Feature Papers in Vehicular Sensing.

This Special Issue compiles papers submitted by the Editorial Board Members of the Vehicular Sensing Section and outstanding scholars in this field [...].

Infección por SARS-CoV-2, endotelitis y ácidos biliares: una visión integradora / SARS-CoV-2 infection, endotheliitis and bile acids: an integrative view

Introducción: La endotelitis es causada por mecanismos complejos asociados a comorbilidades inmunitario-metabólicas como expresión del daño producido por diversos agentes, como el caso de las acciones proinflamatorias debidas a la interacción del virus SARS-CoV-2 con los ácidos biliares, que pueden estar implicadas en la mortalidad por la COVID-19. Objetivo: Describir las evidencias biomoleculares de la citotoxicidad de los ácidos biliares sobre el endotelio y la posible relación con la endotelitis de los cortes histológicos de tejidos de fallecidos por la COVID-19, asociada o no a las comorbilidades conocidas. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática y crítica de los artículos reportados sobre ácidos biliares y endotelitis desde 1963 hasta 2021 en los sitios web (PubMed, SciELO, Lilacs y Elservier). Se citó la histología del tejido pulmonar con daño endotelial en 34 fallecidos por COVID-19 en el Hospital Militar Central "Luis Díaz Soto", cuyos cortes histológicos fueron examinados en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico "Hermanos Ameijeiras". Asimismo, se describieron las acciones y las propiedades físico-químicas de los ácidos biliares que pudieran relacionarse con la endotelitis observada en dichos cortes histológicos. Conclusiones: Los ácidos biliares hidrofóbicos conjugados con glicinas, por sus propiedades e incrementos séricos hallados en las comorbilidades inmunitario-metabólicas y en las enfermedades hepato-intestinales, pudieran tener un papel en la endotelitis presente en pacientes de la COVID-19, con estadíos graves y críticos(AU)

Introduction: Endotheliitis is caused by complex mechanisms associated with immune-metabolic comorbidities as an expression of the damage produced by various agents, such as the case of proinflammatory actions due to the interaction of the SARS-CoV-2 virus with bile acids, which may be involved in mortality from COVID-19. Objective: To describe the biomolecular evidence of bile acid cytotoxicity on the endothelium and the possible relationship with endothelitis of histological sections of tissues from COVID-19 deaths, associated or not with known comorbidities. Methods: A systematic and critical review of the articles reported on bile acids and endothelitis from 1963 to 2021 was conducted on the websites (PubMed, SciELO, Lilacs and Elservier). It was cited the histology of lung tissue with endothelial damage in 34 deceased by COVID-19 at "Luis Díaz Soto" Central Military Hospital, whose histological sections were examined at "Hermanos Ameijeiras" Clinical Surgical Hospital. Likewise, the actions and physicochemical properties of bile acids that could be related to observed endothelitis in these histological sections were described. Conclusions: Hydrophobic bile acids conjugated with glycine, due to their properties and serum increases found in immune-metabolic comorbidities and hepato-intestinal diseases, could have a role in endothelitis present in COVID-19 patients, with severe and critical stages(AU)

High Levels of Serum Bile Acids in COVID-19 Patients on Hospital Admission.

INTRODUCTION: Bile acids are signaling molecules with immune, metabolic and intestinal microbiota control actions. In high serum concentrations they increase inflammatory response from the liver-gut axis, until causing multiorgan failure and death; therefore, they may be associated with COVID-19's clinical progression, as a consequence of tissue and metabolic damage caused by SARS-CoV-2. While this topic is of considerable clinical interest, to our knowledge, it has not been studied in Cuba. OBJECTIVE: Study and preliminarily characterize patients admitted with a diagnosis of COVID-19 and high levels of serum bile acids. METHODS: A preliminary exploratory study was carried out with descriptive statistical techniques in 28 COVID-19 patients (17 women, 11 men; aged 19-92 years) who exhibited high levels of serum bile acids (≥10.1 µmol/L) on admission to the Dr. Luis Díaz Soto Central Military Hospital in Havana, Cuba, from September through November 2021. RESULTS: On admission patients presented hypocholesterolemia (13/28; 46.4%), hyperglycemia (12/28; 43.0%) and hyper gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (23/28; 84.2%). Median blood glucose (5.8 mmol/L) and cholesterol (4.1 mmol/L) were within normal ranges (3.2‒6.2 mmol/L and 3.9‒5.2 mmol/L, respectively). Severe or critical stage was the most frequent (13/28) and median serum bile acids (31.6 µmol/L) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (108.6 U/L) averaged well above their respective normal ranges (serum bile acids: 0‒10 µmol/L; GGT: 9‒36 U/L). Arterial hypertension was the most frequent comorbidity (19/28; 67.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Severe or critical stage predominated, with serum bile acids and gamma-glutamyl transferase blood levels above normal ranges. The study suggests that serum bile acid is toxic at levels ≥10.1 µmol/L, and at such levels is involved in the inflammatory process and in progression to severe and critical clinical stages of the disease. In turn, this indicates the importance of monitoring bile acid homeostasis in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and including control of its toxicity in treatment protocols.

Reference gene validation for the relative quantification of cannabinoid receptor expression in human odontoblasts via quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Objective: The aim of this study was to identify and validate the reference genes in cultured human odontoblasts to quantify their cannabinoid receptor transcripts. Methods: The most stably transcribed genes in cultured human odontoblast cells were identified using the RefGenes tool and were selected for real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. Human odontoblast cells were differentiated from mesenchymal stem cells using a transforming growth factor-ß-supplemented differentiation medium, and total RNA was purified. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and relative quantification analyses were performed using the Schefe's method. The relative expression dataset was analyzed to select the most stable genes. Results: The analysis showed that the transcripts of cholinergic receptor nicotinic beta 2 subunit, LIM homeobox transcription factor 1 beta, and family with sequence similarity 223 member B presented the lowest standard deviation (SD) in expression (SD: 0.2, 0.17, and 0.16, respectively). These genes showed similar expression levels as the target genes (cannabinoid receptors). Significant differences were found in the relative expression levels of cannabinoid receptors using the selected genes compared to those calculated using beta actin transcripts as references (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The strategy reported here for searching and verifying new reference genes will aid in the accurate and reliable expression of cannabinoid receptors in human odontoblast cells.

Factores legales, de imagen, sociales y económicos que determinan la contratación de personas con discapacidad en empresas de la ciudad de Chillán / Legal, image, social and economic factors that determine hiring of people with disabilities into companies in the city of Chillán

Introducción: La baja contratación de personas con discapacidad, falta de oportunidades y discriminación, en un país post inclusión, está condicionada por diversas barreras, factores o preocupaciones de las empresas y empleadores, las cuales dificultan la inclusión laboral debido a diferentes apreciaciones de índole personal y cultural. Objetivo: La presente investigación tiene por objetivo describir factores legales, de imagen, sociales y económicos que determinan la contratación de personas con discapacidad, según la percepción de los gerentes, administradores y jefes de recursos humanos de empresas de la ciudad de Chillán. Metodología: Para llevar a cabo dicho análisis, se consideró a 50 representantes de 50 empresas de la ciudad, pertenecientes a los rubros del comercio, servicios básicos y otros rubros, los cuales entregaron la percepción sobre los factores a través de una encuesta de auto aplicación. Resultados: Los análisis de los resultados demostraron una tendencia generalizada de la muestra sobre el factor social, identificándolo como un determinante sobre la contratación de personas con discapacidad. Discusión: Se concluyó que el factor social seguido del factor económico, mayormente determinan la contratación de personas con discapacidad, independiente del rubro empresarial, tamaño de las empresas y experiencias previas en la contratación de personas discapacitadas.

Introduction: The low hiring, lack of opportunities and discrimination of people with disabilities, in a post-inclusion country, is conditioned by various barriers, factors or concerns in companies and employers, which hinder labor inclusion, due to different views from a personal and cultural nature. Aim: To describe legal, image, social and economic factors that determine the hiring of people with disabilities, according to the perception of managers, chief of staff and human resources manager of companies in the city of Chillán. Methods: To carry out this analysis, 50 representatives of 50 companies in the city, belonging to the trade, basic services and other items were considered. Participants gave their perception of the factors, through a self-application survey. Results: The analysis of the results showed a general trend in the sample, regarding the social factor, identifying it as a determining factor in hiring people with disabilities. Discussion: It was concluded that the social factor followed by the economic factor, mainly determine the hiring of people with disabilities, regardless the business category, size of the companies and previous experiences in hiring people with disabilities.

Visión de las causas de muerte por la COVID-19 con las experiencias de las autopsias / Vision of the causes of death by COVID-19 with the experiences of autopsies

RESUMEN El 30 de enero de 2020, la Organización Mundial de la Salud declaró a la infección por SARS-CoV-2 una emergencia internacional de salud pública. La autopsia, considerada el mejor método de estudio del enfermo y la enfermedad, corrobora que los pacientes pueden morir por la acción directa del virus (fallecidos por la COVID-19), mientras que otros positivos al SARS-CoV-2, no mostraron cambios morfológicos pulmonares atribuidos a la acción del virus. Se propone establecer los criterios diagnósticos morfológicos en el contexto de la epidemia por el SARS-CoV-2 y la COVID-19 en los fallecidos en Cuba, a partir del estudio sistemático de las autopsias. Se han identificado los patrones morfológicos que se establecen en los pulmones de los pacientes fallecidos bajo el efecto de la COVID-19. El edema pulmonar de permeabilidad con el ensanchamiento de tabique pulmonar, el depósito de la membrana hialina desorganizada en el interior de los alveolos, el desprendimiento de células epiteliales (neumocitos y células bronquiales y bronquiolares), seguida de la hiperplasia epitelial con presencia en ocasiones de cambios metaplásicos y atipias, y finalmente, la fibrosis. Cuando se realizan autopsias, es posible ubicar cada enfermedad en su lugar, en el cronopatograma, lo que permite realizar el reparo de los certificados de defunción, para evaluar el lugar que la COVID-19 ha ocupado como causa de muerte en la población estudiada. En criterio del colectivo, identificar en las alteraciones morfológicas, es imprescindible para elaborar el cronopatograma del fallecido y la adecuada evaluación clínico patológica del paciente.

ABSTRACT On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared SARS-CoV-2 infection an international public health emergency. The autopsy, considered the best method of studying the patient and the disease, corroborates that patients can die from the direct action of the virus (who died from COVID-19), while others positive for SARS-CoV-2 did not show morphological lung changes attributed to the action of the virus. It is proposed to establish the morphological diagnostic criteria in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 epidemic in the deceased in Cuba based on the systematic study of autopsies. The morphological patterns that are established in the lungs of patients who died under the effect of COVID-19 have been identified. The pulmonary edema of permeability with the widening of the pulmonary septum, the deposit of the disorganized hyaline membrane inside the alveoli, the detachment of epithelial cells (pneumocytes and bronchial and bronchiolar cells), followed by epithelial hyperplasia with sometimes the presence of metaplastic changes and atypia, and finally, fibrosis. When autopsies are performed, it is possible to locate each disease in its place, in chronopathogram, which allows death certificates repair to be carried out to assess the place that COVID-19 has occupied as a cause of death in the population studied. In the opinion of the group, identifying morphological alterations is essential to prepare the chronopathogram of the deceased and the adequate clinical-pathological evaluation of the patient.

Perception, Positioning and Decision-Making Algorithms Adaptation for an Autonomous Valet Parking System Based on Infrastructure Reference Points Using One Single LiDAR.

Autonomous parking valet systems improve users' comfort, helping with the task of searching for a parking space and parking maneuvering; and due to the simple infrastructure design and low speeds, this maneuver is quite feasible for automated vehicles. Various demonstrations have been performed in both closed parking and in open air parking; scenarios that allow the use of specific technological tools for navigation and searching for a parking space. However, there are still challenges. The purpose of this paper was the integration of perception, positioning, decision-making, and maneuvering algorithms for the control of an autonomous vehicle in a parking lot with the support of a single LiDAR sensor, and with no additional sensors in the infrastructure. Based on a digital map, which was as simplified as possible, the driver can choose the range of parking spaces in which the vehicle must look for a space. From that moment on, the vehicle moves, looking for free places until an available one in the range selected by the driver is found. Then, the vehicle performs the parking maneuver, choosing between two alternatives to optimize the required space. Tests in a real parking lot, with spaces covered with metallic canopies, showed an accurate behavior.

Clinical differentiation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Latin America and the Caribbean.

ABSTRACT: The aim of the present study was to describe the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including medical and surgical treatments, in several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.IBD is recognized as a global health problem because its incidence and prevalence have increased significantly over the last few years.This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 4714 patients with IBD diagnosed from 9 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean: Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela.Crohn disease (CD) was more frequent in Puerto Rico (71.9%), the Dominican Republic (61.0%), and Peru (53.1%). Ulcerative colitis was more frequent in Colombia (78.6%), Venezuela (78.2%), Mexico (75.5%), Cuba (69.9%), Ecuador (64.1%), and Uruguay (60.9%). The following clinical characteristics were more frequent in the Caribbean: penetrating behavior in CD, steroid dependence, steroid resistance, intolerance to thiopurines, extraintestinal manifestations, surgeries, hospitalizations due to IBD, and family history of IBD. The factors associated with the use of biological therapy were pancolitis in ulcerative colitis, penetrating behavior in CD, steroid resistance and dependence, presence of extraintestinal manifestations, and the need for surgery.This study from Latin America and the Caribbean demonstrated the different epidemiological and clinical characteristics of IBD.

The Role of Citizen Science in Promoting Health Equity.

While there are many definitions of citizen science, the term usually refers to the participation of the general public in the scientific process in collaboration with professional scientists. Citizen scientists have been engaged to promote health equity, especially in the areas of environmental contaminant exposures, physical activity, and healthy eating. Citizen scientists commonly come from communities experiencing health inequities and have collected data using a range of strategies and technologies, such as air sensors, water quality kits, and mobile applications. On the basis of our review, and to advance the field of citizen science to address health equity, we recommend (a) expanding the focus on topics important for health equity, (b) increasing the diversity of people serving as citizen scientists, (c) increasing the integration of citizen scientists in additional research phases, (d) continuing to leverage emerging technologies that enable citizen scientists to collect data relevant for health equity, and (e) strengthening the rigor of methods to evaluate impacts on health equity.

Sensors for Road Vehicles of the Future.

New vehicles include several systems that improve their safety, comfort, and performance [...].

Test para el diagnóstico precoz de lesiones premalignas de colon / A Test for Early Diagnosis of Premalignant Colonic Lesions

Introducción: El cáncer colorrectal en nuestro país ocupa la tercera causa de muerte por tumores malignos y constituye un problema de salud a nivel mundial, que en la actualidad es prevenible al realizar pruebas para la detección de lesiones premalignas. Objetivo: Evaluar el valor presuntivo de lesiones premalignas colónicas en pacientes con sangre oculta en las heces. Métodos: Se realizó estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, en pacientes con sangre oculta en las heces, atendidos en el Servicio de Gastroenterología del Hospital Docente Clínico Quirúrgico Diez de Octubre, a los cuales se les realizó colonoscopia, en el período comprendido de enero de 2016 a enero de 2017. Para evaluar las variables se utilizó el porcentaje como medida matemática y los resultados fueron expuestos en tablas. Resultados: Al finalizar el estudio se observó un predomino del sexo femenino. La pesquisa, el cambio del hábito intestinal y las diarreas crónicas fueron las indicaciones más frecuentes de sangre oculta en heces. Los pólipos y las lesiones de aspecto malignas fueron los diagnósticos colonoscópicos más frecuentes. Las lesiones de aspecto malignas se localizaron en mayor proporción en colon izquierdo. El diagnóstico histológico más frecuente fueron los adenomas y adenocarcinomas. Conclusiones: El test de sangre oculta en heces es un método predictivo en la pesquisa de lesiones premalignas y malignas de colon en pacientes atendidos en el primer nivel de atención(AU)

Introduction: In Cuba, colorectal cancer accounts for the third cause of death by malignant tumors, while it is a worldwide health problem, currently preventable by performing tests for the detection of premalignant lesions. Objective: To evaluate the presumptive value of colonic premalignant lesions in patients with fecal occult blood. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with fecal occult blood, who received attention in the gastroenterology service of Diez de Octubre Surgical Clinical Teaching Hospital and underwent colonoscopy, in the period from January 2016 to January 2017. To evaluate the variables, the percentage was used as a mathematical measure and the results were shown in tables. Results: At the end of the study, a predominance of the female sex was observed. Screening, change of bowel habit and chronic diarrhea were the most frequent indications of fecal occult blood. Polyps and malignant lesions were the most frequent colonoscopic diagnoses. Malignant-appearing lesions were mostly located in the left colon. The most frequent histological diagnosis was made up of adenomas and adenocarcinomas. Conclusions: The fecal occult blood test is a predictive method for the detection of premalignant and malignant lesions of the colon in patients who receive attention at the first level of care(AU)

Esofagitis eosinofílica y acalasia esofágica / Eosinophilic esophagitis and esophageal acalasia

Introducción: La esofagitis eosinofílica es una enfermedad emergente, caracterizada por infiltración del esófago por leucocitos eosinófilos. Sus principales síntomas son la disfagia y las frecuentes impactaciones de alimento en el esófago. Actualmente existen evidencias científicas que reconocen la enfermedad como causa posible de evolución no favorable en pacientes después de miotomía de Héller. Objetivo: Describir las evidencias biomoleculares que asocian la esofagitis eosinofílica y la acalasia esofágica. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión sistemática y crítica de las evidencias sobre los mecanismos biomoleculares asociados a la esofagitis eosinofílica y la acalasia esofágica. Se consultaron artículos publicados entre 2015 y 2020 e indexados en las bases de datos PubMed, SciELO, LILACS y Scopus. Análisis e integración de la información: Se discute sobre cuestiones medulares que han sido publicadas recientemente respecto al tema en cuestión. ¿Pueden coexistir la esofagitis eosinofílica y la acalasia esofágica? ¿Influye la esofagitis eosinofílica en el resultado del tratamiento de la acalasia esofágica? ¿Qué investigaciones serían necesarias para establecer la relación entre las dos enfermedades? Conclusiones: Los mecanismos celulares y biomoleculares desencadenados por la infiltración eosinofílica contextualizan la diferencia etiológica y fisiopatológica de la esofagitis eosinofílica y la acalasia esofágica, lo cual sustenta la evolución desfavorable posmiotomía de los pacientes y motiva la realización de estudios prospectivos y controlados con el fin de ofrecer una mejor calidad de vida(AU)

Introduction: Eosinophilic esophagitis is an emerging disease characterized by infiltration of the esophagus by eosinophilic leukocytes. Its main symptoms are dysphagia and frequent food impaction in the esophagus. Scientific evidence is now available that recognizes the disease as the possible cause of unfavorable evolution in patients undergoing Heller myotomy. Objective: Describe the biomolecular evidence associating eosinophilic esophagitis to esophageal achalasia. Methods: A systematic critical review was conducted of the evidence about biomolecular mechanisms associated to eosinophilic esophagitis and esophageal achalasia. The articles consulted were published in the databases PubMed, SciELO, LILACS and Scopus from 2015 to 2020. Data analysis and integration: A discussion is provided about crucial questions published recently concerning the study topic: Can eosinophilic esophagitis and esophageal achalasia coexist? Does eosinophilic esophagitis influence the result of esophageal achalasia treatment? What studies are required to establish the relationship between the two conditions? Conclusions: The cellular and biomolecular mechanisms triggered by eosonophilic infiltration contextualize the etiological and pathophysiological difference between eosinophilic esophagitis and esophageal achalasia. This explains the unfavorable post-myotomy evolution of patients and encourages the conduct of prospective controlled studies aimed at enhancing quality of life(AU)

POF-Based Solar Concentrators Incorporating Dyes and Europium Chelates.

In this paper, useful models that enable time-efficient computational analyses of the performance of luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are developed and thoroughly described. These LSCs are based on polymer optical fibers codoped with organic dyes and/or europium chelates. The interest in such dopants lies in the availability of new dyes with higher quantum yields and in the photostability and suitable absorption and emission bands of europium chelates. Time-efficiency without compromising accuracy is especially important for the simulation of europium chelates, in which non-radiative energy transfers from the absorbing ligands to the europium ion and vice versa are so fast that the discretization in time, in the absence of some simplifying assumptions, would have to be very fine. Some available experimental results are also included for the sake of comparison.

Asociación entre los niveles elevados de ácidos biliares y cáncer digestivo / Association between high bile acid levels and digestive cancer

Introducción: Los ácidos biliares en condiciones no fisiológicas se consideran agentes inflamatorio-carcinógenos endógenos que originan alteraciones en membranas plasmáticas, mitocondrias, el ADN, los genes y, la apoptosis de las células epiteliales. Objetivo: Describir la asociación entre los niveles elevados de ácidos biliares en la luz intestinal y la secuencia inflamación-cáncer, expresados como lesiones inflamatorias, premalignas y malignas del tracto digestivo. Métodos: Revisión sistemática y crítica de las evidencias sobre los mecanismos biomoleculares asociados a niveles altos de ácidos biliares en la luz intestinal y la secuencia inflamación-carcinogénesis, en bases de datos como PubMed, Medline, SciELO, LILACS y Elsevier, publicados entre 2015-2020, que establecen el fundamento teórico y metabolómico de dicha secuencia. Resultados: Los ácidos biliares tienen una acción tóxica en la secuencia inflamación-cáncer del tracto digestivo, al perderse el control de su homeostasis o la integridad anatomo-funcional del sistema hepato-vesículo-bilio-intestinal. Conclusiones: Los mecanismos celulares y biomoleculares desencadenados por los niveles altos de ácidos biliares contextualizan la génesis del proceso secuencial inflamación-cáncer y su interacción con los factores de riesgo clásicos, genéticos y epigenéticos reconocidos como un nuevo paradigma fisiopatológico del cáncer digestivo(AU)

Introduction: In non-physiological conditions, bile acids (BA) are considered to be endogenous inflammatory-carcinogenic agents causing alterations in plasma membranes, mitochondria, DNA, genes and epithelial cell apoptosis. Objective: Describe the association between high bile acid levels in the intestinal lumen and the inflammation-cancer sequence, expressed as inflammatory premalignant and malignant lesions of the digestive tract. Methods: A systematic critical review was conducted of the evidence about biomolecular mechanisms associated to high bile acid levels in the intestinal lumen and the inflammation-carcinogenesis sequence published in the databases PubMed, Medline, SciELO, LILACS and Elsevier in the period 2015-2020, laying the theoretical and metabolomic foundations of that sequence. Results: Bile acids display toxic activity in the inflammation-cancer sequence of the digestive tract, since control is lost of its homeostasis or the anatomical-functional integrity of the hepato-vesicular-biliary-intestinal system. Conclusions: The cellular and biomolecular mechanisms triggered by high bile acid levels provide a context for the genesis of the inflammation-cancer sequential process and its interaction with the classic, genetic and epigenetic risk factors recognized as a new pathophysiological paradigm of digestive cancer(AU)

Aspectos biomoleculares de la prevención de la litogénesis biliar de colesterol / Biomolecular aspects of biliary cholesterol lithogenesis prevention

Introducción: La litogénesis biliar, proceso de sobresaturación de colesterol en la bilis vesicular, es prevenible. Objetivo: Describir las nuevas evidencias biomoleculares de la litogénesis biliar de colesterol como base de la futura terapia preventiva de la litiasis vesicular. Método: Se realizó una revisión sistemática y crítica de las evidencias de impacto sobre la litogénesis biliar. Se consultaron artículos publicados entre 2015-2020 en las bases de datos PubMed, Medline, SciELO, LILACS y Elsevier. Resultados: Se recuperaron evidencias actuales de los mecanismos biomoleculares relacionados con las futuras terapias preventivas de la litiasis vesicular, propuestos como fundamentos teóricos. Conclusiones: La descripción actualizada de la litogénesis biliar de colesterol, con los nuevos conceptos biomoleculares incorporados, aporta a su comprensión el papel de los genes de receptores nucleares, la intervención de estos últimos y de los transportadores de la secreción biliar. Dirigida a médicos generales, cirujanos, gastroenterólogos y fisiólogos, la descripción actualizada de La litogénesis biliar impacta como nuevo paradigma con los conceptos biomoleculares que intervienen en pro de su prevención(AU)

Introduction: Biliary lithogenesis is a preventable process of cholesterol supersaturation in gallbladder bile. Objective: Describe the new biomolecular evidence of biliary cholesterol lithogenesis serving as a basis for future preventive therapy for gallbladder lithiasis. Methods: A systematic critical review was conducted of impact evidence about biliary lithogenesis. The papers consulted were published in the databases PubMed, Medline, SciELO, LILACS and Elsevier from 2015 to 2020. Results: Current evidence was retrieved of biomolecular mechanisms proposed as theoretical foundations for future preventive therapies for gallbladder lithiasis. Conclusions: Intended for general practitioners, surgeons, gastroenterologists and physiologists, the updated description of biliary lithogenesis including the role of nuclear receptors, biliary lipid transporters and the biological value of enterohepatic circulation in the integrity and functioning of the hepatobiliary system as regulators of the cholesterol mechanism, makes an impact as a new paradigm with the biomolecular concepts involved in biliary lithogenesis prevention(AU)

Relación de los genotipos CagA/VacA del Helicobacter pylori con lesiones precursoras de cáncer gástrico / Relationship of CagA/VacA genotypes of Helicobacter pylori with precursor lesions of gastric cancer

Introducción: El Helicobacter pylori predispone al cáncer gástrico. Los individuos con cepas CagA y VacA s1m1 desarrollan lesiones de la mucosa más graves. El sistema Operative Link on Gastritis Assessment permite determinar el riesgo de cáncer y define la atrofia como la lesión típica de progresión de la gastritis crónica. Objetivo: Relacionar los genotipos CagA y VacA del Helicobacter pylori con lesiones precursoras de cáncer gástrico. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en 62 pacientes. Las variables incluidas fueron los genotipos CagA y VacA del Helicobacter pylori y los estadios de OLGA (0, I, II, III, IV), las cuales se relacionaron. Se emplearon como medidas de resumen para variables cualitativas la frecuencia absoluta y el porcentaje. Para evaluar la asociación entre variables cualitativas se aplicó el test X2 (ji cuadrado). Se aceptó un nivel de significación estadística p ≤ 0,05. Para explorar la relación entre dos variables dicotómicas se utilizó el riesgo relativo. Se trabajó con un nivel de confiabilidad del 95 por ciento. Resultados: El 68 por ciento de los pacientes con atrofia presentaron genotipo CagA y el 55 por ciento genotipo VacA s1m1. El 6 por ciento de los pacientes con CagA se encontraban en estadio 0; 11 por ciento en estadio I; 40 por ciento en estadio II y 16 por ciento en estadio III. El 37 por ciento de los pacientes con VacA s1m1 estaban en estadio II. Conclusiones: Los genotipos CagA y VacA s1m1 fueron los más frecuentes y se relacionaron con la presencia de atrofia gástrica(AU)

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori predisposes to gastric cancer. Individuals with CagA and VacA s1m1 strains develop more severe mucosal lesions. The Operative Link on Gastritis Assessment system allows determining the risk of cancer and defines atrophy as the typical lesion in the progression of chronic gastritis. Objective: Relate the CagA and VacA genotypes of Helicobacter pylori with precursor lesions of gastric cancer. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out in 62 patients. The variables included were the CagA and VacA genotypes of Helicobacter pylori and the OLGA stages (0, I, II, III, IV), which were related. The absolute frequency and the percentage were used as summary measures for qualitative variables. To evaluate the association between qualitative variables, the X2 test (chi-square) was applied. A level of statistical significance p≤0.05 was accepted. To explore the relationship between two dichotomous variables, the relative risk was used. We worked with a confidence level of 95 percent. Development: 68 percent of the patients with atrophy had a CagA genotype and 55 percent had a VacA s1m1 genotype. 6 percent of the patients with CagA were in stage 0; 11 percent in stage I; 40 percent in stage II and 16 percent in stage III. 37 % of the patients with VacA s1m1 were stage II. Conclusions: The CagA and VacA s1m1 genotypes were the most frequent and were related to the presence of gastric atrophy(AU)

Inferring the Driver's Lane Change Intention through LiDAR-Based Environment Analysis Using Convolutional Neural Networks.

Most of the tactic manoeuvres during driving require a certain understanding of the surrounding environment from which to devise our future behaviour. In this paper, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) approach is used to model the lane change behaviour to identify when a driver is going to perform this manoeuvre. To that end, a slightly modified CNN architecture adapted to both spatial (i.e., surrounding environment) and non-spatial (i.e., rest of variables such as relative speed to the front vehicle) input variables. Anticipating a driver's lane change intention means it is possible to use this information as a new source of data in wide range of different scenarios. One example of such scenarios might be the decision making process support for human drivers through Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) fed with the data of the surrounding cars in an inter-vehicular network. Another example might even be its use in autonomous vehicles by using the data of a specific driver profile to make automated driving more human-like. Several CNN architectures have been tested on a simulation environment to assess their performance. Results show that the selected architecture provides a higher degree of accuracy than random guessing (i.e., assigning a class randomly for each observation in the data set), and it can capture subtle differences in behaviour between different driving profiles.

Helicobacter pylori y cáncer gástrico / Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer

Introducción: El Helicobacter pylori se ha relacionado con el desarrollo de gastritis crónica atrófica, metaplasia intestinal y displasia, lesiones que pueden evolucionar a carcinoma gástrico. Existen investigaciones que demuestran que la erradicación de esta bacteria disminuye el riesgo de progresión histopatológica de las lesiones preneoplásicas, excepto la metaplasia intestinal y la displasia. Se realizó una revisión de los artículos publicados en las bases de datos Pubmed, Scielo, Medline y Cochrane, relacionados con el tema. Objetivo: Profundizar en los conocimientos relacionados con la infección por Helicobacter pylori y cáncer gástrico. Desarrollo: El adenocarcinoma es el tumor gástrico más frecuente y el Helicobacter pylori es el agente etiológico principal. En poblaciones de riesgo elevado, el adenocarcinoma gástrico de tipo intestinal, se precede de lesiones preneoplásicas (atrofia, metaplasia intestinal y displasia) que evoluciona al cáncer invasor. Conclusiones: Helicobacter pylori favorece la carcinogénesis gástrica, aunque existen otros factores de riesgo para el surgimiento del cáncer gástrico como son: la historia familiar, la pobre ingestión de frutas y vegetales y el bajo nivel socioeconómico(AU)

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori has been linked to the development of chronic atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia, lesions that can progress to gastric carcinoma. There is research showing that the eradication of this bacterium reduces the risk of histopathological progression of preneoplastic lesions, except for intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia. A bibliographic review was made of the articles published in the Pubmed, Scielo, Medline and Cochrane data bases, related to the topic, belonging to authors dedicated to the study of this problem. Objective: To go deepen in the knowledge related to Helicobacter pylori infection and gastric cancer. Development: Adenocarcinoma is the most frequent gastric tumor and Helicobacter pylori is the main etiologic agent. In high-risk populations, gastric adenocarcinoma of the intestinal type, is preceded by preneoplasic lesions (atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, and dysplasia), that progresses to invasive cancer. Conclusions: Helicobacter pylori favors gastric carcinogenesis, although there are other risk factors for the development of gastric cancer such as: family history, poor intake of fruits and vegetables, and low socioeconomic leve(AU)

Driver Monitoring for a Driver-Centered Design and Assessment of a Merging Assistance System Based on V2V Communications.

Merging is one of the most critical scenarios that can be found in road transport. In this maneuver, the driver is subjected to a high mental load due to the large amount of information he handles, while making decisions becomes a crucial issue for their safety and those in adjacent vehicles. In previous works, it was studied how the merging maneuver affected the cognitive load required for driving by means of an eye tracking system, justifying the proposal of a driver assistance system for the merging maneuver on highways. This paper presents a merging assistance system based on communications between vehicles, which allows vehicles to share internal variables of position and speed and is implemented on a mobile device located inside the vehicle. The system algorithm decides where and when the vehicle can start the merging maneuver in safe conditions and provides the appropriate information to the driver. Parameters and driving simulator tests are used for the interface definition to develop the less intrusive and demanding one. Afterward, the system prototype was installed in a real passenger car and tests in real scenarios were conducted with several drivers to assess usability and mental load. Comparisons among alternative solutions are shown and effectiveness is assessed.

La vesícula biliar como reservorio y protectora del tracto digestivo / The gallbladder as reservoir and protector of the digestive tract

Introducción: Estudios anatomofisiológicos y biomoleculares de la vesícula biliar han permitido redefinir su función no solo como reservorio de la secreción biliar, sino como protectora intestinal, concepto que se fundamenta en su capacidad de control de la bioactividad y la toxicología de los ácidos biliares, el metabolismo del colesterol, los fosfolípidos y otros componentes de la secreción hepatobiliar. Objetivo: Describir las actualidades de la funcionabilidad de la vesícula biliar como reservorio y protectora del tracto digestivo dirigido a que cirujanos generales, gastroenterólogos, clínicos y fisiólogos amplíen sus conocimientos sobre la función de la vesícula biliar. Métodos: Se realiza una revisión crítica de las funciones de la vesícula biliar que favorecen mantener la integridad de la pared intestinal. Conclusión: La descripción actualizada de la funcionabilidad de la vesícula biliar ofrece un resultado relevante dentro del marco conceptual en relación a su función protectora que se traduce en el mantenimiento de la integridad del epitelio y la microbiota intestinal(AU)

Introduction: Anatomic-physiological and biomolecular studies of the gallbladder have made it possible to redefine its function not only as a reservoir for bile secretion, but also as intestinal protector. This concept is supported by its capacity to control the bioactivity and toxicology of bile acids, cholesterol metabolism, phospholipids and other components of hepatobiliary secretion. Objective: Present an update on the role of the gallbladder as reservoir and protector of the digestive tract intended for general surgeons, gastroenterologists, clinicians and physiologists to broaden their knowledge about the functions of the gallbladder. Methods: A critical review was conducted of the functions of the gallbladder which facilitate maintenance of the integrity of the intestinal wall. Conclusion: The updated description of the functions of the gallbladder is a relevant contribution to the conceptual framework of its protective function, which ensures the maintenance of the integrity of the epithelium and the intestinal microbiota(AU)