Experimental evaluation of the impact of sEMG interfaces in enhancing embodiment of virtual myoelectric prostheses.

INTRODUCTION: Despite recent technological advances that have led to sophisticated bionic prostheses, attaining embodied solutions still remains a challenge. Recently, the investigation of prosthetic embodiment has become a topic of interest in the research community, which deals with enhancing the perception of artificial limbs as part of users' own body. Surface electromyography (sEMG) interfaces have emerged as a promising technology for enhancing upper-limb prosthetic control. However, little is known about the impact of these sEMG interfaces on users' experience regarding embodiment and their interaction with different functional levels. METHODS: To investigate this aspect, a comparison is conducted among sEMG configurations with different number of sensors (4 and 16 channels) and different time delay. We used a regression algorithm to simultaneously control hand closing/opening and forearm pronation/supination in an immersive virtual reality environment. The experimental evaluation includes 24 able-bodied subjects and one prosthesis user. We assess functionality with the Target Achievement Control test, and the sense of embodiment with a metric for the users perception of self-location, together with a standard survey. RESULTS: Among the four tested conditions, results proved a higher subjective embodiment when participants used sEMG interfaces employing an increased number of sensors. Regarding functionality, significant improvement over time is observed in the same conditions, independently of the time delay implemented. CONCLUSIONS: Our work indicates that a sufficient number of sEMG sensors improves both, functional and subjective embodiment outcomes. This prompts discussion regarding the potential relationship between these two aspects present in bionic integration. Similar embodiment outcomes are observed in the prosthesis user, showing also differences due to the time delay, and demonstrating the influence of sEMG interfaces on the sense of agency.

Role of PIGM and PIGX in glycosylphosphatidylinositol biosynthesis and human health (Review).

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol-glycan (GPI) is an anchor to specific cell surface proteins known as GPI-anchored proteins (APs) that are localized in lipid rafts and may act as cell co-receptors, enzymes and adhesion molecules. The present review investigated the significance of GPI biosynthesis class phosphatidylinositol-glycan (PIG)M and PIGX in GPI synthesis and their implications in human health conditions. PIGM encodes GPI-mannosyltransferase I (MT-I) enzyme that adds the first mannose to the GPI core structure. PIGX encodes the regulatory subunit of GPI-MT-I. The present review summarizes characteristics of the coding sequences of PIGM and PIGX, and their expression in humans, as well as the relevance of GPI-MT-I and the regulatory subunit in maintaining the presence of GPI-APs on the cell surface and their secretion. In addition, the association of PIGM mutations with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and certain types of GPI-deficiency disease and the altered expression of PIGM and PIGX in cancer were also reviewed. In addition, their interaction with other proteins was described, suggesting a complex role in cell biology. PIGM and PIGX are critical genes for GPI synthesis. Understanding gene and protein regulation may provide valuable insights into the role of GPI-APs in cellular processes.

Ion-bombardment-driven surface modification of porous magnesium scaffolds: Enhancing biocompatibility and osteoimmunomodulation.

Porous Mg scaffolds are promising for bone repair but are limited by high corrosion rates and challenges in preserving coating integrity. We used Directed Plasma Nanosynthesis (DPNS) at 400 eV and a fluence of 1 × 1018 cm-2 to augment the bioactivity and corrosion resistance of porous Mg scaffolds, maintaining their overall material integrity. DPNS creates nanostructures that increase surface area, promote apatite nucleation, and enhance osseointegration, improving the bioactivity and corrosion resistance of porous Mg scaffolds without compromising their structure. Our findings indicate a decrease in surface roughness, with pre-irradiated samples having Rq = 60.4 ± 5.3 nm andRa = 48.2 ± 3.1 nm, and post-DPNS samples showing Rq = 36.9 ± 0.3 nm andRa = 28.6 ± 0.8 nm. This suggests changes in topography and wettability, corroborated by the increased water contact angles (CA) of 129.2 ± 3.2 degrees. The complexity of the solution influences the CA: DMEM results in a CA of 120.4 ± 0.1 degrees, while DMEM + SBF decreases it to 103.6 ± 0.5 degrees, in contrast to the complete spreading observed in non-irradiated samples. DPNS-treated scaffolds exhibit significantly reduced corrosion rates at 5.7 × 10-3 ± 3.8 × 10-4 mg/cm²/day, compared to the control's 2.3 × 10-2 ± 3.2 × 10-4 mg/cm²/day over 14 days (P < 0.01). The treatment encourages the formation of a Ca-phosphate-rich phase, which facilitates cell spreading and the development of focal adhesion points in hBM-MSCs on the scaffolds. Additionally, J774A.1 murine macrophages show an enhanced immune response with diminished TNF-α cytokine expression. These results offer insights into nanoscale modifications of Mg-based biomaterials and their promise for bone substitutes or tissue engineering scaffolds.

Macrophage phenotypes and functions: resolving inflammation and restoring homeostasis.

Inflammation must be tightly regulated to both defend against pathogens and restore tissue homeostasis. The resolution of inflammatory responses is a dynamic process orchestrated by cells of the immune system. Macrophages, tissue-resident innate immune cells, are key players in modulating inflammation. Here, we review recent work highlighting the importance of macrophages in tissue resolution and the return to homeostasis. We propose that enhancing macrophage pro-resolution functions represents a novel and widely applicable therapeutic strategy to dampen inflammation, promote repair, and restore tissue integrity and function.

Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Normal and Shear Forces During Grasping, Manipulation and Social Activities.

Extensive research has established and widely acknowledged the important contribution of human hand sensory receptors in providing tactile feedback. The absence of these receptors results in a poor perception of the environment, impairing our efficient manipulation skills. Although the literature emphasizes the significance of normal forces in human grasping, further investigations should point toward the role of shear forces in this process. This paper presents an analysis of human everyday grasping activities through the use of 20 three-axis magnetic soft skin force sensors, in the form of rings and bands, that measure both normal and shear forces. Our study includes twelve tasks that cover various grasping requirements. Results highlight the importance of spatial information and the usefulness of shear forces in the prediction of unexpected changes that can not be always observed in normal forces. Tactile sensing can ultimately be integrated into prosthetic and rehabilitation devices for improved control and potentially provide sensory feedback to the user.

A Review of Foods of Plant Origin as Sources of Vitamins with Proven Activity in Oxidative Stress Prevention according to EFSA Scientific Evidence.

Beyond their nutritional benefits, vitamins could decrease the risk of chronic diseases due to their potent antioxidant capacity. The present work is aimed at reviewing the state of the art regarding (1) the vitamins involved in oxidative stress prevention in accordance with the requirements established by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and (2) the foods of plant origin that are sources of those vitamins and have potential benefits against oxidative stress in humans. According to the European regulations based on EFSA scientific evidence, riboflavin, vitamin C, and vitamin E are those vitamins subjected to the approved health claim "contribute to the protection of cells from oxidative stress". Scientific studies conducted in humans with some natural food sources of riboflavin (almonds, wheat germ, mushrooms, oat bran), vitamin C (guava, kale, black currant, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, orange), and vitamin E (hazelnuts, almonds, peanuts, pistachio nuts, extra virgin olive oil, dates, rye) have been performed and published in the literature. However, no food of plant origin has obtained a favorable EFSA opinion to substantiate the approval of health claims related to its potential properties related to oxidative stress prevention. Further studies (concretely, well-controlled human intervention studies) must be carried out in accordance with EFSA requirements to provide the highest level of scientific evidence that could demonstrate the potential relationship between foods of plant origin and antioxidant capacity. This review could be useful for the scientific community to study the application of health claims referring to the antioxidant capacity potentially exerted by foods of plant origin.

Natural Sources of Food Colorants as Potential Substitutes for Artificial Additives.

In recent years, the demand of healthier food products and products made with natural ingredients has increased overwhelmingly, led by the awareness of human beings of the influence of food on their health, as well as by the evidence of side effects generated by different ingredients such as some additives. This is the case for several artificial colorants, especially azo colorants, which have been related to the development of allergic reactions, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. All the above has focused the attention of researchers on obtaining colorants from natural sources that do not present a risk for consumption and, on the contrary, show biological activity. The most representative compounds that present colorant capacity found in nature are anthocyanins, anthraquinones, betalains, carotenoids and chlorophylls. Therefore, the present review summarizes research published in the last 15 years (2008-2023) in different databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and ScienceDirect) encompassing various natural sources of these colorant compounds, referring to their obtention, identification, some of the efforts made for improvements in their stability and their incorporation in different food matrices. In this way, this review evidences the promising path of development of natural colorants for the replacement of their artificial counterparts.

Navigating the transition of care in patients with inborn errors of immunity: a single-center's descriptive experience.

The transition from pediatric to adult care is a critical milestone in managing children, especially in those with complex chronic conditions. It involves ensuring the patient and family adapt correctly to the new phase, maintaining continuity of ongoing treatments, and establishing an appropriate follow-up plan with specialists. Patients with Inborn error of immunity (IEI), formerly known as Primary Immune Disorders (PID) are part of a group of disorders characterized by alterations in the proper functioning of the immune system; as the diagnostic and treatment tools for these entities progress, life expectancy increases, and new needs emerge. These children have special needs during the transition. Particularly important in the group of children with PID and syndromic features, who often present multiple chronic medical conditions. In these cases, transition planning is a significant challenge, involving not only the patients and their families but also a wide range of specialists. To achieve this, a multidisciplinary transition team should be established between the pediatric specialists and the adult consultants, designing a circuit in which communication is essential. As few transition care guidelines in the field of PID are available, and to our knowledge, there is no specific information available regarding patients with PID associated with syndromic features, we share our experience in this issue as a Primary Immunodeficiencies Unit that is a National Reference Center for PID, and propose a guide to achieve an adequate and successful transition to adulthood in these patients, especially in those with associated syndromic features.

Functional assessment of current upper limb prostheses: An integrated clinical and technological perspective.

Although recent technological developments in the field of bionic upper limb prostheses, their rejection rate remains excessively high. The reasons are diverse (e.g. lack of functionality, control complexity, and comfortability) and most of these are reported only through self-rated questionnaires. Indeed, there is no quantitative evaluation of the extent to which a novel prosthetic solution can effectively address users' needs compared to other technologies. This manuscript discusses the challenges and limitations of current upper limb prosthetic devices and evaluates their functionality through a standard functional assessment, the Assessment of Capacity for Myoelectric Control (ACMC). To include a good representation of technologies, the authors collect information from participants in the Cybathlon Powered Arm Prostheses Race 2016 and 2020. The article analyzes 7 hour and 41 min of video footage to evaluate the performance of different prosthetic devices in various tasks inspired by activities of daily living (ADL). The results show that commercially-available rigid hands perform well in dexterous grasping, while body-powered solutions are more reliable and convenient for competitive environments. The article also highlights the importance of wrist design and control modality for successful execution of ADL. Moreover, we discuss the limitations of the evaluation methodology and suggest improvements for future assessments. With regard to future development, this work highlights the need for research in intuitive control of multiple degrees of freedom, adaptive solutions, and the integration of sensory feedback.

Betacyanins obtained from alternative novel sources as natural food colorant additives: incorporated in savory and sweet food products.

The aim of this study was to assess the performance and stability of betacyanin compounds present in enriched extracts of red-fleshed pitaya peels (Hylocereus costaricensis) and the flowers of Amaranthus caudatus; they were evaluated as natural food colorants in tagliatelle pasta and meringue cookies. The recovered natural extracts showed promising stability, maintaining a deep pink color over a storage time of 14 days, without deeply changing the chemical composition. A number of factors were assessed, including the microbial load, texture, color, nutritional value, and contents of organic acids, fatty acids, and even free sugars of the products. Some significant interactions between the type of colorant and storage time contributed to the changes in some analyzed parameters, as can be observed from the results for organic and fatty acids in the tagliatelle pasta and meringue cookies. Another significant achievement was the reduction in the microbial load during the storage time, which strengthens the antibacterial power of these natural extracts.

Wild Vitex agnus-castus L.: Phytochemical Characterization, Acute Toxicity, and Bioactive Properties.

Wild Vitex agnus-castus (VAC) is a Mediterranean plant that is rich in bioactive metabolites. This study aimed to validate, for the first time, the beneficial use of VAC fruits and fruit decoctions (VFDs) through in vitro and in vivo trials. Forty-one volatile components were detected in VAC fruits, with 1,8-cineole (30.3%) comprising the majority. The antioxidant activity of VFD was measured by using different in vitro methods (EC50 of 0.16 mg/mL by ß-carotene bleaching inhibition assay) and by measuring the DNA protection power. Using the disc diffusion assay, the antimicrobial activity of VFD was evaluated, and it exhibited a noticeable anticandidal activity. VFD did not cause any toxicity or mortality in rats treated with doses > 200 mg/kg. Using the acetic acid writhing test, the antinociceptive activity of VFD was measured. Our results showed that VFD at 200 mg/kg exhibited a higher analgesic activity (81.68%) than acetylsalicylic acid used as a positive control (74.35%). Its gastroprotective ability was assessed by HCl/ethanol-induced gastric lesions, which were remarkably inhibited (84.62%) by intraperitoneal administration of VFD. This work helps to validate the popular use of VAC to treat nociceptive, inflammatory, and gastric disorders and encourages researchers to further investigate the identification of pharmacological compounds from this species.

Wild Fruits of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. and Sorbus aria (L.) Crantz: From Traditional Foods to Innovative Sources of Pigments and Antioxidant Ingredients for Food Products.

Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna Jacq.) and whitebeam (Sorbus aria (L.) Crantz) are wild species traditionally used as ethnic foods in the Mediterranean area. Their red berries, and mainly the peels, may be used as ingredients due to their color (replacing other synthetic colorants) or functional properties. Some previous studies analyze all edible fruits, but there is very little literature on the composition and properties of the pulpless epidermis of the fruits of C. monogyna and no literature concerning the fruits of S. aria. Total phenolic compounds (TPC) and families of hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, flavonols, and total monomeric anthocyanins were determined in the epidermis of C. monogyna and S. aria fruits. The in vitro antioxidant capacity was also determined using QUENCHER (Quick-Easy-New-CHEap-Reproducible) methodology. Anthocyanins profiles were analyzed in hydroalcoholic extracts through HPLC/MS. C. monogyna fruits presented higher content of TPC than S. aria, with hydroxybenzoic acids (2870.6 mg GAE/100g dw) as the major family, followed by flavonols (771.4 mg QE/100 g dw) and hydroxycinnamic acids (610.3 FAE/100 g dw). Anthocyanins were found in 251.7 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/100 g dw, characterized by the content of cyanidin-O-hexoxide and peonidin-O-hexoxide. The levels of these compounds correlated with higher values of a* parameter (higher intensity of reddish color). These fruits also showed higher antioxidant capacity by Q-Folin-Ciocalteu and Q-FRAP. S. aria peels had fewer phenolic compounds, particularly anthocyanins (33.7 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside/100 g dw), containing different cyanidin derivatives. From these results, new insights about the composition of the epidermis of these wild fruits are provided, and their potential as ingredients for the food industry is corroborated.

Thermal inkjet bioprinting drastically alters cell phenotype.

Since the first description of inkjet bioprinting of cells in 2003, quantifying the input and measuring the output of the printers has been the hallmark of the field of bioprinting, as it is virtually impossible to characterize cells that are inside the printing orifices or extrusion needles. We will describe here some recent discoveries of cell behavior due to inkjet bioprinting. Primary and immortalized adult dermal fibroblasts were expanded for 2-3 passages upon receiving. The cells were harvested, resuspended in PBS, and bioprinted into a 96-well plate with pluriSTEM media. Cells were then transferred either into precoated 96-well plates or 20µl drops were pipetted for hanging drop culture. IPC differentiation protocols were applied and the induction was begun approximately 45 min after printing. When differentiating aggregates, the initiation happened 45 min after the aggregates were transferred into the 96 wells. Standard immunostaining and RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) were used to analyze the cell phenotypes. Preliminary results indicate that all cells expressed the three pluripotency markers oct-4, nanog, and sox-2. After applying a cardiomyocyte differentiation protocol, the cells stained positively for troponin-3. The cells also elongated and became more cardiomyocyte-like in their morphology. We analyzed bulk RNA seq data and our preliminary results show upregulation of some genes that have been implicated as stem cell markers: EPCAM, LEFTY1, ZFP42, and TEX19. In addition, differential expression of genes associated with pluripotency-relevant pathways shows some pathways are off like the MAPK/p38, MAPK/JNK1-3 which is expected for a pluripotent state. We also have data supporting the activation of the hippo pathway with transcriptional co-activator with PDZ binding motif (TAZ) highly upregulated and yes-associated protein staining the cell body. In addition, GSK3B is off and TGFB1, LIF/PIK3, and AKT1 are on as expected for pluripotency. Examining the gene network of upregulated genes, one can clearly distinguish the pivotal role of FOS, FOXO1, and PIK3 all related to pluripotency. Bioprinted fibroblasts will at least temporarily adopt a more primitive or dedifferentiated state, reminiscent of pluripotency. While immunochemistry shows the classic transcription factors required for pluripotency, gene expression shows a more nuanced picture of the transformations that occur upon printing. Understanding these transformations, even if temporary will be crucial when trying to build tissues using bioprinting technologies.

The SoftHand Pro platform: a flexible prosthesis with a user-centered approach.

BACKGROUND: Among commercially-available upper-limb prostheses, the two most often used solutions are simple hook-style grippers and poly-articulated hands, which present a higher number of articulations and show a closer resemblance to biological limbs. In their majority, the former type of prostheses is body-powered, while the second type is controlled by myoelectric signals. Body-powered grippers are easy to control and allow a simple form of force feedback, frequently appreciated by users. However, they present limited versatility. Poly-articulated hands afford a wide range of grasp and manipulation types, but require enough residual muscle activation for dexterous control. Several factors, e.g. level of limb loss, personal preferences, cost, current occupation, and hobbies can influence the preference for one option over the other, and is always a result of the trade-off between system performance and users' needs. METHODS: The SoftHand Pro (SHP) is an artificial hand platform that has 19 independent joints (degrees-of-freedom), but is controlled by a single input. The design of this prosthesis is inspired by the concept of postural synergies in motor control and implemented with soft-robotic technologies. Their combination provides increased robustness, safe interaction and the execution of diverse grasps. The potential of the SHP is fully unleashed when users learn how to exploit its features and create an intimate relationship between the technical aspects of the prosthesis design and its control by the user. RESULTS: The great versatility of the SoftHand Pro (a reasearch protpotype) permitted its adaptation to the user requirements. This was experienced by the SoftHand Pro Team during the preparation for different CYBATHLON events (from 2016 to 2020). The mixed power and dexterous hand operations required by each task of the race is inspired by everyday tasks. Our prosthesis was driven by different pilots, with different habits and backgrounds. Consequently, the hand control modality was customized according to the user's preferences. Furthermore, the CYBATHLON tasks had some variations in this period, promoting the continuous development of our technology with a user-centered approach. In this paper, we describe the participation and preparation of the SoftHand Pro Team from 2016 to 2020 with three pilots and two different activation modalities, hybrid body-controlled and myoelectric control. CONCLUSIONS: We introduced our pilots, the implementation of the two control modalities, and describe the successful participation in all CYBATHLON events. This work proves the versatility of the system towards the user's preferences and the changes in the race requirements. Finally, we discussed how the CYBATHLON experience and the training in the real-world scenario have driven the evolution of our system and gave us remarkable insights for future perspectives.

Wild sweet cherry, strawberry and bilberry as underestimated sources of natural colorants and bioactive compounds with functional properties.

Wild edible fruits, neglected by the development of commercial agriculture, have recently aroused as a good source of natural colorants and bioactive compounds. These novel uses could cover the recent demand for healthier foods with functional properties. Prunus avium, Fragaria vesca and Vaccinium myrtillus wild fruits were characterized by individual anthocyanin profile and color CIELAB parameters, as well as phenolic fraction. In addition, some bioactivities were evaluated. In P. avium cyanidin-O-deoxyhexosyl-pentoside was the representative anthocyanin, in F. vesca pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside and in V. myrtillus delphinidin-O-hexoside. The three wild edible fruits showed interesting antioxidant activity especially in OxHLIA assays. V. myrtillus was the fruit with the best results for the bacterial growth inhibition, while F. vesca with better fungal growth inhibition. These results evidenced the richness of these wild fruits in bioactive compounds and pigments with antioxidant capacity, therefore, their potential use as natural colorants for healthier food products design.

Macrophages control pathological interferon responses during viral respiratory infection.

Antiviral immune mediators, including interferons and their downstream effectors, are critical for host defense yet can become detrimental when uncontrolled. Here, we identify a macrophage-mediated anti-inflammatory mechanism that limits type I interferon (IFN-I) responses. Specifically, we found that cellular stress and pathogen recognition induce Oncostatin M (OSM) production by macrophages. OSM-deficient mice succumbed to challenge with influenza or a viral mimic due to heightened IFN-I activation. Macrophage-derived OSM restricted excessive IFN-I production by lung epithelial cells following viral stimulation. Furthermore, reconstitution of OSM in the respiratory tract was sufficient to protect mice lacking macrophage-derived OSM against morbidity, indicating the importance of local OSM production. This work reveals a host strategy to dampen inflammation in the lung through the negative regulation of IFN-I by macrophages.

Comparative Safety of Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To find the safety of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) compared to each other, and/or placebo in the treatment of schizophrenia (SCZ) and/or schizoaffective disorder (SZA). METHODS: We performed a systematic review and a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the safety of LAIs versus other LAIs or placebo in adults diagnosed with SCZ or SZA. The primary outcomes were treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs), serious treatment emergent adverse events (STEAEs), and deaths. The secondary outcomes included treatment discontinuations due to adverse events and all-cause discontinuations. RESULTS: Seventeen RCTs were included (n=7,908). There were no significant differences between LAIs and placebo in the risk of presenting TEAEs. LAIs had a significant lower risk of presenting STEAEs except for aripiprazole. No significant differences in deaths were found. LAIs showed a significant protective effect against all-cause discontinuation, except for haloperidol. Only aripiprazole had a significantly lower risk of treatment discontinuation due to adverse events. CONCLUSION: We found no significant differences in the risk of presenting TEAEs between LAIs and placebo. The majority of LAIs had a significantly lower risk of presenting STEAEs than placebo. Development of international guidelines for the report of safety outcomes related to antipsychotics especially for LAIs in clinical trials could minimize report and interpretation biases and improve the accuracy of posterior meta-analysis.

The Potential Role of Human Milk Oligosaccharides in Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common gastrointestinal (GI) disorder in Western populations and therefore a major public health/economic concern. However, despite extensive research, psychological and physiological factors that contribute to the aetiology of IBS remain poorly understood. Consequently, clinical management of IBS is reduced to symptom management through various suboptimal options. Recent evidence has suggested human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) as a potential therapeutic option for IBS. Here, we review literature concerning the role of HMOs in IBS, including data from intervention and in vitro trials. HMO supplementation shows promising results in altering the gut microbiota and improving IBS symptoms, for instance by stimulating bifidobacteria. Further research in adults is required into HMO mechanisms, to confirm the preliminary results available to date and recommendations of HMO use in IBS.

Natural Coatings and Surface Modifications on Magnesium Alloys for Biomedical Applications.

Magnesium (Mg) alloys have great potential in biomedical applications due to their incomparable properties regarding other metals, such as stainless steels, Co-Cr alloys, and titanium (Ti) alloys. However, when Mg engages with body fluids, its degradation rate increases, inhibiting the complete healing of bone tissue. For this reason, it has been necessary to implement protective coatings to control the rate of degradation. This review focuses on natural biopolymer coatings used on Mg alloys for resorbable biomedical applications, as well as some modification techniques implemented before applying natural polymer coatings to improve their performance. Issues such as improving the corrosion resistance, cell adhesion, proliferation, and biodegradability of natural biopolymers are discussed through their basic comparison with inorganic-type coatings. Emphasis is placed on the expected biological behavior of each natural polymer described, to provide basic information as a reference on this topic.