Silica nanoparticles induce NLRP3 inflammasome activation in human primary immune cells

RESUMEN: In recent years, the potential use of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) among different biomedical fields has grown. A deep understanding of the physicochemical properties of nanoparticles (NPs) and their regulation of specific biological responses is crucial for the successful application of NPs. Exposure to NP physicochemical properties (size, shape, porosity, etc.) could result in deleterious effects on cellular functions, including a pro-inflammatory response mediated via activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential in vitro immunomodulatory effect of 12-nm and 200-nm SiNPs on the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NLRP3 inflammasome components in human primary neutrophils and PBMCs. This study demonstrates that regardless of the size of the nanoparticles, SiNPs induce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. Induced IL-1β production after exposure to SiNPs suggests the involvement of NLRP3 inflammasome components participation in this process. In conclusion, SiNPs induce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, our data suggest that the production and release of IL-1β possibly occurs through the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome

La paz territorial en la zona urbana colombiana. Un análisis desde la Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz

Territorial peace is an integral concept of the Final Agreement for the Termination of the Conflict and the Construction of a Stable and Long-Lasting Peace, signed by the FARC-EP, which requires not only the political fulfillment of the peace agreement, but also the impartial and non-revictimizing exercise of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace. While peace in urban and rural areas differ both in their territorial needs and in the priorities of state actions needed, a non-differential treatment of both areas, in the peace agreement and within the cases of the Jurisdiction Special for Peace in which a territorial approach is prioritized, entails that peace in the urban area must be analyzed under the comprehensive categories that the peace agreement proposes for the rural area.La paz territorial es un concepto integral del Acuerdo Final para la Terminación del Conflicto y la Construcción de una Paz Estable y Duradera firmado por las FARC-EP, el cual requiere no solo del cumplimiento político de los acuerdos de paz, sino también del ejercicio imparcial y no revictimizante de la Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz. A pesar de que la paz en la zona urbana y la zona rural es distinta en sus necesidades territoriales y en las prioridades de acciones estatales, la ausencia de tratamiento diferencial entre ambas zonas, en el acuerdo de paz y dentro de los casos de la Jurisdicción Especial para la Paz en los que se prioriza enfoque territorial, implica que la paz en la zona urbana debe analizarse bajo las categorías integrales que propone el acuerdo de paz para la zona rural

Construyendo equidad en Medellín: una apuesta desde el Observatorio de Género de la Facultad de Ciencias Jurídicas y Políticas de Uniremington

The construction of equity and social justice scenarios within the city of Medellín is a joint task aligned to a training and research endeavor that is forged within universities. In the universitas view of education, the message of inclusion, participation and recognition of human rights is a commitment to the free exercise of reason, which is characteristic of the Enlightenment’s proclamations. The defense of critical freedom must follow, understand and, if necessary, exceed government guidelines expressed through national and local public policies.  The goal of the Gender, Equity and Justice Observatory of Uniremington is to raise awareness, research and build networks with public and private institutions to fight gender related inequality and discrimination, which  strongly persists in our society.La construcción de escenarios de equidad y justicia dentro de la ciudad de Medellín es una tarea conjunta que corresponde a un ejercicio de formación e investigación que se forja en el seno de las universidades. El mensaje de inclusión, participación y reconocimiento de los Derechos Humanos es en la visión universitas de la educación, la apuesta por el ejercicio libre de la razón, propio de las proclamas de la ilustración. La defensa de la libertad critica debe seguir, comprender y de ser necesario, superar los lineamientos gubernamentales que se expresan a través de políticas públicas nacionales y locales. La tarea del Observatorio de Género, Equidad y Justicia de Uniremington es, justamente, visibilizar, investigar y construir redes con instituciones públicas y privadas para combatir la inequidad y la discriminación por diversidad de género que aún persiste fuertemente en nuestra sociedad

The Key Role Transferring Knowledge of Nuclear España, The Spanish Nuclear Society Magazine

The magazine of the Spanish Nuclear Society (SNE), “Nuclear España” is a scientific-technical publication with almost thirty years of uninterrupted edition and more than 300 numbers published. Their pages approach technical subjects related to the nuclear energy, as well as the activities developed by the SNE, especially in national and international meetings. The main part of the magazine is composed by articles written by known specialist of the energy industry. One of the top goals of the magazine is to help on transferring the knowledge from the generation that built the nuclear power plants in Spain and the new generation of professionals that have started its nuclear career in the last years. Each number is monographic, trying to cover as many aspects on an issue as it is possible, with collaborations from the companies, the research centers and universities that helps to have complementary points of view. On the other hand the articles help to deep in the issue´s topic, broadening the view of the readers about the nuclear field and helping to share knowledge across the industry. The news section of the Magazine picks up the actuality of the sector as a whole. The editorial section reflects the opinion of the SNE Governing Board and the Magazine Committee on the subjects of interest in this field. On the other hand, the monthly interview sets out the professional outstanding opinions. With a total of eleven numbers per year, three of them have a noticeable international character: the one dedicated to the operative experiences on the Spanish and European nuclear power plants, the monographic issue devoted tothe Annual Meeting of the SNE and the international issue, which covers the last activities of the Spanish industry in international projects. Both first are bilingual issues (Spanish-English), whereas the international edition is published completely in English. Besides its diffusion through all the members of the SNE, the Magazine is distributed, in the national scope, to companies and organisms related to the nuclear power, universities, research centers, representatives of the Central, Autonomic and Local Administrations, mass media and communication professionals. It is also sent to the utilities and research centers in Europe, United States, South America and Asia

Early and sustained increase in time in range 1 year after initiation of hybrid close loop therapy via telemedicine in type 1 diabetes patients

La evidencia respalda la eficacia y seguridad del sistema Hybrid Close Loop (HCL) en pacientes con diabetes tipo 1 (DT1). Sin embargo, hay datos limitados disponibles sobre los resultados a largo plazo de los pacientes que reciben HCL con seguimiento por telemedicina. Métodos Un estudio de cohorte observacional prospectivo que incluyó pacientes con diabetes Tipo 1 que estaban actualizando al sistema HCL. La capacitación virtual y el seguimiento se realizaron a través de telemedicina. Los datos de MCG se analizaron para comparar el tiempo inicial dentro del rango (TIR), el tiempo por debajo del rango (TBR), la variabilidad glucémica y el modo automático (AM), con mediciones realizadas a los 3, 6 y 12 meses. Resultados Se incluyeron 134 pacientes con A1c basal 7,6% ± 1,1. El 40,5% tuvo algún evento de hipoglucemia grave en el último año. La TIR inicial, medida dos semanas después de comenzar AM, fue de 78,6 ± 9,94 %. No se observaron cambios evidentes a los tres (diferencia de medias − 0,15; IC-2,47; 2,17; p  = 0,96), seis (MD-1,09; IC-3,42, 1,24; p  = 0,12) y 12 meses (MD-1,30; IC-3,64). <1,04; p  = 0,08). No se encontraron cambios significativos en la TBR ni en la variabilidad glucémica a lo largo del seguimiento. El uso de AM fue de 85,6 ± 17,5% y el porcentaje de uso de sensor fue de 88,75 ± 9,5% a los 12 meses. No se informaron eventos de hipoglucemia (SH) graves. Conclusiones Los sistemas HCL permiten mejorar TIR, TBR y variabilidad glucémica de forma segura, temprana y sostenida hasta 1 año de seguimiento en pacientes con DM1 y alto riesgo de hipoglucemia seguidos a través de telemedicina.Q1Background and Aims Evidence supports the efficacy and safety of the Hybrid Close loop (HCL) system in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, limited data are available on the long-term outcomes of patients on HCL with telemedicine follow-up. Methods A prospective observational cohort study including T1D patients, who were upgrading to HCL system. Virtual training and follow-up were done through telemedicine. CGM data were analyzed to compare the baseline time in range (TIR), time below range (TBR), glycemic variability and auto mode (AM), with measurements performed at 3, 6 and 12 months. Results 134 patients were included with baseline A1c 7.6% ± 1.1. 40.5% had a severe hypoglycemia event in the last year. Baseline TIR, measured two weeks after starting AM was 78.6 ± 9.94%. No changes were evident at three (Mean difference − 0.15;CI-2.47,2.17;p = 0.96), six (MD-1.09;CI-3.42,1.24;p = 0.12) and 12 months (MD-1.30;CI-3.64,1.04;p = 0.08). No significant changes were found in TBR or glycemic variability throughout the follow-up. Use of AM was 85.6 ± 17.5% and percentage of use of sensor was 88.75 ± 9.5% at 12 months. No severe hypoglycemic (SH) events were reported. Conclusions HCL systems allow to improve TIR, TBR and glycemic variability safely, early and sustained up to 1 year of follow-up in patients with T1D and high risk of hypoglycemia followed through telemedicine.Revista Internacional - IndexadaS

Evaluation of waste as a comparative criterion for building materials

In this paper, it analyzes and compares the use of three different materials (Reinforced Concrete -R. C.-, Steel and Wood) usable for the building, and construction processes that this entails. The analysis aimed to investigate which of the three materials is the most appropriate from the perspective of sustainability in order to propose alternatives that minimize the impact they have on the environment. Today, concrete is the material most commonly used in construction, and therefore must be environmental objective for reflection, that after analyzed, we can propose other typologies or alternative materials. The analysis included projects single-family housing for each of the materials and building systems proposed, these cases involved comparable properties within their specific environments (rules and context Spanish) and process variables normalization that validate the analysis. The work was developed using the software tool for managing, scheduling and forecasting of construction waste Net Waste Tool (NWT) Waste & Resources Action Programmer, in which, it proceeded entering data, characteristics, volumes, consumption and emissions of each entry or supplies described in the study variables, and in this way, determine and quantify the pollutants vectors generated by these. The analysis of the results obtained have been able to argue a selection of materials for building sustainable new approach to waste generation, understanding that at the end of a life cycle, process or matter that pollutes less is bestPeer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Importancia de la música como destreza didáctica de las diversas disciplinas para fortificar procesos orales en el grado de preescolar

La educación de los niños se les ha entregado a las diferentes instituciones educativas, las cuales son las que adquieren el reto junto a sus padres de diseñar y poner en práctica estrategias que permitan un excelente desarrollo de habilidades verbales y educativas. De esta manera, la situación probática encontrada radica en las falencias que presentaban los niños y niñas de edades entre 4 y 5 años, que están en preescolar en la escuela Argelia sede E del Colegio Integrado Madre de la Esperanza. Por lo tanto, este proceso se orientó al cumplimiento del objetivo general encaminado a fortalecer la expresión oral en los niños de 4 a 5 años de la Escuela Argelia Sede E, CIME - Santander a través de la música como estrategia pedagógica multidisciplinar. Todo gracias a la aplicación de una metodología basada en los aportes del paradigma fenomenológico, por cuanto, con el uso de este se logró comprender la interioridad del desafío a estudiar. Adicional a ello, se toma el enfoque cualitativo, por cuanto el tema a investigar no tiene por qué estar al principio como algo completamente descrito, ya que puede ser un tema completamente externo, aunque es necesario recordar que, si bien esta es una forma de investigación no existe un esquema de acción predeterminado.The education of children has been handed over to the different educational institutions, which are the ones that take on the challenge, together with their parents, of designing and putting into practice strategies that allow an excellent development of verbal and educational skills. In this way, the evidentiary situation found lies in the shortcomings presented by boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 5, who are in preschool at the Argelia school, headquarters E of the Madre de la Esperanza Integrated School. Therefore, this process was aimed at fulfilling the general objective aimed at Strengthening oral expression in children aged 4 to 5 years at Escuela Argelia Sede E, CIME - Santander through music as a multidisciplinary pedagogical strategy. All thanks to the application of a methodology based on the contributions of the phenomenological paradigm, since, with the use of this, it was possible to understand the interiority of the challenge to be studied. In addition to this, the qualitative approach is taken, since the topic to be investigated does not have to be completely described at the beginning, since it can be a completely external topic, although it is necessary to remember that, although this is a way of investigation there is no predetermined scheme of action

Effect of Oral Nutritional Supplements with Sucromalt and Isomaltulose versus Standard Formula on Glycaemic Index, Entero-Insular Axis Peptides and Subjective Appetite in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomised Cross-Over Study

Oral diabetes-specific nutritional supplements (ONS-D) induce favourable postprandial responses in subjects with type 2 diabetes (DM2), but they have not been correlated yet with incretin release and subjective appetite (SA). This randomised, double-blind, cross-over study compared postprandial e ects of ONS-D with isomaltulose and sucromalt versus standard formula (ET) on glycaemic index (GI), insulin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and SA in 16 individuals with DM2. After overnight fasting, subjects consumed a portion of supplements containing 25 g of carbohydrates or reference food. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 min; and SA sensations were assessed by a visual analogue scale on separate days. Glycaemic index values were low for ONS-D and intermediate for ET (p < 0.001). The insulin area under the curve (AUC0–180 min) (p < 0.02) and GIP AUC (p < 0.02) were lower after ONS-D and higher GLP-1 AUC when compared with ET (p < 0.05). Subjective appetite AUC was greater after ET than ONS-D (p < 0.05). Interactions between hormones, hunger, fullness and GI were found, but not within the ratings of SA; isomaltulose and sucromalt may have influenced these factor

Sintomatología osteomuscular y factor de riesgo postural en docentes de primaria y bachillerato

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) have a major impact on the health of individuals and their occupational performance. In the field of teaching, the MSD become apparent a long time after the beginning of the triggers actions, especially the position. Objective: Determine the prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms (MSS) and to characterize the postural risk factors in teachers. Methodology: Descriptive study in 38 teachers of a primary and high school educative institution of Cali, Colombia. The MSS were detected by Nordic questionnaire (n=38) and postural risk was assessed by Rapid Entire Body Assessment tool (REBA, n=15). Additionally, occupational variables as labor time, activity time (hours/day) and teaching activities were collected. Results: The most prevalent MSS are located in the neck (19%) and lower back (15%). Since the main teaching activity is the lecture (94.7%), it was found that the most prevalent posture is bipedal with arms over shoulders (80%), generating a postural risk level 2, which implies weak inconvenience. Conclusion: The teaching activity involves risks for the development of MSD, which may be originated in postural factors. Associative studies are needed to assess this hypothesis.Los Desórdenes Osteomusculares (DOM) tienen un impacto importante en la salud del individuo y su desempeño ocupacional. En el campo de la docencia, los DOM se manifiestan al cabo de mucho tiempo del inicio de la acción de los factores desencadenantes, en especial la postura. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de Síntomas Osteomusculares (SOM) y caracterizar los factores de riesgo postural en docentes. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo, en 38 docentes de una institución educativa de nivel básico y secundario de la ciudad de Cali, Colombia. Los SOM se detectaron a través del cuestionario nórdico (n=38) y el riesgo postural se midió con el instrumento de evaluación postural rápida (EPR; n=15). Adicionalmente, se recolectaron variables ocupacionales como: tiempo de ejercicio, tiempo de actividad (horas/día) y actividades docentes. Resultados: Los SOM más prevalentes se localizaron en cuello (19%) y espalda baja (15%). Dado que la principal actividad docente es la clase magistral (94.7%), se detectó que la postura de mayor prevalencia es bípeda con brazos por encima de hombros (80%), generando un nivel de riesgo postural 2, lo cual implica débiles molestias. Conclusión: La actividad docente implica riesgos para el desarrollo de DOM, que pueden estar originados en las posturas. Se necesitan estudios de tipo asociativo para evaluar esta hipótesis

Medical imaging for the tracking of micromotors

Micro/nanomotors are useful tools for several biomedical applications, including targeted drug delivery and minimally invasive microsurgeries. However, major challenges such as in vivo imaging need to be addressed before they can be safely applied on a living body. Here, we show that positron emission tomography (PET), a molecular imaging technique widely used in medical imaging, can also be used to track a large population of tubular Au/PEDOT/Pt micromotors. Chemisorption of an iodine isotope onto the micromotor’s Au surface rendered them detectable by PET, and we could track their movements in a tubular phantom over time frames of up to 15 min. In a second set of experiments, micromotors and the bubbles released during self-propulsion were optically tracked by video imaging and bright-field microscopy. The results from direct optical tracking agreed with those from PET tracking, demonstrating that PET is a suitable technique for the imaging of large populations of active micromotors in opaque environments, thus opening opportunities for the use of this mature imaging technology for the in vivo localization of artificial swimmers