Effect of ultra-fine friction grinding on the physical and chemical properties of curcuma (Curcuma longa L.) suspensions.

Curcuma longa is a rhizome used for the extraction of curcumin, a yellow colorant that only represents 3 wt% of the dried rhizome. To increase the possibility of using the entire rhizome as a food colorant, in the present investigation, the effect of ultra-fine friction grinding (supermasscolloider) to obtain turmeric suspensions was evaluated. To achieve this goal, two distances between the grinding stones or Gap were evaluated (G of -1 and -1.5), and the obtained suspensions were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and through the determination of curcumin content, color, particle size, sedimentation index, serum cloudiness, and microstructure. The results establish that a lower G contributes to an increase in the release of curcumin in the suspension up to 21%, which is related to a greater tendency for yellow coloration, observed in the increase of the * b coordinate of color (from 61.588 to 66.497). Additionally, it was found that a lower G generates smaller particle sizes, which is related to a lower turbidity. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This research shows that ultra-fine friction grinding (UFFG) has great potential for the development of turmeric suspensions. The results have applications in the food industry sector, because UFFG could be used to produce different types of vegetable suspensions.

Novel surface modification of three-dimensional bacterial nanocellulose with cell-derived adhesion proteins for soft tissue engineering.

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) is a natural polymer composed of glucose units with an important application as a two and three-dimensional scaffold for tissue engineering. However, as a polysaccharide, BNC does not have the biological signals of protein biomaterials. Therefore, this paper aims to develop a novel methodology to biomimic soft extracellular matrix (ECM) chemistry on to 3D BNC using the bioengineering of fibroblasts (the cells responsible for producing and regenerating the ECM) to immobilise adhesion proteins such as collagen and fibronectin. Modified 3D BNC (Mod-BNC) biomaterials were morphologically, thermally, and chemically characterised, and furthermore, the cell response was analysed by adhesion studies using atomic force microscopy (AFM), XTT assay, and confocal microscopy. Cell-derived proteins were deposited on the BNC nanoribbon network to modify its surface. The contact angle was increased from 40° to 60°, reducing the wettability of the biomaterial, and during thermogravimetry, the proteins in Mod-BNC exhibited an enhanced thermal stability because of the interactions between themselves and BNC. Chemical and immunocytochemistry analyses confirmed the presence of collagen type I and fibronectin on 3D BNC. These proteins activate integrin adhesion pathways that generate stronger cell adhesions. AFM experiments showed higher forces and energies on modified biomaterials, and moreover, the cells that adhered on to Mod-BNC exhibited higher mitochondrial activity and higher cell populations per cubic millimetre than non-modified surfaces (NMod-BNC). Accordingly, it was established that this novel methodology is robust and able to biomimic the chemical surface of soft ECM and immobilise cell-derived adhesion proteins from fibroblast; moreover, the Mod-BNC exhibited better cell response than NMod-BNC because of the biological signals in 3D BNC.

Poly (vinyl alcohol) as a capping agent in oven dried cellulose nanofibrils.

Commercialization of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) involves addressing various challenges. Among them, wet storage and transport of CNFs due to their irreversible agglomeration when dehydrated (i.e., hornification) is a pressing issue, as it increases transportation costs. Various alternatives have been proposed in literature, some of which require the use of high-energy treatments to facilitate their redispersion after drying, while others may be inadequate when applied to food and pharmaceutical applications. The present work examines a new approach that involves using poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a capping agent to redisperse CNFs. Different CNF to PVA ratios were used, and redispersed samples were analyzed in terms of their morphological, physicochemical and rheological properties to assess changes occurring during processing. Results show that the ratio of CNFs to PVA affects the final properties of the redispersed product, when the ratio 1:2.5 was used, the redispersed product closely resembles the never dried sample.

Ivabradina en el manejo de la falla cardiaca aguda por miocarditis / Ivabradine in acute heart failure due to myocarditis

Resumen Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 47 años de edad, remitida a nuestra institución por cuadro de la falla cardiaca aguda secundaria a la miocarditis viral, en quien se utilizó la ivabradina como terapia coadyuvante para el control de la frecuencia cardiaca en el contexto del choque cardiogénico.

Abstract The case of a 47 year-old female patient is presented. She was referred to our institution due to acute heart failure secondary to viral myocarditis, where ivabradine was used as an adjuvant therapy for controlling the heart rate in the context of a cardiogenic shock.

Sistema de Rehabilitación de Miembro Inferior Interconectado con un Videojuego: Una Potencial Aplicación para Víctimas de Minas Antipersonal / Lower Limb Rehabilitation System Interfaced with a Videogame: A Potential Application for Landmine Victims

Resumen A nivel mundial se registran anualmente alrededor de 3,308 víctimas de minas antipersonal (MAP), de las cuales un 67% corresponde a lesiones de miembros inferiores que requieren rehabilitación. Este artículo presenta un sistema de adquisición de datos para un equipo de rehabilitación de víctimas de MAP, quienes al interactuar con un videojuego de carreras de automóviles realizan la terapia. El sistema permite al terapeuta establecer una velocidad de pedaleo mínima y analizar la fuerza y velocidad del mismo. El desarrollo conceptual incorpora una bicicleta estática comercial, sensores para medir la fuerza de pedaleo, un sensor óptico para medir la velocidad y pulsadores de mando para interactuar con el videojuego. Para evaluar el sistema se caracterizaron y probaron los sensores, y se realizaron encuestas de percepción a 20 fisioterapeutas relacionadas con ergonomía, seguridad y potenciales beneficios del sistema. El 70%, 90% y 80% de los fisioterapeutas valoraron, respectivamente, estas características en un nivel Alto. Adicionalmente, al menos el 85% de ellos están de acuerdo con nueve beneficios potenciales para personas víctimas de MAP, por lo tanto se plantea que el sistema desarrollado puede utilizarse como 'juego serio' para apoyar las terapias de rehabilitación de personas con prótesis por esta causa.

Abstract Worldwide there are approximately 3,308 records of landmine victims during a year. 67% of them suffered injuries which require physical rehabilitation. This paper presents a data acquisition system for landmine victims rehabilitation, interfaced with a videogame, which enables to interact with a racing game. The therapist can set the minimum speed required for the rehabilitation and analyze the forces and speed developed while pedaling. The conceptual development incorporates a commercial static bicycle, sensors to measure the pedaling force, an optic sensor to measure the speed, and command buttons to control the videogame. In order to evaluate the system, the sensors were characterized and tested, and a survey was conducted to 20 physiotherapists in order to evaluate the perception of ergonomics, safety and possible benefits of the data acquisition system for rehabilitation of landmine victims. 70%, 90% and 80% of the physiotherapists, respectively, assessed these characteristics as High level. Moreover, at least 85% of them are agree with nine possible benefits for rehabilitation of landmine explosion victim. Therefore, it is proposed that the data acquisition system can be used as a serious game that supports rehabilitation therapies of people with a prosthesis due to this cause.

Desarrollo de un refresco a partir de la mezcla de fresa ( Fragaria ananassa ), mora ( Rubus glaucus ), gulupa ( Passiflora edulis Sims ) y uchuva ( Physalis peruviana L. ) fortificado con hierro dirigido a niños en edad preescolar / Development of an iron-fortified drink from strawberry ( Fragaria ananassa ), blackberry ( Rubus glaucus ), purple passion fruit ( Passiflora edulis sims ) and gooseberry ( Physalis peruviana l. ) for preschoolers

RESUMEN Antecedentes la deficiencia de hierro, es reconocida a nivel mundial como uno de los principales problemas de salud pública asociados a la nutrición. En Colombia es necesario mejorar las estrategias nutricionales encaminadas a la población infantil, con el fin de incrementar su calidad de vida. Objetivo: desarrollar un refresco a partir de la mezcla de fresa, mora, gulupa y uchuva fortificado con hierro para niños en edad preescolar. Materiales y métodos para el desarrollo del producto, se seleccionaron cuatro frutas y se caracterizaron fisicoquímicamente. Para establecer la formulación del refresco, se realizó un diseño experimental ortogonal L82 , evaluando la aceptación sensorial como variable respuesta. Finalmente, se caracterizó el producto desarrollado, determinando el contenido de hierro y vitamina C. Resultados los ocho prototipos evaluados durante el desarrollo de la formulación, cumplieron con los requisitos establecidos en la normativa colombiana para los refrescos de fruta. El prototipo final presentó un contenido de 36,7% de fruta y el 40% del valor diario recomendado de hierro, en una porción de 250 ml. Conclusiones las cuatro frutas estudiadas pueden ser utilizadas en el desarrollo de refrescos con un importante aporte de vitamina C y fortificados con hierro, como estrategia nutricional para prevenir la deficiencia de este mineral en niños.

ABSTRACT Background Iron deficiency is recognized worldwide as a major public health concern, related to nutrition. In Colombia, the improvement of the nutritional strategies for children are required to increase their life quality. Objective To develop a mixed fruit beverage from strawberry, blackberry, gooseberry and purple passion fruit, fortified with iron for preschoolers. Materials and methods For the product development, four fruits were selected and characterized. To establish the beverage formulation, an orthogonal experimental design L825 was performed, evaluating the sensory acceptance as the response variable. Finally, the selected product was characterized by determining the content of iron and vitamin C. Results The eight prototypes obtained during the development of the beverage formulation accomplished the requirements of the Colombian law. The final prototype had a fruit content of 36.7 wt% and an iron intake value of 40 wt%, in a portion of 250 ml. Conclusions the four fruits studied can be used for the development of iron-fortified beverages, with an important contribution of vitamin C, as a nutritional strategy to prevent the deficiencies of this mineral in children.

Influence of the acid type in the production of chitosan films reinforced with bacterial nanocellulose.

Chitosan films reinforced with bacterial cellulose (BC) nanoribbons were studied to understand the influence of acid (acetic and lactic acids) on the reinforcing effect. For both acids, the maximum concentration of the reinforcing constituent was 5wt% with respect to the dry weight of chitosan. The infrared spectra, mechanical properties, morphology and antimicrobial activity of the films were analyzed. The results showed a difference between the acids in their behavior and effect on the reinforcement, with a tensile strength of 12.3MPa for the acetic acid films and 3.3MPa for the lactic acid films. Additionally, the bacterial inhibition tests were shown to be positive for the lactic acid films and negative for the acetic acid films. Therefore, exchanging the acid used in these films may be desirable for certain applications.

Aplicación de métodos electroquímicos en la remoción de materia orgánica en los jugos producto del beneficio del fique: alternativa biotecnológica para mitigar la contaminación en los afluentes hídricos / Application of electrochemical methods in the removal of organic matter in the juices of the benefit of sisal products: biotechnological alternative for mitigating water pollution in the tributaries

Esta investigación tuvo como propósito aplicar las tecnologías electroanalíticas, como la electrocoagulación, para la remoción de materia orgánica presente en los jugos del fique con el fin de reducir el impacto ambiental que genera una práctica milenaria y cultural como lo es la extracción de la fibra (cabuya) de la Fourcrea c. En el presente estudio, se evaluó el comportamiento de la demanda química de oxígeno (DQO) a través del proceso electroquímico bajo diferentes parámetros de corriente eléctrica, voltaje y pH para evaluar los parámetros óptimos de operación en el tratamiento de estas aguas residuales, lo cual permitió modelar matemáticamente la respuesta de este proceso y plantear una alternativa para mitigar la contaminación generada en los cuerpos de agua.

Caracterización de personas lesionadas en accidentes de tránsito ocurridos en Medellín y atendidas en un hospital de tercer nivel, 1999-2008 / Characterization of people injured in traffic accidents in Medellín assisted in a general hospital, 1999-2008

Los accidentes de tránsito son un problema social y salud pública mundial que dejan lesionados susceptibles de sufrir discapacidad, daño psicológico o muerte, lo cual representa alto costo económico. En Medellín hay pocos estudios sobre morbilidad y gravedad de los lesionados. Objetivo: describir características de persona, tiempo, lugar y vehículo de los accidentados en tránsito en Medellín, atendidos en un hospital de tercer nivel entre 1999 y 2008. Metodología: estudio descriptivo retrospectivo con datos del formulario único de reclamación del seguro obligatorio de accidentes de tránsito (SOAT) para las atenciones de 29.676 lesionados. Resultados: un total de 34.3% ingresaron en la tarde, 52,0% los fines de semana y festivos 67,0% vivían en Medellín. El 50,3% ingreso durante la primera hora posterior al accidente y 78,1% egresaron el mismo día. Más de la mitad eran hombre jóvenes de 20 a 39 años. Las regiones anatómicas más afectadas fueron la cabeza, cara o cuello (25,8%) y miembros inferiores (25,2%). Los motociclistas representan 79,6%; el 43,2% sufrió lesiones en colisiones, 54,7% tenía lesiones leves. La mortalidad global fue de 1,5%. Discusión: el conocimiento existente sobre las características de las personas que se atienden en los servicios de urgencias de estas ciudades, incluido Medellín, es escaso.

Traffic accidents are a social and public health problem all over the world that output injured people which become susceptible to suffering disability, psychological damage or death representing a high economic cost. There are just a few researches about mor¬bidity and severity of injured people in Medellin. Objective: to describe the characteristics of people, time, place and vehicle in traffic accidents in Medellin that were assisted in a general hospi¬tal between 1999 and 2008. Methodology: retrospective descrip¬tive study with data taken from the unique claim form managed by the Mandatory Insurance for Traffic Accidents (soat) applied to 29.676 people injured. Results: 34,3% was admitted in the afternoon, 52,0% in weekends and holidays and 67,0% lived in Medellin. 50,3% was admitted in the hospital in the first hour after the accident and 78,1% were discharged the same day. More than 50% were young men with ages 20-39 years. The most affected anatomical areas were the head, face or neck (25,8%) and lower extremities (25,2%). Motorcyclists were 79,6%, and 43,2% suffe¬red injuries in collisions. 54,7% had minor injuries. Global mor¬tality was 1,5%. Discussion: Knowledge about the characteristics of people who are seen in emergency departments of these cities, including Medellin, is small.