Coarse-grained modeling and dynamics tracking of nanoparticles diffusion in human gut mucus.

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract's mucus layer serves as a critical barrier and a mediator in drug nanoparticle delivery. The mucus layer's diverse molecular structures and spatial complexity complicates the mechanistic study of the diffusion dynamics of particulate materials. In response, we developed a bi-component coarse-grained mucus model, specifically tailored for the colorectal cancer environment, that contained the two most abundant glycoproteins in GI mucus: Muc2 and Muc5AC. This model demonstrated the effects of molecular composition and concentration on mucus pore size, a key determinant in the permeability of nanoparticles. Using this computational model, we investigated the diffusion rate of polyethylene glycol (PEG) coated nanoparticles, a widely used muco-penetrating nanoparticle. We validated our model with experimentally characterized mucus pore sizes and the diffusional coefficients of PEG-coated nanoparticles in the mucus collected from cultured human colorectal goblet cells. Machine learning fingerprints were then employed to provide a mechanistic understanding of nanoparticle diffusional behavior. We found that larger nanoparticles tended to be trapped in mucus over longer durations but exhibited more ballistic diffusion over shorter time spans. Through these discoveries, our model provides a promising platform to study pharmacokinetics in the GI mucus layer.

Género, empoderamiento y complejidad: un conflicto de la mujer en el contexto de la modernidad / Gender, Empowerment, and Complexity: A Women's Conflict in the Context of Modernity

Resumen El rol femenino suele ser estereotipado, sin embargo, con el paso del tiempo la mujer ha adquirido progresivamente mayor empoderamiento y protagonismo en la sociedad, lo que ha permitido el desempeño de diversos roles al tiempo, tales como, estudiante, trabajadora, madre y cónyuge. El objetivo del estudio es identificar la percepción de mujeres frente a la multiplicidad de roles y su impacto social en la actualidad. Se realizó un estudio cualitativo, fenomenológico y hermenéutico, con una población de 19 estudiantes. Se aplicaron entrevistas semiestructurada sobre aspectos sociodemográficos y experiencias de las estudiantes en sus roles. La experiencia de sus roles fueron calificadas como duras, complejas, difíciles y le atribuyen significado de responsabilidad, compromiso, sacrificio. Se encontró que prevalecieron los sentimientos de dolor, tristeza y frustración. La sensación que más experimentan es la satisfacción y el empoderamiento; y percibieron muy escaso su tiempo. Las experiencias de las mujeres en el ejercicio de los roles, resultaron complejos y cargados de sentimientos encontrados y efectos históricamente marcados por el género, sin embargo, la satisfacción que genera en su crecimiento personal prevalece. No obstante, en el imaginario de las mujeres la repercusión social que esto genera recae en el descuido de la crianza de sus hijos.

Abstract The female role is usually stereotyped; however, over time, women have progressively acquired greater empowerment and prominence in society, which has allowed them to perform various roles at the same time: student, worker, mother, and spouse. This article aims to reveal women's perception of the multiplicity of roles and their current social impact. A qualitative, phenomenological, and hermeneutic study was carried out, with a population of 19 students. Semistructured interviews were conducted on sociodemographic aspects and experiences of the students in their roles. Their experience in the roles was qualified as hard, complex, and difficult, and they attribute it meanings of responsibility, commitment, and sacrifice. Feelings of pain, sadness, and frustration prevailed. The feelings they experienced the most were satisfaction and empowerment, and they perceived their time was scarce. Women's experiences in the exercise of their roles turned out to be complex, loaded with mixed feelings and effects historically marked by gender; however, the satisfaction it generates in their personal growth prevails. Nonetheless, in women's perspective, the social repercussion that this generates relies upon the neglect of their children's upbringing.

Biophysical determinants of biofilm formation in the gut.

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbors the most complex microbial ecosystem in the human body. The mucosal layer that covers the GI tract serves as a polymer-based defensive barrier that prevents the microbiome from reaching the epithelium and disseminating inside the body. Colonization of the mucus may result in the formation of structured polymicrobial communities or biofilms, a hallmark in pathologies such as colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and chronic gut wounds. However, the mechanisms by which multispecies biofilms establish on the gut mucosa is unknown. Whether mucus-associated biofilms exist as part of a healthy mucosal barrier is still debated. Here, we discuss the impact that diet and microbial-derived polymers has on mucus structure and microcolony formation and highlight relevant biophysical forces that further shape nascent biofilms.

Implementing Zn2+ ion and pH-value control into artificial mussel glue proteins by abstracting a His-rich domain from preCollagen.

A His-rich domain of preCollagen-D found in byssal threads is derivatized with Cys and Dopa flanks to allow for mussel-inspired polymerization. Artificial mussel glue proteins are accessed that combine cysteinyldopa for adhesion with sequences for pH or Zn2+ induced ß-sheet formation. The artificial constructs show strong adsorption to Al2O3, the resulting coatings tolerate hypersaline conditions and cohesion is improved by activating the ß-sheet formation, that enhances E-modulus up to 60%.

Calidad de vida en personas portadoras de ostomías digestivas / Quality of life in people with digestive ostomies

INTRODUCCIÓN: La realización de una ostomía digestiva ha de ocasionar en las personas alteraciones en las dimensiones del ser como físicas, mentales, sociales y culturales lo que genera compromisos en la calidad de vida. OBJETIVO: Evaluar el impacto que se presenta en la calidad de vida de la persona en condición de ostomizadas en la ciudad de Manizales. METODOLOGÍA: estudio desarrollado a través de una fase cuantitativa con diseño observacional descriptivo utilizando el cuestionario Montreaux para la valoración de la calidad de vida y una fase cualitativa, fenomenológica realizada por medio de entrevistas semiestructruadas en el que participaron 16 personas en condicion de ostomizados. RESULTADOS: Promedio de edad 56 años, El 75% de ellos pertenecia a estrato socioeconómico bajo, el 50% tenia con estudios de primaria y el 50% con estudios de secundaria. El 75% pertenecía al régimen de salud contributivo. Los resultados cuantitativos mostraron un índice de calidad de vida del 44,5%; el aspecto con porcentaje mas alto en la calidad de vida fue el hecho de no tener preocupaciones sociales 73%, por el contrario, el porcentaje más bajo se obtuvo en el aspecto relacionado con la actividad sexual 25%. Se identificó un porcentaje de autosuficiencia del 80%, pero una adaptación negativa en el 50% de los casos. Los resultados cualitativos, evidenciaron siete categorías que describen los aspectos que alteran la calidad de vida y el autocuidado: sentimiento de discapacidad, pérdida laboral, alteración de la imagen corporal, afrontamiento según duración y posición de la ostomía, proyección del futuro, aislamiento social y alteración de la sexualidad. CONCLUSIÓN: el índice de calidad de vida fue bajo y las categorías encontradas confirman los aspectos de la vida diaria de las personas en condición de ostomizados y la necesidad de brindar un cuidado integral donde el rol de enfermería este visible ampliamente.

INTRODUCTION. The performance of a digestive ostomy must cause alterations in the dimensions of the being such as physical, mental, social and cultural, which generates compromisesin the quality of life. OBJECTIVE. To evaluate the impact on the quality of life of the person with an ostomy condition in the city of Manizales. METHODOLOGY. Study developed through a quantitative phase with a descriptive observational design using the Montreaux questionnaire for the assessment of quality of life and a qualitative, phenomenological phase carried out through semi-structured interviews in which 16 people with ostomized conditions participated. RESULTS. Average age 56 years, 75% of them belonged to low socioeconomic status, 50% had primary education and 50% had secondary education. 75% belonged to the contributory health scheme. The quantitative results showed a quality of life index of 44.5%; The aspect with the highest percentage in quality of life was the fact of not having social concerns, 73%, on the contrary, the lowest percentage was obtained in the aspect related to sexual activity, 25%. A self-sufficiency percentage of 80% was identified, but a negative adaptation in 50% of the cases. The qualitative results showed seven categories that describe the aspects that alter the quality of life and self-care: feeling of disability, job loss, alteration of body image, coping according to duration and position of the ostomy, projection of the future, social isolation and alteration of sexuality. CONCLUSIONS. The quality of life index was low and the categories found confirm the aspects of daily life of people with an ostomy condition and the need to provide comprehensive care where the role of nursing is widely visible.

Balancing biofunctional and biomechanical properties using porous titanium reinforced by carbon nanotubes.

Despite the well-known advantages of the titanium-based implant systems, they still lack an optimal balance between biofunctionality and mechanical strength, especially regarding the modulation of cellular response and a desired implant osseointegration. In this work, we fabricated a nanocomposite based on porous commercially pure grade 4 titanium (c.p. Ti) reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNT) at 5% and 10% w/w, with the aim of obtaining a nanocomposite with lower stiffness compared to traditional titanium-based implants and with the mechanical strength and bioactivity owed by the CNT. Results obtained by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy characterization showed that the CNT dispersed and incorporated into the porous c.p. Ti matrix. Interestingly, CNT were associated with a higher twining within neighbor Ti grains, which was indeed consistent with an increased in nano-hardness. Biological evaluation by MTT and Comet assay revealed that the nanocomposites did not induce genotoxicity and cytotoxicity on two different cells lines despite the presence of nickel at the surface. Accordingly, a purification step would be required before these CNT can be used for biomedical applications. Our results indicate that incorporation of CNT into porous c.p. Ti is a promising avenue to achieve an adequate balance between biofunctionality and mechanical strength in Ti-based scaffolds for tissue replacement. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 107A: 719-731, 2019.

Fabrication of a Functionalized Magnetic Bacterial Nanocellulose with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles.

In this study, bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) produced by the bacteria Gluconacetobacter xylinus is synthesized and impregnated in situ with iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) (Fe3O4) to yield a magnetic bacterial nanocellulose (MBNC). The synthesis of MBNC is a precise and specifically designed multi-step process. Briefly, bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) pellicles are formed from preserved G. xylinus strain according to our experimental requirements of size and morphology. A solution of iron(III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3·6H2O) and iron(II) chloride tetrahydrate (FeCl2·4H2O) with a 2:1 molar ratio is prepared and diluted in deoxygenated high purity water. A BNC pellicle is then introduced in the vessel with the reactants. This mixture is stirred and heated at 80 °C in a silicon oil bath and ammonium hydroxide (14%) is then added by dropping to precipitate the ferrous ions into the BNC mesh. This last step allows forming in situ magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4) inside the bacterial nanocellulose mesh to confer magnetic properties to BNC pellicle. A toxicological assay was used to evaluate the biocompatibility of the BNC-IONP pellicle. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to cover the IONPs in order to improve their biocompatibility. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that the IONP were located preferentially in the fibril interlacing spaces of the BNC matrix, but some of them were also found along the BNC ribbons. Magnetic force microscope measurements performed on the MBNC detected the presence magnetic domains with high and weak intensity magnetic field, confirming the magnetic nature of the MBNC pellicle. Young's modulus values obtained in this work are also in a reasonable agreement with those reported for several blood vessels in previous studies.

Proverbios o refranes en inglés / Proverbs or sayings in English

En este artículo se expone un material de apoyo a la docencia que contiene 2 listas de proverbios o refranes más comunes utilizados por los ingleses. Se brinda, además, una amena alternativa para fijar el vocabulario adquirido en clases, así como la forma de impartirlo y ejercitarlo, a través de lo cual alumnos y profesores ampliarán el horizonte lingüístico-comunicativo y sociocultural de la lengua inglesa.

A support material for the teaching is exposed in this article, which contains 2 listings of some of the most commonly proverbs or sayings used by the English. It is also provided an interesting alternative to fixing the vocabulary acquired in classes, as well as the way of giving and practicing it, by means of which students and professors will broaden the linguistic-communicative and sociocultural horizons of the English language.

Prevalencia del síndrome metabólico en El Retiro, Colombia / Prevalence syndrome metabolic in El Retiro, Colombia

Objetivos: establecer la prevalencia del síndrome metabólico y sus componentes en la población urbana del municipio de El Retiro, localizado en el departamento de Antioquia, noroccidente de Colombia utilizando los criterios del ATP III.Materiales y Métodos: del total de la población mayor de 20 años mediante un muestreo aleatorio por conglomerados se evaluaron 381 sujetos, a quienes se les realizó una encuesta sistematizada y se les tomó la presión arterial en el brazo derecho sentados, el peso en kilogramos, la talla en centímetros y las circunferencias de cintura y cadera. A 365 sujetos en ayunas se les determinó la glucemia, colesterol total, triglicéridos, colesterol HDL y por fórmula de Friedewald el colesterol LDL. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante EPI-INFO y STATA 6.0 tomando como significativa una p < 0.05. Resultados: la prevalencia ajustada a la edad encontrada para cada uno de los factores fue la siguiente: hiperglucemia (Glucemia > 110 mg/dl o diabetes previa) 12.5 por ciento, hipertrigliceridemia (TG >150 mg/dl) 32.16 por ciento, disminución del colesterol HDL (<40 mg/dl) 38.87 por ciento, hipertensión (PA > 130/85 mmHg o hipertensión previa) 48.58 por ciento, circunferencia cintura (H > 102 cm, M > 88 cm) 27.6 por ciento. La prevalencia ajustada a la edad del síndrome metabólico según los criterios de ATP III por la presencia de 3 ó más de sus componentes fue de 23.64 por ciento.Conclusiones: el síndrome metabólico tiene la alta prevalencia de (23 por ciento) en El Retiro Antioquia. Debido a su impacto en la salud de la población y a que la piedra angular en su tratamiento es disminuir de peso y aumentar la actividad física, se deberían plantear estrategias para lograr estos objetivos

Objetive: to establish the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its components using ATPIII criteria in the urban population of El Retiro, located in the Antioquia department, in the northwestern region of Colombia. Materials and methods: 381 subjects were evaluated from the total population older than 20, by means of a random conglomerate sampling. A systematic interview was answered, and records of blood pressure taken in the right arm in sitting position, weight in kilograms, height in centimeters and circumference of waist and hip were taken. In 365 subjects, glycemia, total cholesterol, triglicerides and HDL cholesterol were determined in the fasting state. LDL cholesterol was determined using the Fridewald formula. The statistical analysis was made using EPI-INFO and STATA 6.0, with significant p value < 0.05. Results: for each one of the factors, the prevalence adjusted to age was as follows: hyperglycemia (Glycemia>110 mg/dl or previous diabetes) 12.5%, hypertriglyceridemia (TG>150 mg/dl) 32.16%, low HDL cholesterol (<40 mg/dl) 38.87%, hypertension (BAP>130/85 mmHg or previous hypertension 48.58%, waist circumference (M>102 cm, F>88 cm) 27.6%. The age adjusted prevalence of the metabolic syndrome, using the criteria of ATP III because of the presence of three or mores of its components was 23.64%. Conclusions: there is a high prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in El Retiro, Antioquia. Due to its impact in the health of the general population and because the cornerstone of its treatment is weight loss and increased physical activity, these activities should be proposed to reach therapeutically goals

Colaboración Cochrane Iberoamericana-Colombia región Antioquia y viejo Caldas Identificación y descripción de los ensayos clínicos controlados publicados durante el período 1948 -1998 / Cooperative Cochrane Iberoamericana-Colombia region Antioquia and Caldas old

ENTIDADES: Escuela de Investigaciones Médicas Aplicadas, Biblioteca Médica, Facultad de Medicina; Sistema de Bibliotecas, Universidad de Antioquia.Objetivo: localizar y describir los ensayos clínicos (EC) con distribución aleatoria publicados en la región. Se pretende que esta información permita un mayor conocimiento de este tipo de actividad científica, así como que constituya la base de partida para los trabajos de la Colaboración Cochrane Iberoamericana.Metodología: búsqueda manual en los principales títulos de revistas médicas de la región de los posibles ensayos clínicos controlados.Resultados: se revisaron 23 revistas, en las cuales se encontraron 52 ensayos clínicos controlados y tres ensayos clínicos aleatorizados.Conclusiones: este trabajo es pionero en Antioquia y el viejo Caldas en la búsqueda de ensayos clínicos controlados en las principales publicaciones entre 1948-1998. Hace parte del estudio "Identificación de los estudios clínicos controlados y meta-análisis en las revistas de salud en Colombia 1948-1998", iniciado con el fin de crear una base latinoamericana de datos especializada en ensayos clínicos.