Assessment of Anticancer Properties of Argemone mexicana L. and Berberine: A Comparative Study.

Argemone mexicana L. has been used in traditional Mexican medicine. Among its bioactive constituents, berberine (BER) has garnered attention for its cytotoxic properties against different tumor cell lines. This study investigates the in vitro toxicity against HEP-G2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) and murine lymphoma (L5178Y-R) cells using the MTT assay of the methanol extract (AmexM), sub-partitions of A. mexicana, and BER. Selectivity indices (SIs) were determined by comparing their cytotoxic effects on VERO (monkey kidney epithelial) and PBMC (human peripheral blood mononuclear) non-tumoral cells. Additionally, the anti-hemolytic effect of these treatments was assessed using the AAPH method. The treatment with the most promising activity against tumor cells and anti-hemolytic efficacy underwent further evaluation for toxicity in Artemia salina and antioxidant activities using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. BER demonstrated an IC50 = 56.86 µg/mL in HEP-G2 cells and IC50 < 5.0 µg/mL in L5178Y-R cells, with SI values of 15.97 and >5.40 in VERO and PBMC cells, respectively. No significant hemolytic effects were observed, although AmexM and BER exhibited the highest anti-hemolytic activity. BER also demonstrated superior antioxidant efficacy, with lower toxicity in A. salina nauplii compared to the control. Additionally, BER significantly attenuated nitric oxide production. This study highlights the antiproliferative effects of A. mexicana, particularly BER, against HEP-G2 and L5178Y-R tumor cell lines, along with its selectivity towards normal cells. Furthermore, its anti-hemolytic and antioxidant potentials were demonstrated, suggesting that BER is a promising candidate for potent chemotherapeutic agents.

L-theanine abates oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by positively regulating the antioxidant response.

L-theanine (L-THE), a non-protein amino acid isolated from Camelia sinensis, has antioxidant properties that could prevent oxidative damage and mitochondrial dysfunction generated by myocardial ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury. The present study aimed to identify the effects of pretreatment with L-THE in rat hearts undergoing I/R. Wistar rats received vehicle or 250 mg/Kg L-THE intragastrically for 10 days. On day 11, hearts were removed under anesthesia and exposed to I/R injury in the Langendorff system. Measurement of left ventricular developed pressure and heart rate ex vivo demonstrates that L-THE prevents I/R-induced loss of cardiac function. Consequently, the infarct size of hearts subjected to I/R was significantly decreased when L-THE was administered. L-THE also mitigated I/R-induced oxidative injury in cardiac tissue by decreasing reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde levels, while increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes, SOD and CAT. Additionally, L-THE prevents oxidative phosphorylation breakdown and loss of inner mitochondrial membrane potential caused by I/R, restoring oxygen consumption levels, increasing respiratory control and phosphorylation efficiency, as well as buffering calcium overload. Finally, L-THE modifies the expression of genes involved in the antioxidant response through the overexpression of SOD1, SOD2 and CAT; as well as the transcriptional factors PPARα and Nrf2 in hearts undergoing I/R. In conclusion, L-THE confers cardioprotection against I/R injury by preventing oxidative stress, protecting mitochondrial function, and promoting overexpression of antioxidant genes. More studies are needed to place L-THE at the forefront of cardiovascular research and recommend its therapeutic use.

Percepción sobre el maltrato en médicos residentes de un Hospital de referencia de Paraguay

Introducción: El maltrato es una problemática que el mundo viene sufriendo y sosteniendo desde siglos anteriores y el sector salud no queda exento de tal agravio. En Latinoamérica existe un alto índice de maltratos en médicos. Objetivos: Determinar la percepción sobre el maltrato en médicos residentes de un hospital de referencia nacional de Paraguay durante el 2020. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal, dónde fueron incluidos 240 residentes de las diferentes especialidades de un hospital de referencia nacional. Resultados: Ingresaron al estudio 240 médicos residentes, con una edad promedio de 27,3 ±1,6. El 52,08% (125) fueron del sexo masculino. En cuanto al maltrato psicológico, el 98,33% (236) recibió críticas o humillaciones, el 92,08% (221) ha sido víctima de gritos y el 39% (94) de guardia como castigo. Lo que respecta al maltrato físico, el 9% (22) de los residentes recibió golpes o empujones. El 7,92% (19) refirió haber recibido comentarios sexuales sobre su cuerpo o parte de él y el 2% (5) haber sido expuesto a material pornográfico, evidenciando el maltrato de índole sexual. En relación al perpetrador del total de episodios de maltrato que corresponde al 56,78% (494), el Residente Superior ha sido señalado como principal autor. Conclusión: Existe una alarmante frecuencia de maltrato en la formación profesional de los médicos residentes. Se destaca el maltrato psicológico en mayor proporción y al Residente Superior como principal perpetrador.

Introduction: Abuse is a problem that the world has been suffering and sustaining for centuries and the health sector is not exempt from such injury. In Latin America there is a high rate of mistreatment in doctors. Objectives: To determine the perception of mistreatment in resident doctors of a national reference hospital in Paraguay during 2020. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study was carried out, where 240 residents of the different specialties of a national referral hospital were included. Results: 240 residents entered the study, with a mean age of 27.3 ± 1.6. 52.08% (125) were male. Regarding psychological abuse, 98.33% (236) received criticism or humiliation, 92.08% (221) have been the victim of shouting and 39% (94) on duty as punishment. Regarding physical abuse, 9% (22) of the residents received blows or shoves. 7.92% (19) reported having received sexual comments about their body or part of it and 2% (5) having been exposed to pornographic material, evidencing abuse of a sexual nature. In relation to the perpetrator of the total abuse episodes, which corresponds to 48.85% (594), the Senior Resident has been identified as the main author. Conclusion: There is an alarming frequency of abuse in the professional training of resident doctors. Psychological abuse stands out in a greater proportion and the Senior Resident as the main perpetrator.

Percepción sobre el maltrato en médicos residentes de un Hospital de referencia de Paraguay / Perception of mistreatment in resident physicians of a reference Hospital in Paraguay

Introducción: El maltrato es una problemática que el mundo viene sufriendo y sosteniendo desde siglos anteriores y el sector salud no queda exento de tal agravio. En Latinoamérica existe un alto índice de maltratos en médicos. Objetivos: Determinar la percepción sobre el maltrato en médicos residentes de un hospital de referencia nacional de Paraguay durante el 2020. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal, dónde fueron incluidos 240 residentes de las diferentes especialidades de un hospital de referencia nacional. Resultados: Ingresaron al estudio 240 médicos residentes, con una edad promedio de 27,3 ±1,6. El 52,08% (125) fueron del sexo masculino. En cuanto al maltrato psicológico, el 98,33% (236) recibió críticas o humillaciones, el 92,08% (221) ha sido víctima de gritos y el 39% (94) de guardia como castigo. Lo que respecta al maltrato físico, el 9% (22) de los residentes recibió golpes o empujones. El 7,92% (19) refirió haber recibido comentarios sexuales sobre su cuerpo o parte de él y el 2% (5) haber sido expuesto a material pornográfico, evidenciando el maltrato de índole sexual. En relación al perpetrador del total de episodios de maltrato que corresponde al 56,78% (494), el Residente Superior ha sido señalado como principal autor. Conclusión: Existe una alarmante frecuencia de maltrato en la formación profesional de los médicos residentes. Se destaca el maltrato psicológico en mayor proporción y al Residente Superior como principal perpetrador.

Introduction: Abuse is a problem that the world has been suffering and sustaining for centuries and the health sector is not exempt from such injury. In Latin America there is a high rate of mistreatment in doctors. Objectives: To determine the perception of mistreatment in resident doctors of a national reference hospital in Paraguay during 2020. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study was carried out, where 240 residents of the different specialties of a national referral hospital were included. Results: 240 residents entered the study, with a mean age of 27.3 ± 1.6. 52.08% (125) were male. Regarding psychological abuse, 98.33% (236) received criticism or humiliation, 92.08% (221) have been the victim of shouting and 39% (94) on duty as punishment. Regarding physical abuse, 9% (22) of the residents received blows or shoves. 7.92% (19) reported having received sexual comments about their body or part of it and 2% (5) having been exposed to pornographic material, evidencing abuse of a sexual nature. In relation to the perpetrator of the total abuse episodes, which corresponds to 48.85% (594), the Senior Resident has been identified as the main author. Conclusion: There is an alarming frequency of abuse in the professional training of resident doctors. Psychological abuse stands out in a greater proportion and the Senior Resident as the main perpetrator.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy discontinuation time is associated with therapeutic failure among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected immigrant adults: A cohort study from a Peruvian referral hospital during the Venezuelan exodus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) discontinuation time and therapeutic failure (TF) in Venezuelan immigrants with HIV that restart HAART. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective cohort study in a large hospital in Peru. We included Venezuelan immigrants who restarted HAART and were followed over at least 6 months. The primary outcome was TF. Secondary outcomes were immunologic (IF), virologic (VF) and clinical (CF) failures. The exposure variable was HAART discontinuation, categorised as no discontinuation, less than 6 months, and 6 months or more. We applied generalised linear models Poisson family with robust standard errors to calculate crude (cRR) and adjusted (aRR) relative risks by statistical and epidemiological criteria. RESULTS: We included 294 patients, 97.2% were males, and the median age was 32 years. Out of all the patients, 32.7% discontinued HAART for less than 6 months, 15.0% discontinued for more than 6 months and the remaining 52.3% did not discontinue. The cumulative incidence of TF was 27.9%, 24.5% in VF, 6.0% in IF and 6.0% in CF. Compared with non-discontinued HAART patients, the discontinuation for less than 6 months (aRR = 1.98 [95% CI: 1.27-3.09]) and from 6 months to more (aRR = 3.17 [95% CI: 2.02-4.95]) increased the risk of TF. Likewise, treatment discontinuation of up to 6 months (aRR = 2.32 [95% CI: 1.40-3.84]) and from 6 months to more (aRR = 3.93 [95% CI: 2.39-6.45]) increased the risk of VF. CONCLUSIONS: HAART discontinuation increases the probability of TF and VF in Venezuelan immigrants.

Cytotoxic, Anti-Hemolytic, and Antioxidant Activities of Ruta chalepensis L. (Rutaceae) Extract, Fractions, and Isolated Compounds.

Ruta chalepensis is an herb used to treat various ailments, and its potential cytotoxic effects on different tumor cell lines have been extensively studied. The present study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic activity of R. chalepensis methanol extract (RCME), sub-partitions obtained from solvents of increasing polarity, and major compounds, as well as their hemolytic, anti-hemolytic, and antioxidant potential. The in vitro cytotoxic activity against the human hepatocarcinoma (HEP-G2) and the murine lymphoma cell line (L5178Y-R) was evaluated using the colorimetric 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay, whereas selectivity indices (SIs) were determined by comparing cytotoxicity against normal African green monkey kidney cells (VERO) and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Hemolytic and anti-hemolytic activities were evaluated on human erythrocytes. The most effective cytotoxic treatment was evaluated for nitric oxide release by J774A.1 macrophages. Antioxidant activity of R. chalepensis material was also determined. Results showed that RCME produced significant (p < 0.05) cytotoxicity in HEP-G2 (IC50 = 1.79 µg/mL) and L5178Y-R (IC50 = 1.60 µg/mL) cells and exhibited high SIs (291.50 and 114.80, respectively). In addition, the n-hexane fraction (RCHF) showed an IC50 of 18.31 µg/mL in HEP-G2 cells and an SI of 9.48 in VERO cells, whereas the chloroform fraction (RCCF) evidenced an IC50 of 1.60 µg/mL in L5178Y-R cells and an SI of 34.27 in PBMC cells. Chalepensin (CHL), rutamarin (RTM), and graveolin (GRV), which are major components of R. chalepensis, showed high activity against L5178Y-R cells, with IC50 of 9.15, 15.13 and SI of 45.08 µg/mL, respectively. In addition, CHL, RTM, and GRV showed SIs of 24.76, 9.98, and 3.52, respectively, when compared with PBMC cells. RCME at concentrations of 125 µg/mL and 250 µg/mL, significantly (p < 0.05) decreased nitrite production in J774A.1 cells, when exposed to lipopolysaccharide. This study demonstrated that RCME showed significant cytotoxic activity against HEP-G2 and L5178Y-R cells, without affecting normal VERO, PBMC, and J774A.1 cells.

Semi-supervised COVID-19 volumetric pulmonary lesion estimation on CT images using probabilistic active contour and CNN segmentation.

Purpose: A semi-supervised two-step methodology is proposed to obtain a volumetric estimation of COVID-19-related lesions on Computed Tomography (CT) images. Methods: First, damaged tissue was segmented from CT images using a probabilistic active contours approach. Second, lung parenchyma was extracted using a previously trained U-Net. Finally, volumetric estimation of COVID-19 lesions was calculated considering the lung parenchyma masks.Our approach was validated using a publicly available dataset containing 20 CT COVID-19 images previously labeled and manually segmented. Then, it was applied to 295 COVID-19 patients CT scans admitted to an intensive care unit. We compared the lesion estimation between deceased and survived patients for high and low-resolution images. Results: A comparable median Dice similarity coefficient of 0.66 for the 20 validation images was achieved. For the 295 images dataset, results show a significant difference in lesion percentages between deceased and survived patients, with a p-value of 9.1 × 10-4 in low-resolution and 5.1 × 10-5 in high-resolution images. Furthermore, the difference in lesion percentages between high and low-resolution images was 10 % on average. Conclusion: The proposed approach could help estimate the lesion size caused by COVID-19 in CT images and may be considered an alternative to getting a volumetric segmentation for this novel disease without the requirement of large amounts of COVID-19 labeled data to train an artificial intelligence algorithm. The low variation between the estimated percentage of lesions in high and low-resolution CT images suggests that the proposed approach is robust, and it may provide valuable information to differentiate between survived and deceased patients.

Amoebicidal and trichomonicidal capacity of polymeric nanoparticles loaded with extracts of the plants Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae) and Berberis vulgaris (Berberidaceae) / Capacidad amebicida y tricomonicida de nanopartículas poliméricas cargadas con extractos de las plantas Curcuma longa (Zingiberaceae) y Berberis vulgaris (Berberidaceae)

Abstract Introduction: Pathogenic protozoans, like Entamoeba histolytica and Trichomonas vaginalis, represent a major health problem in tropical countries; and polymeric nanoparticles could be used to apply plant extracts against those parasites. Objective: To test Curcuma longa ethanolic extract and Berberis vulgaris methanolic extracts, and their main constituents, against two species of protozoans. Methods: We tested the extracts, as well as their main constituents, curcumin (Cur) and berberine (Ber), both non-encapsulated and encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), in vitro. We also determined nanoparticle characteristics by photon correlation spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and hemolytic capacity by hemolysis in healthy erythrocytes. Results: C. longa consisted mainly of tannins, phenols, and flavonoids; and B. vulgaris in alkaloids. Encapsulated particles were more effective (P < 0.001); however, curcumin and berberine nanoparticles were the most effective treatments. CurNPs had IC50 values (µg/mL) of 9.48 and 4.25, against E. histolytica and T. vaginalis, respectively, and BerNPs 0.24 and 0.71. The particle size and encapsulation percentage for CurNPs and BerNPs were 66.5 and 73.4 nm, and 83.59 and 76.48 %, respectively. The NPs were spherical and significantly reduced hemolysis when compared to non-encapsulated extracts. Conclusions: NPs represent a useful and novel bioactive compound delivery system for therapy in diseases caused by protozoans.

Resumen Introducción: Los protozoos patógenos, como Entamoeba histolytica y Trichomonas vaginalis, representan un importante problema de salud en los países tropicales; y se podrían usar nanopartículas poliméricas para aplicar extractos de plantas contra esos parásitos. Objetivo: Probar los extractos etanólicos de Curcuma longa y Berberis vulgaris, y sus principales constituyentes, contra dos especies de protozoos. Métodos: Probamos los extractos, así como sus principales constituyentes, curcumina (Cur) y berberina (Ber), tanto no encapsulados como encapsulados en nanopartículas poliméricas (NPs), in vitro. También determinamos las características de las nanopartículas por espectroscopía de correlación de fotones y microscopía electrónica de barrido, y la capacidad hemolítica por hemólisis en eritrocitos sanos. Resultados: C. longa tenía principalmente: taninos, fenoles y flavonoides; y B. vulgaris, alcaloides. Las partículas encapsuladas fueron más efectivas (P < 0.001); sin embargo, las nanopartículas de curcumina y berberina fueron los tratamientos más efectivos. CurNPs tenía valores IC50 (µg/mL) de 9.48 y 4.25, contra E. histolytica y T. vaginalis, respectivamente, y BerNPs 0.24 y 0.71. El tamaño de partícula y el porcentaje de encapsulación para CurNPs y BerNPs fueron: 66.5 y 73.4 nm, y 83.59 y 76.48 %, respectivamente. Los NP son esféricos y redujeron significativamente la hemólisis en comparación con los extractos no encapsulados. Conclusiones: Las NP representan un sistema de administración de compuestos bioactivos útil y novedoso para la terapia enfermedades causadas por protozoos.

Impacto social del síndrome antifosfolípido: su incidencia en la calidad de vida de los pacientes / Social impact of antiphospholipid syndrome: its impact on the quality of life of patients

RESUMEN Introducción: el síndrome antifosfolípido es una enfermedad trombofílica, autoinmune, rara, todavía poco conocida por todos los profesionales de la salud, lo cual implica demora en el diagnóstico y en el tratamiento oportuno. Objetivo: exponer los factores de impacto social del síndrome antifosfolípido por su incidencia en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. Métodos: se realizó la revisión de la bibliografía a través del motor de búsqueda Google Académico con los descriptores: síndrome antifosfolípido, morbimortalidad, daño, impacto social, calidad de vida, en las bases de datos SciELO, Medline-Pubmed, Hinari. Resultados: la revisión se centra en cuatro subtemas: Ocurrencia del síndrome antifosfolípido en la morbimortalidad trombótica y obstétrica, La recurrencia de los eventos trombóticos y el daño crónico acumulado, El deterioro de la calidad de vida de los pacientes con síndrome antifosfolípido, e Importancia de la labor educativa en el impacto social del síndrome antifosfolípido. Los cambios en los estilos de vida para la corrección de los factores de riesgo que deben enfrentar estos pacientes, añaden restricciones a su vida diaria y el temor a las recurrencias y a la muerte, provocan alteraciones psicológicas adicionales que motivan atención especializada. Conclusiones: se hace necesario diseñar estrategias de salud a gran escala para la atención integral y multidisciplinaria de los pacientes con síndrome antifosfolípido, que incluyan capacitar a los profesionales de la salud y aplicar acciones educativas que involucren a las familias.

ABSTRACT Introduction: antiphospholipid syndrome is a rare, autoimmune, thrombophilic disease, still little known to all health professionals, which implies delay in diagnosis and timely treatment. Objective: to expose the factors of social impact of the antiphospholipid syndrome due to its incidence in the quality of life of the patients. Methods: the review of the bibliography was carried out through the Google Scholar search engine with the descriptors: antiphospholipid syndrome, morbidity and mortality, damage, social impact, quality of life, in the SciELO, Medline-Pubmed, and Hinari databases. Results: the review focuses on four subtopics: Occurrence of antiphospholipid syndrome in thrombotic and obstetric morbidity and mortality, Recurrence of thrombotic events and accumulated chronic damage, Impairment of quality of life in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome, and Importance of Educational work on the social impact of antiphospholipid syndrome. Changes in lifestyles to correct the risk factors that these patients must face, add restrictions to their daily life and the fear of recurrences and death, cause additional psychological alterations that motivate specialized care. Conclusions: it is necessary to design large-scale health strategies for the comprehensive and multidisciplinary care of patients with antiphospholipid syndrome, which include training health professionals and applying educational actions that involve families.

Experiencia novedosa sobre el uso del foro chat en la enseñanza del síndrome antifosfolípido / Novel experience on the use of the chat forum in the teaching of antiphospholipid syndrome

RESUMEN Fundamento: las enfermedades raras y huérfanas como el síndrome antifosfolípido comprometen la calidad de vida de los afectados causando discapacidad intelectual, física o ambas, de forma severa; sin embargo, la preparación de los futuros profesionales de la salud es deficiente en estos temas. Objetivo: describir las experiencias de utilización del foro chat como modalidad de la educación a distancia en el proceso enseñanza aprendizaje del síndrome antifosfolípido. Métodos: se realizó una investigación cualitativa en el Hospital Clínico Quirúrgico Universitario "Arnaldo Milián Castro", en 2022. Se utilizaron métodos teóricos: análisis síntesis, inductivo-deductivo e histórico-lógico; empíricos: análisis documental y de contenido de los criterios emitidos por los estudiantes a través del foro chat. Los resultados fueron evaluados a través de una guía de observación diseñada por el Capítulo de Medicina Interna de Villa Clara. Resultados: se comprobó que por ser una enfermedad rara, el síndrome antifosfolípido no se estudia en los programas de pregrado; en el análisis de contenido se constató la pertinencia de la actividad docente a distancia porque motivó a estudiantes de pregrado y posgrado a participar y a emitir criterios de calidad, el tema impartido fue excelente el cual propició un profundo debate en línea donde se compartieron conocimientos, experiencias y se aclararon dudas. Conclusiones: la aplicación de la educación a distancia utilizando el foro chat resultó una experiencia positiva pues logró discusión científica, intercambio y aprendizaje desarrollador en el tema del síndrome antifosfolípido.

ABSTRACT Background: rare and orphan diseases such as antiphospholipid syndrome compromise the quality of life of those affected, causing severe intellectual or physical disability or both; however, the preparation of future health professionals is deficient in these issues. Objective: to describe the experiences of using the chat forum as a distance learning modality in the teaching-learning process of antiphospholipid syndrome. Methods: a qualitative research was carried out at the "Arnaldo Milián Castro" University Clinical-Surgical Hospital in 2022. Theoretical methods were used: synthesis, inductive-deductive and historical-logical analysis; Empirical ones: documentary and content analysis of the criteria issued by the students through the chat forum. The results were evaluated through an observation guide designed by the Internal Medicine Chapter of Villa Clara. Results: it was found that antiphospholipid syndrome is not studied in undergraduate programs because it is a rare disease. In the content analysis, the relevance of the distance teaching activity was verified because it motivated undergraduate and graduate students to participate and to issue quality criteria, the subject taught was excellent, which led to a deep online debate where knowledge, experiences were shared and doubts were clarified. Conclusions: the application of distance learning using the chat forum was a positive experience since it achieved scientific discussion, exchange and developing learning on the subject of antiphospholipid syndrome.

Contactless Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Estimation Using a Smartphone During Respiratory Maneuvers and Body Movement.

Heart rate variability (HRV) has been extensively investigated as a noninvasive marker to evaluate the functionality of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Many studies have provided photoplethysmography (PPG) as a surrogate for electrocardiogram (ECG) signal HRV measurements. Remote PPG (rPPG) has been also investigated for pulse rate variability (PRV) estimation but in controlled conditions. We remotely extracted PRV using a smartphone camera for subjects in static and lateral motion while their respiratory rate was set to three breathing rates in an indoor illumination environment. PRV was compared with ECG-based HRV as a gold standard. We tested our algorithms on five healthy subjects. The results showed high correlation for rPPG-based HRV by presenting means of standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive heartbeat interval differences (RMSSD) correlation coefficient greater than 0.95 in rest and greater than 0.87 in motion. The error of mean low frequency over high frequency (LF/HF) ratio estimated from PRV was 0.13 in rest and 0.25 in lateral motion. Moreover, a statistically significant correlation was obtained between HRV and PRV power spectra and temporal signals for all performed tasks. The obtained results contributed to confirm that remote imaging measurement of cardiac parameters is a promising, convenient, and low-cost alternative to specialized biomedical sensors in a diversity of relevant experimental maneuver.

Extended Blind End-member and Abundance Estimation with Spatial Total Variation for Hyperspectral Imaging.

Blind linear unmixing (BLU) methods allow the separation of multi and hyperspectral data into end-members and abundance maps in an unsupervised fashion. However, due to incident noise, the abundance maps can exhibit high presence of granularity. To address this problem, in this paper, we present a novel proposal for BLU that considers spatial coherence in the abundance estimations, through a total spatial variation component. The proposed BLU formulation is based on the blind end-member and abundance extraction perspective with total spatial variation (EBEAE-STV). In EBEAE-STV, internal abundances are added to incorporate the spatial coherence in the cost function, which is solved by a coordinates descent algorithm. The results with synthetic data show that the proposed algorithm can significantly decrease the granularity in the estimated abundances, and the estimation errors and computational times are lower compared to state of the art methodologies.Clinical relevance- The proper and robust estimation of end-members and their respective contributions (abundances) in multi-spectral and hyper-spectral images from the proposed EBEAE-STV methodology might provide useful information in several biomedical applications, such as chemometric analysis on different biological samples, tumor identification and brain tissue classification for hyper-spectral imaging, among others.

COVID-19 Volumetric Pulmonary Lesion Estimation on CT Images using a U-NET and Probabilistic Active Contour Segmentation.

A two-step method for obtaining a volumetric estimation of COVID-19 related lesion from CT images is proposed. The first step consists in applying a U-NET convolutional neural network to provide a segmentation of the lung-parenchyma. This architecture is trained and validated using the Thoracic Volume and Pleural Effusion Segmentations in Diseased Lungs for Benchmarking Chest CT Processing Pipelines (PleThora) dataset, which is publicly available. The second step consists in obtaining the volumetric lesion estimation using an automatic algorithm based on a probabilistic active contour (PACO) region delimitation approach. Our pipeline successfully segmented COVID-19 related lesions in CT images, with exception of some mislabeled regions including lung airways and vasculature. Our workflow was applied to images in a cohort of 50 patients.

Triaxial Accelerometry Wireless System for Characterization of Parkinsonian Tremor.

Parkinsonian Tremor (PT) is the most common symptom of Parkinson's disease. Its early detection plays an important role in the diagnosis of the disease as it is often mistaken for another type of tremor, called Essential Tremor (ET). Accelerometry analysis has proven to be a trustworthy method for determining the frequency, amplitude, and occurrence of tremor. In addition, the use of portable and wearable sensors has increased due to the rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) technology, allowing data to be collected, processed, stored, and transmitted. In this paper, a wearable system consisting of a digital 3-axis accelerometer ADXL345 and micro-controller unit ESP32 was implemented to transmit accelerometry (ACC) signals from each upper limb simultaneously to a Graphical User Interface (GUI), that was developed in Python as an MQTT client, allowing the user to visualize both real-time and offline signals as well as to add markers to indicate events during the acquisition. Furthermore, this GUI is capable of performing an offline analysis consisting of the computing of Power Spectral Density (PSD) using Welch's method and a Spectrogram to visualize a time-frequency distribution of the ACC signals.

Perspectives of the Biomedical Engineering Program at UASLP after ten years - analysis and criticism.

The Biomedical Engineering (BME) bachelor pro-gram of the Faculty of Sciences in Universidad Autónoma de San Luis Potosí (UASLP) was created in June of 2010, with the aim of training professionals with an integral perspective in the engineering field by considering a multidisciplinary approach to develop and apply technology in the areas of medicine and biology. After 10 years, our BME program has achieved national recognition. Despite of being an emerging program, this achievement has been obtained by the consolidation of our academic staff, the outstanding participation of our students in national and international academic events, and the historical graduation results. In our comprehensive evaluation, we report an overall terminal efficiency (completion rate) of 67% and a graduation rate of 47.2%, where these values are above the average for an engineering program in our institution. Additionally, the BME program provides students with solid skills and background to carry out research activities, which has resulted in a considerable number of alumni pursuing graduate studies or have already completed one. Our results show that 90% of our former students are working after graduation, but only 44% work in the field of biomedical engineering, since the regional labor market starts to saturate given the fact that, at present, students from six generations have completed our BME bachelor program. In this way, few graduates visualize the wide spectrum of job options where a biomedical engineer can impact, by their distinctive comprehensive and multidisciplinary training. Therefore, it is necessary to propose new curricular design strategies to provide our students with an academic training that allows them to enter a globalized world, where there is an even greater spectrum of engineering possibilities related to the fields of medicine and biology, in line with current trends.

Pancreatitis aguda y el valor de la ecografía en su diagnóstico inicial / Acute pancreatitis and the value of ultrasound in its initial diagnosis

RESUMEN Introducción: la pancreatitis aguda es el proceso inflamatorio agudo del páncreas. Su diagnóstico se sustenta en pilares clínicos, humorales e imagenológicos; la ecografía es de gran utilidad como método diagnóstico inicial. Objetivo: determinar el valor de la ecografía en el diagnóstico inicial de la pancreatitis aguda en pacientes del Hospital Universitario Clínico-Quirúrgico «Arnaldo Milián Castro», durante el período de octubre de 2018 a junio de 2019. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo y longitudinal en los pacientes con diagnóstico de pancreatitis aguda que fueron atendidos en el Servicio de Imagenología del Hospital Universitario Clínico-Quirúrgico «Arnaldo Milián Castro», desde octubre de 2018 hasta junio de 2019. El universo de estudio estuvo constituido por 75 pacientes, de los cuales se seleccionó una muestra no probabilística de 66 pacientes con ecografía abdominal y tomografía axial computarizada realizada. Resultados: prevalecieron los pacientes masculinos entre 50-59 años de edad. La obesidad y el alcoholismo fueron los factores de riesgo más frecuentes en las pancreatitis agudas leves y moderadas, mientras que las graves se asociaron a obesidad y litiasis vesicular. Predominó el grado de gravedad moderado. Los hallazgos ecográficos fundamentales fueron: contornos irregulares, textura heterogénea, glándula hipoecogénica y aumento difuso de tamaño del páncreas. El ultrasonido muestra un porciento de sensibilidad elevado en la detección de: hallazgos extrapancreáticos, colecciones peripancreáticas e irregularidad de los contornos del órgano. Conclusiones: el ultrasonido es un estudio muy útil en el diagnóstico inicial de la pancreatitis aguda.

ABSTRACT Introduction: acute pancreatitis is the acute inflammatory process of the pancreas. Its diagnosis is based on clinical, humoral and imaging pillars; ultrasound is very useful as an initial diagnostic method. Objective: to determine the value of ultrasound in the initial diagnosis of acute pancreatitis in patients seen at "Arnaldo Milián Castro" Clinical and Surgical University Hospital from October 2018 to June 2019. Methods: a descriptive and longitudinal study was carried out in patients diagnosed with acute pancreatitis in the Imaging service at "Arnaldo Milián Castro" Clinical and Surgical University Hospital from October 2018 to June 2019. The study universe consisted of 75 patients, from which a non-probabilistic sample of 66 patients was selected with abdominal ultrasound and computerized axial tomography performed. Results: male patients aged 50 to 59 years prevailed. Obesity and alcoholism were the most common risk factors for mild and moderate acute pancreatitis, while severe ones were associated with obesity and gallstones. Moderate severity predominated. Irregular contours, heterogeneous texture, hypoechoic gland and diffuse enlargement of the pancreas were the main ultrasound findings. Ultrasound shows a high percentage of sensitivity in the detection of extrapancreatic findings, peripancreatic collections and irregularity of the organ contours. Conclusions: ultrasound is a very useful study in the initial diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.

Benefits of Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton) and Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Extracts for Their Applications as Natural Anti-Inflammatory Adjuvants.

The genus Zingiberaceae has been widely used for phytotherapeutic purposes in traditional medicine throughout the world for its anti-inflammatory activity. Experimental studies have established that inflammation caused by chronic infections represents a risk factor for different forms of cancer. The objective of this study was focused on determining the anti-inflammatory capacity and cytotoxic activity of aqueous extracts of Elettaria cardamomum (cardamom) and Curcuma Longa (turmeric). The extracts were obtained by maceration and, through GC-MS/MS, a total of 11 different chemical components were determined in the aqueous extract of cardamom and 7 in the extract of turmeric. The main compounds found in cardamom and turmeric were α-terpinyl acetate (54.46%) and ß-turmerone (33.45%), respectively. RT-qPCR results showed significantly lower gene expression levels of innate inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) compared to the control (LPS). Also, it was observed that the extracts do not possess cytotoxic activity against different cell lines, where E. cardamomum showed EC50 (µg/mL) of 473.84 (HeLa cells), 237.36 (J774A.1 cells), 257.51 (Vero E6 cells), and 431.16 (Balb/C peritoneal cells) and C. longa showed EC50 (µg/mL) of 351.17 (HeLa cells), 430.96 (J774A.1 cells), 396.24 (Vero E6 cells), and 362.86 (Balb/C peritoneal cells). The results of this research suggest that natural extracts of E. cardamomum and C. longa possess anti-inflammatory effects and no cytotoxic activity against HeLa, J774A.1, Vero E6, and Balb/C peritoneal cell lines. Finally, it was observed that the extracts also decreased nitric oxide (NO) production in peritoneal macrophages.

Furanocoumarins from Ruta chalepensis with Amebicide Activity.

Entamoeba histolytica (protozoan; family Endomoebidae) is the cause of amoebiasis, a disease related to high morbidity and mortality. Nowadays, this illness is considered a significant public health issue in developing countries. In addition, parasite resistance to conventional medicinal treatment has increased in recent years. Traditional medicine around the world represents a valuable source of alternative treatment for many parasite diseases. In a previous paper, we communicated about the antiprotozoal activity in vitro of the methanolic (MeOH) extract of Ruta chalepensis (Rutaceae) against E. histolytica. The plant is extensively employed in Mexican traditional medicine. The following workup of the MeOH extract of R. chalepensis afforded the furocoumarins rutamarin (1) and chalepin (2), which showed high antiprotozoal activity on Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites employing in vitro tests (IC50 values of 6.52 and 28.95 µg/mL, respectively). Therefore, we offer a full scientific report about the bioguided isolation and the amebicide activity of chalepin and rutamarin.

Blind deconvolution estimation by multi-exponential models and alternated least squares approximations: Free-form and sparse approach.

The deconvolution process is a key step for quantitative evaluation of fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) samples. By this process, the fluorescence impulse responses (FluoIRs) of the sample are decoupled from the instrument response (InstR). In blind deconvolution estimation (BDE), the FluoIRs and InstR are jointly extracted from a dataset with minimal a priori information. In this work, two BDE algorithms are introduced based on linear combinations of multi-exponential functions to model each FluoIR in the sample. For both schemes, the InstR is assumed with a free-form and a sparse structure. The local perspective of the BDE methodology assumes that the characteristic parameters of the exponential functions (time constants and scaling coefficients) are estimated based on a single spatial point of the dataset. On the other hand, the same exponential functions are used in the whole dataset in the global perspective, and just the scaling coefficients are updated for each spatial point. A least squares formulation is considered for both BDE algorithms. To overcome the nonlinear interaction in the decision variables, an alternating least squares (ALS) methodology iteratively solves both estimation problems based on non-negative and constrained optimizations. The validation stage considered first synthetic datasets at different noise types and levels, and a comparison with the standard deconvolution techniques with a multi-exponential model for FLIM measurements, as well as, with two BDE methodologies in the state of the art: Laguerre basis, and exponentials library. For the experimental evaluation, fluorescent dyes and oral tissue samples were considered. Our results show that local and global perspectives are consistent with the standard deconvolution techniques, and they reached the fastest convergence responses among the BDE algorithms with the best compromise in FluoIRs and InstR estimation errors.

Non-Contact HR Monitoring via Smartphone and Webcam During Different Respiratory Maneuvers and Body Movements.

As a reliable indicator for individual's healthiness conditions, heart rate (HR) has been widely considered and used. Imaging photoplethysmography (iPPG) is recently highlighted as a promising HR measurement method, due to its non-contact characteristics, by extracting the HR from facial video recordings. In this study, we propose a camera-based HR monitoring technique that estimates HR information from iPPG signals extracted from a video sequence. Videos were recorded using a smartphone or a laptop camera. We adopted the plane-orthogonal-to-skin (POS) method to compute iPPG. The proposed method is evaluated by applying it to extract HR of 9 subjects at rest and during two motion conditions (lateral and frontal) while they were performing several respiratory maneuvers-spontaneous, metronome, and forced. Automatic face detection algorithms were implemented in the proposed method. Our experimental results show that mean values of HR have 0.56% error and 99.4% accuracy when compared to HR calculated from the gold-standard electrocardiography (ECG) reference in diverse conditions of motions and respiratory maneuvers.