Nanoarchitectonics of an acetogenin-enriched nanosystem mediated by an aqueous extract ofAnnona cherimolaMill with anti-inflammatory and proapoptotic activity against HepG2 cell line.

For the first time, this study shows the nanoarchitectonic process to obtain an acetogenin-enriched nanosystem (AuNPs-Ac) using an aqueous extract fromAnnona cherimolaMill (ACM) composed of gold nanoparticles embedded in an organic matrix that acts as stabilizing agent and presents anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxical effect against HepG2 cell line, promoting apoptosis. The synthesis of AuNPs-Ac was confirmed by x-ray diffraction analysis, showing metallic gold as the only phase, and the scanning transmission microscope showed an organic cap covering the AuNPs-Ac. Fourier-transformed infrared suggests that the organic cap comprises a combination of different annonaceous acetogenins, alkaloids, and phenols by the presence of bands corresponding to aromatic rings and hydroxyl groups. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography has demonstrated the presence of annonacin, a potent acetogenin, in the extract of ACM. Anin vitroanti-inflammatory activity of the extract of ACM and the AuNPs-Ac was performed using the albumin denaturation method, showing a nonlinear response, which is better than sodium diclofenac salt in a wide range of concentrations that goes from 200 to 400µg ml-1with both samples. The viability assay was studied using trypan blue, treating IMR90 and HepG2 at different concentrations of AuNPs-Ac. The results defined a median lethal dose of 800µg ml-1against HepG2 through apoptosis according to the ratio of caspase-cleaved 9/alpha-tubulin evaluated. It was also demonstrated that the nanosystem presents a higher cytotoxic effect on the HepG2 cell line than in IMR90, suggesting a targeted mechanism. In addition, the nanosystem performs better than using only the extract of ACM in the anti-inflammatory or antiproliferative test, attributed to their higher surface area.

Green nanoarchitectonics of carbon quantum dots from Cinchona Pubescens Vahl as targeted and controlled drug cancer nanocarrier.

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are a new carbon-based nanomaterial that has attracted tremendous attention due to their excellent fluorescent properties, chemical stability, water solubility, and biocompatibility features. Here, fluorescent CQDs synthesized by a green nanoarchitectonic method using Cinchona Pubescens Vahl extract were evaluated as drug nanocarriers for carboplatin (CBP) delivery. The characterization methods showed CQDs with semispherical shapes and sizes around 5 nm, temperature- and pH-dependent functional groups that interact with the CBP molecule adding specificity to the drug-delivery system. Based on the load efficiency results, it seems that the CQDs can carry almost 100 µg of carboplatin for every 1 mg of CQDs. This is possible due to the self-assembly process that takes place through the interaction between the protonation/deprotonation functional groups of CQDs and the hydrolyzed CBP molecule. Through this process, it is created spherical nanoparticles with an average size of 77.44 nm. The CQDs-CBP nanoparticles release the drug through a diffusion-controlled release mechanism where the acidic media is preferred, and the EPR effect also plays a helpful role. Besides, the viability test shows that the CQDs have almost null cytotoxicity suggesting that they could be used as a promising cancer treatment, improving the efficiency of cell internalization and significantly increasing their drug delivery.

Sargassum natans I Algae: An Alternative for a Greener Approach for the Synthesis of ZnO Nanostructures with Biological and Environmental Applications.

In this work, the influence of the Sargassum natans I alga extract on the morphological characteristics of synthesized ZnO nanostructures, with potential biological and environmental applications, was evaluated. For this purpose, different ZnO geometries were synthesized by the co-precipitation method, using Sargassum natans I alga extract as stabilizing agent. Four extract volumes (5, 10, 20, and 50 mL) were evaluated to obtain the different nanostructures. Moreover, a sample by chemical synthesis, without the addition of extract, was prepared. The characterization of the ZnO samples was carried out by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the Sargassum alga extract has a fundamental role in the stabilization process of the ZnO nanoparticles. In addition, it was shown that the increase in the Sargassum alga extract leads to preferential growth and arrangement, obtaining well-defined shaped particles. ZnO nanostructures demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory response by the in vitro egg albumin protein denaturation for biological purposes. Additionally, quantitative antibacterial analysis (AA) showed that the ZnO nanostructures synthesized with 10 and 20 mL of extract demonstrated high AA against Gram (+) S. aureus and moderate AA behavior against Gram (-) P. aeruginosa, depending on the ZnO arrangement induced by the Sargassum natans I alga extract and the nanoparticles' concentration (ca. 3200 µg/mL). Additionally, ZnO samples were evaluated as photocatalytic materials through the degradation of organic dyes. Complete degradation of both methyl violet and malachite green were achieved using the ZnO sample synthesized with 50 mL of extract. In all cases, the well-defined morphology of ZnO induced by the Sargassum natans I alga extract played a key role in the combined biological/environmental performance.

Biological activity of a chitosan-carboxymethylcellulose-zinc oxide and calcium carbonate in 3D scaffolds stabilized by physical links for bone tissue engineering.

Today, regenerative osteogenesis represents a clinical need, due to the incidence of bone defects that involve groups of pathologies ranging from congenital anomalies to traumatic injuries, as well as problems presented surgically. This is why the design of a polymeric biomaterial (scaffold) of chitosan, carboxymethylcellulose, zinc oxide, and calcium carbonate with similar characteristics in terms of composition and bone structure offers high potential to help address this health problem. The technique for obtaining the scaffolds of this research was to develop a physical hydrogel to have the biofunctionality of the active groups of the polymer chains used, then make use of the lyophilization process to obtain three-dimensional (3D) porous scaffolds. The physicochemical and biological properties of the scaffolds were evaluated. The scaffolds presented morphology with pore size and interconnectivity that favor the need for cell proliferation and viability. The biocompatibility tests confirm that the designed scaffolds do not present cytotoxicity and the analyzes with alizarin red staining show calcium deposits in the materials with CaCO3 and ZnO. Osteoinduction assays to osteogenic lineage using runt-related transcription factor type 2 (RUNX2) and collagen type 1 (COL-1) antibodies allowed expression in differentiated cells. Therefore, the calcium carbonate-containing scaffolds stabilized by physical bonds have characteristics of being non-cytotoxic, bioactive, and osteoinductive, which motivate their use in future tests to evaluate their demeanor with rat models for bone engineering studies.

Applying Machine Learning to Finger Movements Using Electromyography and Visualization in Opensim.

Electromyographic signals have been used with low-degree-of-freedom prostheses, and recently with multifunctional prostheses. Currently, they are also being used as inputs in the human-computer interface that controls interaction through hand gestures. Although there is a gap between academic publications on the control of an upper-limb prosthesis developed in laboratories and its service in the natural environment, there are attempts to achieve easier control using multiple muscle signals. This work contributes to this, using a database and biomechanical simulation software, both open access, to seek simplicity in the classifiers, anticipating their implementation in microcontrollers and their execution in real time. Fifteen predefined finger movements of the hand were identified using classic classifiers such as Bayes, linear and quadratic discriminant analysis. The idealized movements of the database were modeled with Opensim for visualization. Combinations of two preprocessing methods-the forward sequential selection method and the feature normalization method-were evaluated to increase the efficiency of these classifiers. The statistical methods of cross-validation, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan were used to validate the results. Furthermore, the classifier with the best recognition result was redesigned into a new feature space using the sparse matrix algorithm to improve it, and to determine which features can be eliminated without degrading the classification. The classifiers yielded promising results-the quadratic discriminant being the best, achieving an average recognition rate for each individual considered of 96.16%, and with 78.36% for the total sample group of the eight subjects, in an independent test dataset. The study ends with the visual analysis under Opensim of the classified movements, in which the usefulness of this simulation tool is appreciated by revealing the muscular participation, which can be useful during the design of a multifunctional prosthesis.

Assessing the Influence of Socioeconomic Status and Air Pollution Levels on the Public Perception of Local Air Quality in a Mexico-US Border City.

Air pollution in developing countries is a growing concern. It is associated with urbanization and social and economic structures. The understanding of how social factors can influence the perception and the potential impact of air pollution have not been addressed sufficiently. This paper addresses the social vulnerability and exposure to PM10 association and its influence on the air quality perception of residents in Mexicali, a Mexico-US border city. This study used individual variables and population census data, as well as statistical and spatial analyses. A cluster of socially vulnerable populations with high exposure to coarse particulate matter (PM10) was found in the city's peripheral areas. The spatial distribution of the local perception of air quality varied by the exposure zones of the estimated PM10 concentrations. Respondents living in very high exposure areas perceive air quality as "poor," contrarily to a worse perception in areas of intermediate and lower exposure to PM10. Proximity to stationary sources of pollution was associated with a poor perception of air quality. Results also indicate that low household income and poor air quality perceived at the place of residence negatively influences the perceived changes in the air quality over time. The knowledge of chronic health effects related to air pollution was scarce in the sampled population, especially in the areas with very high exposure and high social vulnerability. These findings can serve as a support in local air quality management.

Air pollution and children's respiratory health: a scoping review of socioeconomic status as an effect modifier.

OBJECTIVES: Air pollution is a leading environmental risk, and socioeconomic status (SES) is postulated as an effect modifier, especially in children. There is a growing interest in exploring this modifier. The present manuscript reviews SES as an effect modifier in children's respiratory health. METHODS: A search in the PubMed and SCOPUS databases was conducted in September 2017 to identify studies with the inclusion criteria of being centred on children, respiratory outcomes, air pollutants and SES measurement. RESULTS: A total of 17 studies were included. Twelve used single SES variables, and the remaining studies included composite SES indices. Household income (9) and parental education (8) were frequently evaluated. The significance of the effect modifier was found in nine studies that demonstrated a higher risk for individuals living in a lower SES. Sources of heterogeneity included SES measurement, health outcomes and geographical aggregation. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a higher modification in the effect of SES, generally indicating greater risk for children in lower SES. Children's characteristics need to be more carefully theorized and measured in this area, including the use of transdisciplinary approaches.

Wireless Vein and Artery Identifier for Laparoscopic Instruments / Identificador Inalámbrico de Venas y Arterias para Instrumentos Laparoscópicos

ABSTRACT This article presents an innovation on a conventional laparoscopic instrument, to which was added the automatic function to identify veins and arteries. It is proposed the use of a reflective-optical sensor with a specific work wavelength acting on blood vessels. The discrimination success between veins and arteries is achieved based on the range of difference between the light emitted and the light reflected. At the tip of a laparoscopic instrument was fitted a reflective-optical sensor composed of a LED and a light dependent resistor. In the upper part of the instrument an electronic control, processing and radio frequency transmitter module was fitted, which warns the surgeon and his assistants if the detected blood vessel is a vein or artery. The instrument was tested in vitro using whole human blood samples and in vivo on canine model blood vessels. With the innovation a low-cost support tool is achieved that could aid the surgeon when working on minimally invasive environments.

RESUMEN En este artículo se presenta una innovación realizada a un instrumento laparoscópico convencional, en la que se agrega la funcionalidad de identificación automática de venas y arterias. Se propone la utilización de un sensor óptico-reflexivo con longitud de onda específica, que actúa sobre los vasos sanguíneos. El éxito de discriminación entre venas y arterias se logra en función del rango de la diferencia entre la luz emitida versus la reflejada. A la punta de una pinza laparoscópica le fue adaptado un sensor óptico-reflexivo compuesto por un LED y una foto-resistencia. En la parte superior de la pinza, sobre el manipulador se adaptó un módulo electrónico de control, procesamiento y transmisión por radio frecuencia, el cual da aviso al cirujano y a sus asistentes si el vaso sanguíneo detectado es vena o arteria. El dispositivo fue probado in vitro utilizando muestras de sangre entera humana e in vivo sobre vasos sanguíneos de modelo canino. Con la innovación se logra una herramienta económica de apoyo para el cirujano que se desempeña en ambientes mínimamente invasivos.

Datos Fisiológicos de Baja California: PhysioBC, Resultados en Electrocardiografía 1 / Physiological Data of Baja California: PhysioBC, Electrocardiographic Results 1

Resumen: En la actualidad, el contar con una base de datos que represente fisiológicamente a una región o estado de la república conlleva un esfuerzo en conjunto entre diversas instituciones. Debido a su inexistencia, los investigadores recurren a bases de datos extranjeras organizadas para el desarrollo de estudios. Un ejemplo es el desarrollo de algoritmos matemáticos de detección de patologías en relación a individuos con una población y una forma de vida diferente a la nuestra. PhysioBC®, tiene como objetivo difundir libremente datos fisiológicos adquiridos en la población de Baja California, a fin de que se desarrollen modelos precisos de detección de patologías acorde a la genética y forma de vida de nuestra comunidad. En este trabajo presentamos los pasos de creación de su primera sección de datos electrocardiográficos, debido a que los datos reportados por el INEGI en 2012, de las 14,756 muertes, el 19% tenían origen cardiovascular. Actualmente se cuenta con 50 registros tomados en la industria maquiladora de Mexicali y 64 tomados en voluntarios. Estos se dividen en estándar de 12 derivaciones y de alta resolución de 3 derivaciones. Todos ellos se encuentran libres para su descarga en diversos formatos en la misma plataforma PhysioBC®.

Abstract: Currently, having a database that represents physiologically a region or state of the republic involves a joint effort among research and clinical institutions. Due to their non-existence, researchers normally use foreign international databases organized for research purposes. One example is the development of mathematical algorithms for detecting pathologies in individuals with a population who have a different way of living than ours. PhysioBC®, aims to freely disseminate physiological data acquired in the population of Baja California, in order to develop precise models of pathology detection according to the genetics and way of living of our community. Because the data reported by INEGI in 2012, out of the 14,756 deaths, 19% had cardiovascular origin problems, in this paper, we present the steps of creating PhysioBC® first section, called electrocardiographic data. Currently we have 50 records taken in the manufacturing industry of Mexicali and 64 taken in volunteers. The records are divided into standard 12-lead and high-resolution 3-lead. All of them are free for download in different formats at PhysioBC® website.

Association between Abnormal Electrocardiogram and Less Complex Heart Rate Variability Estimated by the Correlation Dimension / Asociación entre Electrocardiograma Anormal y Menor Complejidad de la Variabilidad de la Frecuencia Cardiaca Estimada Mediante la Dimensión de Correlación

Objective: To compare the correlation dimension (CD) of heart rate variability (HRV) in adults with and without abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG). Methods: A 24-hr Holter and a standard ECG were recorded from 100 university workers. After exclusion of 10 recordings with more than 5% of false RR intervals, a total of 90 subjects (age 46.2±8.7 years old, 45 were women) were included in the study. Two cardiologists classified 29 standard ECG as abnormal. CD was calculated from HRV time-series of 10,000 beats in the morning (from 11am), afternoon (from 5pm) and night (from 2am). Demographical characteristics were compared by ANOVA (considering ECG diagnosis and sex as independent factors) or by Fisher's exact test. Mean CD values were compared by analysis of variance considering as independent factors the ECG diagnosis, sex and time of day. Results: All demographical characteristics were similar except for a higher proportion of males with abnormal ECG (69%) than with normal ECG (41%). CD was not different with respect to the time of day, but it was higher in subjects with normal ECG (10.86 ± 2.41) than those with abnormal ECG (10.20 ± 2.48), and it was also higher in females than males: 11.04 ± 2.14 versus 10.63 ± 2.71 (normal ECG group), 10.84 ± 2.41 versus 9.92 ± 2.44 (abnormal ECG group). Conclusion: The finding of abnormal ECG is associated with HRV decreased complexity in adults.

Objetivo: Comparar la dimensión de correlación (DC) de la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca (VFC) entre adultos con electrocardiograma (ECG) normal y anormal. Métodos: Se registró un Holter de 24 horas y un electrocardiograma (ECG) estándar de 100 trabajadores universitarios. Después de la exclusión de 10 registros con más de 5% de intervalos RR falsos, se incluyeron en el estudio a 90 sujetos (edad 46.2±8.7 años, 45 mujeres). Dos cardiólogos clasificaron 29 ECG estándar como anormales. La DC se calculó en series de tiempo de VFC de 10,000 latidos en la mañana (desde las 11:00), tarde (desde las 17:00) y noche (desde las 2:00). Las características demográficas fueron comparadas mediante análisis de varianza (considerando diagnóstico de ECG y sexo como factores independientes) o con prueba exacta de Fisher. Los valores promedio de DC fueron comparados con análisis de varianza considerando como factores independientes el diagnóstico de ECG, sexo y hora del día. Resultados: Las características demográficas fueron similares excepto por mayor proporción de hombres con ECG anormal (69%) que normal (41%). La DC no fue diferente con respecto a la hora del día, pero fue mayor en sujetos con ECG normal (10.86 ± 2.41) que con ECG anormal (10.20 ± 2.48), y también fue mayor en mujeres que en hombres: 11.04 ± 2.14 vs 10.63 ± 2.71 (grupo de ECG normal), 10.84 ± 2.41 vs 9.92 ± 2.44 (grupo de ECG anormal). Conclusión: El hallazgo de ECG anormal en adultos está asociado con menor complejidad de la VFC.

[Parry Romberg syndrome associated with refractory epilepsy, atrophy of the dura mater and cystic leukoencephalopathy]. / Síndrome de Parry-Romberg asociado a epilepsia refractaria, atrofia de la duramadre y leucoencefalopatía quística cerebral.

CASE REPORT: We report the clinical and radiologic observation in a man patient of 20 years old. He developed gravity left progressive facial hemiatrophy. In associated form, he presented numerous visual sensories and complex partials seizures. The single and combined treatment with several antiepileptic drugs was ineffective for the control of the epilepsy. The magnetic resonance investigation of the cranium facial structures showed the gravity and intensivity of the dysmorphia. The same procedure showed the strong of the duramadre atrophy in the convexity of the brain, as well as, the existence of the cystic formation in the white matter of the left temporo occipital region at the face affected. CONCLUSION: We considered, that this is the first report documented fully, about the Parry Romberg syndrome with refractory epilepsy, duramadre atrophy and cystic leukoencephalopaty, published in Peru.

[Wilson's disease: a clinical case is presented with neuropsychiatric dominant form and probable physiopathology interpretation with magnetic resonance of the brain]. / Enfermedad de Wilson: forma neuropsiquiátrica dominante. Presentación de un caso e interpretación fisiopatológica basada en la resonancia magnética del encéfalo.

CASE REPORT: A clinical case of Wilson's disease is presented. She was a 26 years old woman who began to show psychological symptoms, and later developed neurological signs such as asymmetrical hand tremor, parkinsonism, dystonia and later dysphagia and mutism. The ophthalmological examination found a Kayser Fleischer ring in the Descemet membrane. There was disturbance of copper metabolism documented with reduction of serum ceruloplasmin and increase of the urinary excretion of copper. Cirrhosis was demonstrated through laparoscopy and liver biopsy. RESULTS: The brain magnetic resonance showed frontotemporal atrophy and a degenerative process at the basal ganglia, cerebellum and brain stem, data which could de used to suggest the probable neuropsychiatric physiopathology. The stenosis and intense cervical dysphagia, associated with crycopharyngeal membrane, has not been mentioned previously.

Enfermedad de Wilson: forma neuropsiquiátrica dominante. Presentación de un caso e interpretación fisiopatológica basada en la resonancia magnética del encéfalo / Wilson's disease: a clinical case is presented with neuropsychiatric dominant form and probable physiopathology interpretation with magnetic resonance of the brain

Caso clínico. Se presenta un caso clínico de la enfermedad de Wilson. Una mujer de 26 años de edad presentó trastornos psíquicos a los que se añadieron luego signos neurológicos tales como temblor asimétrico de las manos, parkinsonismo y distonía; más tarde tuvo mutismo y disfagia. La exploración oftalmológica demostró la presencia del anillo de Kayser-Fleischer en la membrana de Descemet. Se comprobó una alteración en el metabolismo del cobre que consiste en reducción de la ceruloplasmina sérica y aumento de la excreción urinaria de cobre. Mediante laparoscopia y biopsia se diagnosticó cirrosis hepática. Resultados. La investigación de las estructuras del encéfalo con resonancia magnética reveló atrofia frontotemporal del cerebro y proceso degenerativo de los ganglios basales, el cerebelo y el tronco encefálico, datos que podrían explicar la sintomatología neuropsiquiátrica. La asociación con membrana cricofaríngea, causante de estenosis y disfagia cervical intensa, no se ha mencionado anteriormente (AU)

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