Design, Assembly and Working Modes of Spherical 3-RRR Coaxial Parallel Robot

Design, configuration and operation modes of spherical 3-_RRR coaxial parallel robot were performed. A mathematical analysis of the robot was made, which consists of inverse and forward kinematic using geometric and numerical methods respectively, using MATLAB environment. Based on the above, eight possible operation and configuration modes were derived. The proposed approach demonstrates that a unique solution for the specific configuration and operation mode of a coaxial robot can be calculated. Moreover, mechanical design of the robot prototype was performed in the SolidWorks design program presented in detail for experimental verification of the performed numerical and simulation analyses. Results obtained from this work can be implemented in the development of real time orientation control systems for coaxial robots. As future works, an analysis of singularities, performance and dynamic will be carried out. © 2021 IEEE

Characterization of modular components in hip implants removed early from patients in various clinics in the Barranquilla´s city.

Muchos de los problemas que ocasionan aflojamiento, desarticulación y fractura en un sistema modular de cadera se deben al desgaste, incompatibilidad con el medio, citotoxicidad y corrosión de los materiales utilizados para la sustitución de la articulación. Las limitantes anteriores por lo general inducen a la formación de desechos potencialmente peligrosos ocasionando graves lesiones en los tejidos óseos, afectando directamente la salud del paciente y reduciendo la vida útil del implante, conllevando al riesgo de una nueva intervención quirúrgica, para retiro anticipado de la prótesis. El objeto de este estudio, fue caracterizar los materiales de los sistemas modulares de implantes de cadera, para determinar posibles causas de retiro anticipado, en muestras obtenidas en diferentes clínicas de la ciudad de Barranquilla. Los materiales encontrados en los diferentes pares modulares retirados fueron de tipo Polímero-cerámico y polímero-metal y son: PMMA, UHMWPE, Ti6Al4V, Co-Cr-Mo. La caracterización fue desarrollada a partir de un diagnóstico médico realizado mediante encuestas que definieron posibles causas y condiciones con mayor incidencia, que ocasionaron el retiro anticipado de implantes de cadera. Las muestras fueron caracterizadas por Microscopia óptica, Microscopia electrónica de barrido y difracción de Rayos X. En el caso del componente polimérico se realizaron análisis termogravimétrico(TGA-DSC). Los resultados mostraron similitudes topográficas entre los pares modulares de tipo polímero-metal. La presencia de microgrietas demostró la fragilización adicional de la estructura del implante por acción del medio al que está sometido. Por otra parte el componente polimérico presentó grietas, y rayado generadas por un tercer cuerpo en el área de soporte y evidencia significativa de fractura en los bordes del componente femoral. En el componente acetabular fueron observados patrones de desgaste adhesivo y corrosivo.Abstract: Many problems caused by loosening, fracture dislocation and hip modular system are due to wear, incompatibility with the environment, cytotoxicity and corrosion of materials used for joint replacement. The previous limitations usually induce the formation of hazardous wastes, causing serious injury to bone tissue, directly affecting patient health and reducing the life of the implant, leading to the risk of further surgery, for early withdrawal of the prosthesis. The aim of this study was characterize the materials of modular hip implants to determine possible causes of early retirement, in samples from different clinics in the city of Barranquilla. The materials found in different modular pairs removed were polymer-ceramic and polymer-metal type, such as PMMA, UHMWPE, Ti6Al4V and Co-Cr-Mo. The characterization was developed from medical diagnosis in order to analyze the possible causes and conditions with greater impact, causing the early retirement of hip implants. The samples were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction, Optical Microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy. In the case of polymeric component, this was characterized by TGA. The results showed topographical similarities between modular pairs polymer-metal type. The presence of microcracks shows additional embrittlement in the structure of the implant due to environment. The other hand the polymeric component showed cracks and scratchs due to third body wear in the bearing zone and significant evidence of fracture in the femoral component. In the acetabular component were observed different patterns of adhesive and corrosive wear

Educación inclusiva: programa de sensibilización en una institución educativa de Sincelejo-Sucre

This paper aims to assess the effect of an awareness program on the importance of an inclusive education approach in the educational community (engaging parents, teachers, management staff and students) of Antonio Prieto Industrial and Technical Education Institution in the city of Sincelejo (Sucre) in 2019. The research study used a descriptive quantitative approach. At the outset, a number of surveys and interviews were carried out in order to know the state of the inclusion process at the institution up until that moment. Then, the awareness program was executed through talks, training sessions and an educational inclusion fair. After that, surveys were conducted to measure the degree of satisfaction and effectiveness of the activities carried out. The results showed that the progress in the field of inclusion that had been achieved in the institution before the awareness program were poor since the awareness-raising of the educational community of the institution had not yet been reached, with the teaching staff posing the greatest challenge. Finally, the study concluded that the awareness program was effective as the educational community showed greater appropriation and awareness of the inclusive education approach.El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar el efecto de un programa de sensibilización frente a la importancia del enfoque de educación inclusiva en la comunidad educativa (vinculando a padres, docentes, administrativos y estudiantes) de la Institución Educativa Técnico Industrial Antonio Prieto en la ciudad de Sincelejo-Sucre en el año 2019. La metodología que se utilizó para el estudio, fue de enfoque cuantitativo de tipo descriptivo. Inicialmente se llevaron a cabo una serie de encuestas y entrevistas, para conocer cómo se encontraba hasta ese momento el proceso de inclusión en la institución, seguidamente se desarrolló el programa de sensibilización por medio de: conversatorios, capacitaciones y una feria de inclusión educativa. Posterior a ello, se realizaron las encuestas para medir el grado de satisfacción y eficacia del trabajo llevado a cabo. Los resultados evidenciaron que los adelantos en materia de inclusión que se tenían hasta ese momento en la institución, eran escasos y de no muy buena calidad; por lo cual no se había logrado sensibilizar a la comunidad educativa de este plantel, enfatizando la dificultad en el cuerpo docente. Finalmente, se concluye que el programa de sensibilización se mostró eficaz debido a que la comunidad educativa evidenció una mayor apropiación y sensibilización del enfoque de educación inclusiva

Ingesta dietética e índices antropométricos en estudiantes de medicina mexicanos, estratificados por historia familiar de Diabetes Tipo 2

Introduction: Our aim was to evaluate the dietary intake and anthropometric indices in medical students with positive family history of type 2 diabetes (FH-T2D)(+) and without FH-T2D(-).Material and methods: 144 students were analyzed in this cross-sectional, observational study, conducted during the 2017-2018 school year using interviews and 7-day food diary. The participants were characterized anthropometrically. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), corrected mid-arm muscle area (MAMA), fat arm index (FAI), and tricipital skinfold (TSF) were calculated. Results: we found that 79.2% (95%CI: 72.5- 85.8) had FH-T2D. BMI was significantly higher in the participants with FH-T2D than without (23.7±3.8 v 25.0±3.7, respectively, p<0.05). No significant differences were determined in the indices based on central fat distribution (WHtR and WHR), peripheral distribution (FAI and TSF), or muscle mass (MAMA), when stratified by FH-T2D. Regarding dietary intake, when comparing participants with and without FH-T2D, respectively, we observed low/none legume consumption [30% (95%CI: 21.4-38.2) vs 23% (95%CI: 8.2-38.5)], diets high in proteins [38.6% (95%CI: 29.7-47.5) vs 46.7% (95%CI: 28.8-64.5)], low in carbohydrates [84.2% (95%CI: 77.5-90.9) vs 83.3% (95%CI: 70.0-96.7)], and insufficient energy intake [64% (95%CI: 55.2-72.8) vs 56.7% (95%CI: 38.9-74.4)], where the alterations in the dietary pattern were more detrimental for the FH-T2D(+) group. Lastly, the participants with FH-T2D consumed mainly late in the day [60% (95%CI: 50.6-68.6) vs 54% (95%CI: 35.5-71.2)].Conclusions: Even though there were minimal significant differences with the consumption by food categories, those students with FH-T2D presented with a poor, little varied and unbalanced dietary pattern with energy consumption mainly at night. These factors, if prolonged, could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.Introducción: Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar la ingesta dietética y los índices antropométricos en estudiantes de medicina con historia familiar positiva de diabetes tipo 2 (FH-T2D)(+) y sin antecedentes familiares FH-T2D(-).Material y métodos: 144 estudiantes fueron analizados en este estudio transversal y observacional realizado durante el año escolar 2017-2018 mediante entrevistas y un diario de alimentos de 7 días. Los participantes se caracterizaron antropométricamente. Se calculó el ínidce cintura-cadera (WHR) y el índice cintura-altura (WHtR), el área muscular corregida de la mitad del brazo (MAMA), el índice de grasa del brazo (FAI) así como el pliegue cutáneo tricipital (TSF).Resultados:El 79,2% (95%CI: 72,5- 85,8) tenían FH-T2D. El IMC fue significativamente mayor en los participantes con FH-T2D que en aquellos sin FH-T2D (23,7 ± 3,8 v 25,0 ± 3,7, respectivamente, p <0,05). No se determinaron diferencias significativas en los índices basados en la distribución de grasa central (WHtR y WHR), la distribución periférica (FAI y TSF) o la masa muscular (MAMA), cuando se estratificó por FH-T2D. Al comparar la ingesta dietética de participantes con y sin FH-T2D, respectivamente, observamos un consumo bajo / ninguno de leguminosas [30% (95%CI: 21,4-38,2) frente a 23% (95%CI: 8,2-38,5)], dietas altas en proteínas [38,6% (95%CI: 29,7-47,5) frente a 46,7% (95%CI: 28,8-64,5)], bajas en carbohidratos [84,2% (95%CI: 77,5-90,9) frente a 83,3% (95%CI: 70,0-96,7)], y la ingesta de energía insuficiente [64% (95%CI: 55,2-72,8) frente a 56,7% (95%CI: 38,9-74,4)], donde las alteraciones en el patrón de la dieta fueron más perjudiciales para el grupo FH-T2D(+). Los participantes con FH-T2D consumieron al final del día [60% (95%CI: 50,6-68,6) frente a 54% (95%CI: 35,5-71,2)].Conclusiones: Aunque hubo diferencias mínimas significativas con el consumo por categorías de alimentos, aquellos estudiantes con FH-T2D presentaron un patrón dietético deficiente, poco variado y desequilibrado con un consumo de energía principalmente por la noche. Estos factores, si se prolongan, podrían aumentar el riesgo de desarrollar diabetes tipo 2

Variation of phosphaturia according to phosphorus intake

Objetivo: La excreción de fosfato en orina de 24-horas (24-h UPE) es considerado el gold-standard para valorar la ingesta de fosfato. El empleo de la ratio fósforo/creatinina (Pi/Cr) en primera orina de la mañana como sustituto de la 24-h UPE es controvertido. El objetivo de este estudio es valorar la utilidad de la ratio Pi/Cr en muestras de orina de distintos períodos del día en la estimación de la 24-h UPE. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal sobre 21 sujetos sanos con función renal normal. Los sujetos realizaron un registro dietético durante tres días. El tercer día recogieron de forma fraccionada la orina de 24-horas. Además, se analizaron muestras sanguíneas. Se emplearon correlaciones de Spearman y el método de Bland-Altman para valorar la concordancia entre los distintos métodos de medir la excreción urinaria de fosfato. Resultados: La ingesta, la 24-h UPE y la ratio Pi/Cr variaron durante el día (p<0.001). No observamos correlación significativa entre la ingesta de fosfato y la 24-h UPE (p=0.858). La ratio Pi/Cr en primera orina de la mañana fue similar a la de la noche (p=0.99). La primera orina de la mañana (-3.9%) y de la noche (1.6%) mostraron el mejor grado de concordancia con la 24-h UPE. Conclusiones: No observamos correlación entre la ingesta de fosfato y su excreción urinaria. La ratio Pi/ Cr recogida en primera orina de la mañana o durante la noche podrían sustituir a la recogida de orina de 24-horas en la estimación de la 24-h UPE.Background: 24-hour urinary phosphate excretion (24-h UPE) is considered by many the gold-standard method to assess phosphate intake. Although phosphorus to creatinine ratio (Pi/Cr) has been proposed as surrogate of 24-h UPE, further validation is required. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the usefulness of Pi/Cr ratio at different day timing and spot urine samples throughout the day in the estimation of 24-h UPE. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study in 21 healthy individuals with normal renal function. They were prompted to record dietary intake during three days. On the third day, they collected 24-hour urine. Blood samples were drawn the day after completion of urine collection. Spearman’s correlation test and the Bland-Altman method were used to evaluate agreement between different methods. Results: Phosphate intake, 24-h UPE and Pi/Cr ratio widely varied throughout the day (p<0.001). No significant correlation was observed between phosphate intake and 24-h UPE (p=0.858). Pi/Cr ratio in first morning urine was similar to the night urine collection (0.80±0.2 and 0.73±0.2 respectively; p=0.99). The lowest proportional dispersion observed using the Bland-Altman test were in the first morning urine void (-3.9%) and night urine spot (1.6%). Conclusion: The calculated phosphate intake and urinary phosphate excretion throughout the day are not correlated. Pi/Cr ratio in the first morning urine void and that collected during the night can be used interchangeably with 24-hour urine collection to estimate 24-h UPE

Effect of Biodiversity Changes in Disease Risk: Exploring Disease Emergence in a Plant-Virus System

The effect of biodiversity on the ability of parasites to infect their host and cause disease (i.e. disease risk) is a major question in pathology, which is central to understand the emergence of infectious diseases, and to develop strategies for their management. Two hypotheses, which can be considered as extremes of a continuum, relate biodiversity to disease risk: One states that biodiversity is positively correlated with disease risk (Amplification Effect), and the second predicts a negative correlation between biodiversity and disease risk (Dilution Effect). Which of them applies better to different host-parasite systems is still a source of debate, due to limited experimental or empirical data. This is especially the case for viral diseases of plants. To address this subject, we have monitored for three years the prevalence of several viruses, and virus-associated symptoms, in populations of wild pepper (chiltepin) under different levels of human management. For each population, we also measured the habitat species diversity, host plant genetic diversity and host plant density. Results indicate that disease and infection risk increased with the level of human management, which was associated with decreased species diversity and host genetic diversity, and with increased host plant density. Importantly, species diversity of the habitat was the primary predictor of disease risk for wild chiltepin populations. This changed in managed populations where host genetic diversity was the primary predictor. Host density was generally a poorer predictor of disease and infection risk. These results support the dilution effect hypothesis, and underline the relevance of different ecological factors in determining disease/infection risk in host plant populations under different levels of anthropic influence. These results are relevant for managing plant diseases and for establishing conservation policies for endangered plant species

Dietary Mg Supplementation Decreases Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Vascular Dysfunction in an Experimental Model of Metabolic Syndrome with Renal Failure

whether a dietary Mg supplementation might attenuate vascular dysfunction through the modulation of oxidative stress and inflammation in concurrent MetS and CKD. Methods: A rat model of MetS (Zucker strain) with CKD (5/6 nephrectomy, Nx) was used. Nephrectomized animals were fed a normal 0.1%Mg (MetS+Nx+Mg0.1%) or a supplemented 0.6%Mg (MetS+Nx+Mg0.6%) diet; Sham-operated rats with MetS receiving 0.1%Mg were used as controls. Results: As compared to controls, the MetS+Nx-Mg0.1% group showed a significant increase in oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers (lipid peroxidation and aortic interleukin-1b and -6 expression) and Endothelin-1 levels, a decrease in nitric oxide and a worsening in uremia and MetS associated pathology as hypertension, and abnormal glucose and lipid profile. Moreover, proteomic evaluation revealed changes mainly related to lipid metabolism and CVD markers. By contrast, in the MetS+Nx+Mg0.6% group, these parameters remained largely similar to controls. Conclusion: In concurrent MetS and CKD, dietary Mg supplementation reduced inflammation and oxidative stress and improved vascular function

ABORDAJE FISIOTERAPEUTICO DE UN PACIENTE CON NEUMONIA ADQUIRIDA EN LA COMUNIDAD: ESTUDIO DE CASO

La neumonía es un proceso inflamatorio del parénquima pulmonar con una prevalencia importante en la primera infancia que depende de la edad, la constitución del paciente y de la etiología que la origina (1). Junto con la malnutrición y las enfermedades diarreicas  agudas se constituyen una de las principales causas de morbilidad y mortalidad de origen infeccioso en la población infantil menor de 5 años, convirtiéndose en un importante problema de salud pública

The direct effect of fibroblast growth factor 23 on vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype and function

[Background] In chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, increased levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) are associated with cardiovascular mortality. The relationship between FGF23 and heart hypertrophy has been documented, however, it is not known whether FGF23 has an effect on vasculature. Vascular smooth muscle cells VSMCs may exhibit different phenotypes; our hypothesis is that FGF23 favours a switch from a contractile to synthetic phenotype that may cause vascular dysfunction. Our objective was to determine whether FGF23 may directly control a change in VSMC phenotype.[Methods] This study includes in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo experiments and evaluation of patients with CKD stages 2–3 studying a relationship between FGF23 and vascular dysfunction.[Results] In vitro studies show that high levels of FGF23, by acting on its specific receptor FGFR1 and Erk1/2, causes a change in the phenotype of VSMCs from contractile to synthetic. This change is mediated by a downregulation of miR-221/222, which augments the expression of MAP3K2 and PAK1. miR-221/222 transfections recovered the contractile phenotype of VSMCs. Infusion of recombinant FGF23 to rats increased vascular wall thickness, with VSMCs showing a synthetic phenotype with a reduction of miR-221 expression. Ex-vivo studies on aortic rings demonstrate also that high FGF23 increases arterial stiffening. In CKD 2–3 patients, elevation of FGF23 was associated with increased pulse wave velocity and reduced plasma levels of miR-221/222.[Conclusion] In VSMCs, high levels of FGF23, through the downregulation of miR-221/222, causes a change to a synthetic phenotype. This change in VSMCs increases arterial stiffening and impairs vascular function, which might ultimately worsen cardiovascular disease.This work was supported by a Spanish government grant from the Programa Nacional I+D+I 2013–2016 and Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII) grants PI18/0138 and PI21/0654 co-financing from European Funds (FEDER), Consejería de Salud (grants PI-0136 and PI-0169-2020) from the Junta de Andalucía, Framework Programme 7 Syskid UE grant FP7-241544, and EUTOX and REDinREN from the ISCIII. N.V. and J.M.D.-T. were supported by Consejería de Economía, Innovación, Ciencia y Empleo (grant CVI-7925) from the Junta de Andalucía. Y.A. and J.R.M.-C. are senior researchers supported by the Nicolás Monardes Programme, Consejería de Salud-Servicio Andaluz de Salud (Junta de Andalucía).Peer reviewe

Supplemental Material The direct effect of fibroblast growth factor 23 on vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype and function

3 pages. -- Figure S1. Supplemental Material. Effects of anti-miR-221 and miR-222. -- Figure S1. Supplemental Material: A) Anti-miR-221 and B) anti-miR-222 transfection for 48 h decreased not significantly the expression of miR-221 and miR-222 in VSMC. -- Figure S2. Supplemental Material. Recombinant Klotho administration did not modify the expression of contractile markers of VSMC. -- Figure S3. Histological quantifications in thoracic aortas of rats of synthetic markers of VSMC.Peer reviewe