalud.

Myopericarditis Complicated With Cardiac Tamponade Due to Campylobacter fetus Infection.

About 90% of cases of acute pericarditis have an idiopathic or viral etiology. In some cases, it is possible to identify high-risk patients for whom hospital admission and specific etiology research are mandatory for adequate treatment. Bacterial pericarditis is uncommon and responsible for less than 1% of cases. Only 10 cases of pericarditis due to Campylobacter fetus have been documented worldwide. This case highlights the importance of good cardiac imaging, with the right clinical and microbiology-integrated approach in high-risk cases of pericardial disease.

Environ 90 % des cas de péricardite aiguë sont d'étiologie idiopathique ou virale. Dans certains cas, il est possible de déterminer les patients exposés à un risque élevé pour qui l'admission à l'hôpital et la recherche d'une étiologie précise sont indispensables pour offrir le bon traitement. La péricardite bactérienne est rare et représente moins de 1 % des cas. Seuls 10 cas de péricardite à Campylobacter fetus ont été consignés dans le monde. Ce cas illustre l'importance d'une bonne imagerie cardiaque selon une bonne approche clinique et microbiologique intégrée chez les cas exposés à un risque élevé de maladies péricardiques.

Genetic Variants in Cytosolic Phospholipase A2 Associated With Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Acute Urticaria/Angioedema.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the main triggers of drug hypersensitivity reactions, probably due to their high consumption worldwide. The most frequent type of NSAID hypersensitivity is NSAID cross-hypersensitivity, in which patients react to NSAIDs from different chemical groups in the absence of a specific immunological response. The underlying mechanism of NSAID cross-hypersensitivity has been linked to cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 inhibition causing an imbalance in the arachidonic acid pathway. Despite NSAID-induced acute urticaria/angioedema (NIUA) being the most frequent clinical phenotype, most studies have focused on NSAID-exacerbated respiratory disease. As NSAID cross-hypersensitivity reactions are idiosyncratic, only appearing in some subjects, it is believed that individual susceptibility is under the influence of genetic factors. Although associations with polymorphisms in genes from the AA pathway have been described, no previous study has evaluated the potential role of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) variants. This enzyme catalyzes the initial hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids to release AA, which can be subsequently metabolized into eicosanoids. Here, we analyzed for the first time the overall genetic variation in the cPLA2 gene (PLA2G4A) in NIUA patients. For this purpose, a set of tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tagSNPs) in PLA2G4A were selected using data from Europeans subjects in the 1,000 Genomes Project, and genotyped with the iPlex Sequenom MassArray technology. Two independent populations, each comprising NIUA patients and NSAID-tolerant controls, were recruited in Spain, for the purposes of discovery and replication, comprising a total of 1,128 individuals. Fifty-eight tagSNPs were successfully genotyped in the discovery cohort, of which four were significantly associated with NIUA after Bonferroni correction (rs2049963, rs2064471, rs12088010, and rs12746200). These polymorphisms were then genotyped in the replication cohort: rs2049963 was associated with increased risk for NIUA after Bonferroni correction under the dominant and additive models, whereas rs12088010 and rs12746200 were protective under these two inheritance models. Our results suggest a role for PLA2G4A polymorphisms in NIUA. However, further studies are required to replicate our findings, elucidate the mechanistic role, and evaluate the participation of PLA2G4A variants in other phenotypes induced by NSAID cross-hypersensitivity.

Post-Chemotherapy Rebound Thymic Hyperplasia Mimicking Relapse in Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an unusual form of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Surgical management is essential; however, adjuvant therapy is recommended for advanced stages of cancer. CASE PRESENTATION: A 40-year-old woman with textured silicone implants placed 7 years earlier, presented with breast nodules. Physical examination and computed tomography (CT) revealed a left parasternal mass, 2 left-breast nodules, and axillary lymphadenopathies. A soft-tissue lesion in the anterior mediastinum consistent with thymic remnants was detected. BIA-ALCL was diagnosed based on ultrasound-guided core biopsies of an axillary lymph node and a breast nodule. She underwent total bilateral capsulectomy and received anthracycline-based adjuvant chemotherapy. End-of-treatment positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) scan at 4 months showed no evidence of disease, except for the persistence of the mediastinal lesion (Deauville score 4). Three months later, a new PET-CT scan showed enlargement of the lesion and increased radiotracer uptake, suggesting metabolic progression. A mediastinal biopsy was performed and rebound thymic hyperplasia (RTH) was observed in the histopathologic study. Once complete remission (CR) was achieved, the patient was followed up continually and has shown no signs of relapse to date. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies are required to determine the best adjuvant therapy for advanced BIA-ALCL. RTH may be suspected when thymic enlargement without the involvement of other areas is observed in patients with cancer. Mediastinal biopsy is mandatory to rule out relapse.

Aplicaciones innovadoras de la robótica y biomédica en la salud pública durante la pandemia del COVID-19 / Robotics and biomedical innovative applications in public health during the COVID-19 pandemic

En la situación actual de propagación a gran escala del COVID-19, mientras aumenta el contagio, el papel de los robots (diseñados con tecnología de Teleoperación e Inteligencia Artificial) en la sociedad se vuelve fundamental, pues necesitan ser utilizados en entornos hospitalarios, entornos urbanos, y también utilizar la consultoría de Telemedicina para tener acceso a todas las comunidades del mundo, a fin de evitar la propagación del virus. Además, se podría promover el trabajo multidisciplinario, entre la ingeniería y las ciencias de la salud en el Continente Americano y a nivel mundial, a través de proyectos de investigación, desarrollo e innovación en Ingeniería Biomédica, con la propuesta de estar preparados para enfrentar una emergencia global y nacional como la actual Pandemia. causado por el SARS-CoV-2.

In the current situation of the large-scale spread of COVID-19, whereas contagion increases, the role of robots (designed with Teleoperation and Artificial Intelligence technology) in society becomes essential, because they need to be used in hospital settings, urban environment, and also using Telemedicine consultancy to have access to all communities in the world, in order to avoid the spread of the virus. In addition, multidisciplinary work could be promoted, among the engineering and health sciences in the American Continent and Worldwide, through research, development and innovation projects in Biomedical Engineering, with the proposal of being ready to face a global and national emergency like the current Pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2.

Medicina humana espacial: Performance fisiológico y contramedidas para mejorar la salud del astronauta / Human Space Medicine: Physiological Performance And Countermeasures To Improve The Astronaut's Health

Se presenta este artículo de revisión con base en la evidencia científica actual sobre medicina espacial enfocada en fisiología humana y sus contramedidas. Por lo cual se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica no sistemática de artículos científicos y libros de investigación en inglés-español de los últimos 7 años, que detallan su aplicación en seres humanos, modelos murinos y experimentos in vitro. Se tomaron en cuenta las condiciones del ambiente espacial como microgravedad y radiación que producen considerables cambios fisiológicos en el sistema cardiovascular (redistribución de líquidos, remodelación cardiovascular, arritmias); nervioso (sensitivomotores, neurosensoriales, neurovestibulares); respiratorio (cambios de volúmenes y capacidades); renal (litiasis); musculoesquelético (atrofia muscular, osteoporosis); hematológico (anemia); inmunológico (desregulación inmune) y digestivo (alteración de la microbiota intestinal). Además, existen procesos biológicos, moleculares y genéticos aún por explorar, para conocer y mitigar los mecanismos inciertos desencadenados en ambientes extremos y peligrosos. Por lo tanto, es una prioridad desarrollar e implementar contramedidas para reducir los efectos nocivos en la salud, con el objetivo de garantizar la adaptación, seguridad y performance del astronauta durante futuros viajes espaciales.

This Review Article is presented based on current scientific evidence on space medicine focused on human physiology and its countermeasures. Therefore, a non-systematic bibliographic search of scientific articles and research books in English-Spanish of the last 7 years was carried out, detailing their application in humans, murine models and in vitro experiments. The conditions of the space environment such as microgravity and radiation that produce considerable physiological changes in the cardiovascular system (redistribution of fluids, cardiovascular remodeling, arrhythmias) were taken into account; nervous (sensorimotor, neurosensory, neurovestibular); respiratory (volume and capacity changes); renal (lithiasis); musculoskeletal (muscular atrophy, osteoporosis); hematological (anemia); immunological (immune dysregulation) and digestive (intestinal microbiota disorder). In addition, there are biological, molecular and genetic processes still to be explored, in order to know and mitigate the uncertain mechanisms triggered in extreme and dangerous environments. Therefore, it is a priority to develop and implement countermeasures to reduce the harmful effects on health, with the aim of guaranteeing the astronaut's adaptation, safety and performance during future space flights.

Ibuprofen removal by a microfiltration membrane bioreactor during the startup phase.

The behavior of ibuprofen (IBU) during the startup phase of a microfiltration membrane bioreactor (MBR) was determined. A full-scale experimental installation treating real urban wastewater was used for the study. The MBR was composed of an anoxic and an aerobic bioreactors working in pre-denitrification configuration, followed of a membrane reactor. A full mass balance was carried out to estimate the contribution of biotransformation and sorption to biomass to the overall removal of the IBU. During the startup phase of the MBR system there were significant oscillations of the operational variables, mainly of the sludge retention time (SRT); nevertheless, the capacity of the system for IBU removal was very high, with yields of over 94%, despite reaching minimum SRT values of 4.15 d. The main IBU removal occurs in the aerobic reactor, both in the liquid phase and the one associated with the sludge, while in the anoxic bioreactor the removal was scarce, although a certain transfer of IBU from the liquid phase to the sludge took place under anoxic conditions. Despite the high IBU removal yields during startup, the SRT was the most influential variable in IBU removal, an effect observed in all bioreactors, particularly in the anoxic one.

Synthesis of Au@Pt Core-Shell Nanoparticles as Efficient Electrocatalyst for Methanol Electro-Oxidation.

Bimetallic Au@Pt nanoparticles (NPs) with Pt monolayer shell are of much interest for applications in heterogeneous catalysts because of enhanced catalytic activity and very low Pt-utilization. However, precisely controlled synthesis with uniform Pt-monolayers and stability on the AuNPs seeds remain elusive. Herein, we report the controlled deposition of Pt-monolayer onto uniform AuNPs seeds to obtain Au@Pt core-shell NPs and their Pt-coverage dependent electrocatalytic activity for methanol electro-oxidation. The atomic ratio between Au/Pt was effectively tuned by varying the precursor solution ratio in the reaction solution. The morphology and atomic structure of the Au@Pt NPs were analyzed by high-resolution scanning transmission electron microcopy (HR-STEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The results demonstrated that the Au@Pt core-shell NPs with Pt-shell thickness (atomic ratio 1:2) exhibit higher electrocatalytic activity for methanol electro-oxidation reaction, whereas higher and lower Pt ratios showed less overall catalytic performance. Such higher catalytic performance of Au@Pt NPs (1:2) can be attributed to the weakened CO binding on the Pt/monolayers surface. Our present synthesis strategy and optimization of the catalytic activity of Au@Pt core-shell NPs catalysts provide promising approach to rationally design highly active catalysts with less Pt-usage for high performance electrocatalysts for applications in fuel cells.

Electrochemical Study of a Hybrid Polymethyl Methacrylate Coating using SiO2 Nanoparticles toward the Mitigation of the Corrosion in Marine Environments.

The demand for hydrophobic polymer-based protective coatings to impart high corrosion resistance has increased recently. The increase of the hydrophobicity in a hybrid coating is a new challenge, for that reason and in order to protect a metallic surface of oxidant agents, a poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) coating with the addition of a different amount of silicon dioxide (SiO2) was developed. The hybrid coating was applied on a sample of stainless steel AISI 304 by the dip-coating method. The characterization of the coatings was determined by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and with a scanning electrochemical microscopy. The best coatings were PMMA and PMMA + SiO2 0.01% that exhibits a real impedance in the Nyquist diagram of 760 and 427,800 MΩ⋅cm2, respectively, and the modulus of the real impedance in the Bode diagram present values of 2.2 × 108 and 3.3 × 108 Ω⋅cm2. Moreover, the phase angle presents constant values around 75° to 85° and 85° for the PMMA and PMMA + SiO2 0.01%, respectively. Moreover, the values of the real resistance for the PMMA + SiO2 0.01% coating present values in the order of Mega-ohms despite the coating exhibits an artificial defect in their surface. The contact angle test showed that the hydrophobicity of the hybrid PMMA + SiO2 0.01% coating is higher than that of the pure PMMA coatings. The hybrid PMMA + SiO2 coatings developed in this work are a very interesting and promising area of study in order to develop efficient products to protect metallic surfaces from corrosion phenomenon.

Innovaciones internacionales en robótica médica para mejorar el manejo del paciente en Perú / International innovations in medical robotics to improve the patient management in Peru

Surgical Engineering Society realizó una investigación, la primera revisión como pioneros en LATAM, desde el año 2015, que desarrolla el tema de las últimas tecnologías de robótica médica creadas en América del Norte, Europa y Asia, que se importan para aplicarlas en el sistema de salud de Perú y América Latina Los sistemas robóticos para cirugía, rehabilitación y asistencia se presentan cubriendo la descripción del diseño del control y las especificaciones técnicas. Además, el manejo del paciente mediante robots se analiza con herramientas de diagnóstico, pronóstico y tratamiento. El proceso para evaluar los nuevos inventos de los dispositivos robóticos y llevarlo al mercado se introduce donde en las tres etapas que se muestran a continuación: innovación, asuntos regulatorios y aplicación biomédica. Además, hay un alto porcentaje de población con discapacidad en América Latina, por lo tanto, es necesario que más científicos biomédicos se especialicen en robótica para comenzar a desarrollar nuevas ideas y mejorar el manejo del paciente. Finalmente, las nuevas tecnologías creadas en América Latina deben ser asequibles, simples y eficientes para apoyar la situación económica de la atención médica en el continente y brindar los mejores estándares de calidad para mejorar los resultados del tratamiento en los pacientes.

Surgical Engineering Society conducted a research, the First Review as the pioneers in LATAM, since year 2015, which develops the topic of the latest Medical Robotics technologies created in North América, Europe and Asia, which are imported to apply in the Healthcare System of Peru and Latin America. The robotic systems for surgery, rehabilitation and assistance are presented covering the description of control design and technical specifications. Besides, the patient management using robots is analyzed with diagnosis, prognosis and treatment tools. The process to evaluate the new inventions of robotic devices and bring to the market is introduced where three stages are shown as the following: innovation, regulatory affairs and biomedical application. Moreover, there is a high percentage of population with disability in Latin America, therefore, it is necessary that more biomedical scientists be specialized in robotics to start developing new ideas to improve the patient management. Finally, the new technologies created in Latin America must be affordable, simply and effcient in order to support the healthcare economic situation in the continent and give the best quality standards to improve treatment outcomes on patients.

Características electroclínicas en pacientes menores de 18 años con errores innatos del metabolismo (EIM) y epilepsia / Electro clinical characteristics in pediatric patients with inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) and epilepsy

INTRODUCCIÓN: Los errores innatos del metabolismo (EIM) son un grupo de enfermedades de origen genético, que entre el 40 % y el 60 % pueden manifestar crisis convulsivas. OBJETIVO: En este estudio se establecieron las características clínicas y electroencefalográficas en una muestra de 20 niños con diagnóstico de EIM y epilepsia. MATERIALES Y METODOS: La metodología utilizada fue un estudio descriptivo de series de casos retrospectivo. RESULTADOS: El 65 % de los pacientes de la muestra eran niños, el EIM de moléculas pequeñas fue el más frecuente (70 %). En cuanto a las variables clínicas, 90 % tenían encefalopatía, 75 % epilepsia refractaria y 55 °% crisis generalizadas. En electroencefalografía (EEG), 90 % de los pacientes tenían ritmo de fondo anormal, 80 % grafoelementos del sueño mal estructurados, 36 % de los afectados por EIM de moléculas pequeñas tenían patrón EEG multifocal y 100 % de los pacientes con déficit de producción de energía tuvieron patrón EEG focal. CONCLUSION: El tipo de EIM más frecuente en el estudio fue de moléculas pequeñas, con grados variables de encefalopatía y epilepsia refractaria. La anormalidad electroencefalográfica más frecuente fue el ritmo de fondo anormal debido a grafoelementos de sueño mal estructurados, en tanto que el patrón eléctrico fue dependiente de la edad y el tipo de EIM.

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) are a group of diseases of genetic origin and they may manifest with seizures at some point of their evolution such as 40 to 60 percent of cases. SUBJECT: In this study, the clinical and electroencephalographic characteristics were established in a sample of 20 children diagnosed with IEM and epilepsy. METHODS: The methodology was a descriptive way of retrospective case series. RESULTS: The group was constituted 65 % by males. The EIM of small molecules was the most frequent (70 %). Regarding the clinical variables, 90 % had encephalopathy, 75 % refractory epilepsy and 55 % generalized epilepsy. About the electroencephalographic facts, 90 % had an abnormal basal activity, 80 % poorly structured sleep elements. The most frequent electroencephalographic pattern in small molecules disease's patients was multifocal (36 %) but in deficit of energy production's patients was focal (100 %). CONCLUSION: The type of IEM that predominated in this study was small molecules, with varying degrees of encephalopathy and refractory epilepsy. The most frequent electroencephalographic variable was abnormal background rhythm, with poorly structured sleep graphoelements. The electroencephalographic pattern depends on the age and type of IEM.

Penalizing fathers who use family-friendly measures. A comparative study with university students from Ghana and Spain.

This article provides experimental empirical evidence on the penalization of a father of high professional status who decides to use a family friendly measure (FFM) offered by his company. A cross-cultural sample of university students (in the field of Business Administration and Economics) from Ghana and Spain was used to evaluate a hypothetical male employee who after the birth of their child either used a reduction of the working day or worked traditional hours. We compared the results with those obtained for an identical female employee. We considered several variables that mediated the effect of using the FFM on the behavior proxy items. We also considered the participants' (explicit and implicit) attitudes towards fathers caring for their babies. We obtained strong empirical evidence on the penalization of a father who uses a reduction of the working day. However, and contrary to expectations, in Spain this penalty experienced by the father was similar to that experienced by the mother, while in Ghana it was greater.

An elusive electron shuttle from a facultative anaerobe.

Some anaerobic bacteria use insoluble minerals as terminal electron acceptors and discovering the ways in which electrons move through the membrane barrier to the exterior acceptor forms an active field of research with implications for both bacterial physiology and bioenergy. A previous study suggested that Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 utilizes a small, polar, redox active molecule that serves as an electron shuttle between the bacteria and insoluble acceptors, but the shuttle itself has never been identified. Through isolation and synthesis, we identify it as ACNQ (2-amino-3-carboxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), a soluble analog of menaquinone. ACNQ is derived from DHNA (1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid) in a non-enzymatic process that frustrated genetic approaches to identify the shuttle. Both ACNQ and DHNA restore reduction of AQDS under anaerobic growth in menaquinone-deficient mutants. Bioelectrochemistry analyses reveal that ACNQ (-0.32 VAg/AgCl) contributes to the extracellular electron transfer (EET) as an electron shuttle, without altering menaquinone generation or EET related cytochrome c expression.

La revolución de la cirugía robótica en latino américa y la futura implementación en el sistema de salud del perú / The revolution of robotic surgery in latin america and the future implementation in the healthcare system of Peru

La Cirugía ha marcado un hito en la historia, desde sus orígenes y durante muchos siglos, esta especialidad estaba en estrecha relación con la curación de heridos en combate, una gran evidencia se denota en el caso presentado durante los inicios de la Cirugía Abierta, con las intervenciones llamadas Trepanaciones Craneanas que fueron realizadas en los años 700 a.C. ­ 200 d.C. por la Cultura Paracas en el Perú; con el transcurso del tiempo se fueron perfeccionando diversas técnicas que se complementaron con el uso de nuevos instrumentos y el desarrollo de la tecnología dando lugar a una revolución en las diversas especialidades quirúrgicas.

Surgery has marked a milestone in history, from its origins and for many centuries, this specialty a close relationship with the healing of wounded in combat case presented during the beginning of Open Surgery, with the so-called Trepanaciones Craniaas that were made in the 700 a.C. - 200 AD for the Paracas Culture in Peru; with the During the time the techniques that were complemented with the use were perfected of new instruments and the development of technology leading to a revolution in the various Surgical specialties