Agua de Dios, urban planning and architecture as a hygienic heritage: historical research and academy in times of a pandemic

The research around the Lazaretto in Agua de Dios, was the subject of analysis and graphic documentation in agreement between the National University of Colombia and the Ministry of Culture, began as a process of academic contribution about a place declared heritage and significance of water as a healing element, however, from the mandatory isolation decreed around the world, the research also becomes an opportunity to understand how urban planning and heritage architecture in Agua de Dios contribute to health and disease mitigation processes, by investigating the background, the political decision to create lazaretos. The development of a "hygienist urbanism" as a legacy of knowledge in times of pandemic, has a fundamental role in the valuation and conservation of this heritage, in search of better living conditions of a community and its territory.La investigación en torno al Lazareto de Agua de Dios[1], fue objeto de análisis y documentación gráfica en convenio entre la Universidad Nacional de Colombia y el Ministerio de Cultura, inició como un proceso de aporte académico de un lugar declarado patrimonio y significado del agua como elemento de sanación, sin embargo, a partir del aislamiento obligatorio decretado alrededor del mundo[2], la investigación se convierte  además en una oportunidad de entender cómo el urbanismo y la arquitectura patrimonial en Agua de Dios aportan a procesos de salubridad y mitigación de las enfermedades, al investigar los antecedentes, la decisión política de creación de lazaretos. El desarrollo de un “Urbanismo higienista” como legado de conocimiento en tiempos de pandemia, tiene un papel fundamental en la valoración y conservación de este patrimonio, en busca de mejores condiciones de vida de una comunidad y su territorio.   [1] Agua de Dios, Colombia. [2] Pandemia COVID19.La Universidad Nacional, en especial al decano de la Facultad de Artes, Arquitecto Carlos Naranjo, el Ministerio de cultura Director de Patrimonio y Memoria, Arquitecto Alberto Escobar Wilson-White, los profesores, estudiantes, al equipo investigador del Ministerio de Cultura dirigidos por Sandra Higuera y Sonia Alfonso, que contribuyen directamente con este proceso, la comunidad de Agua de Dios, los auxiliares de investigación Sebastián Wilches y en especial Paola Puche, cuyo compromiso fue fundamental en el apoyo gráfico y documental, y finalmente a mi hija que soporta pacientemente y se encarga de labores que son fundamentales para poder entregar este resultado.La Universidad Nacional, en especial al decano de la Facultad de Artes, Arquitecto Carlos Naranjo, el Ministerio de cultura Director de Patrimonio y Memoria, Arquitecto Alberto Escobar Wilson-White, los profesores, estudiantes, al equipo investigador del Ministerio de Cultura dirigidos por Sandra Higuera y Sonia Alfonso, que contribuyen directamente con este proceso, la comunidad de Agua de Dios, los auxiliares de investigación Sebastián Wilches y en especial Paola Puche, cuyo compromiso fue fundamental en el apoyo gráfico y documental, y finalmente a mi hija que soporta pacientemente y se encarga de labores que son fundamentales para poder entregar este resultado.Peer Reviewe

Diseño e Intersección de cubiertas Conformadas por planos inclinados

Al diseñar una cubierta inclinada, además de las decisiones de diseño derivadas de la volumetría a cubrir, seguramente se nos presentará como determinante la posibilidad de ocupar o no ese volumen como espacio arquitectónico, si deseamos que la cubierta haga o no parte de la fachada, en el sentido de hacerla menos o más visible, de utilizar la menor cantidad de materiales, de generar ventilación o volúmenes ventilados en clima cálido, y otros elementos que corresponderán a lo estético, a lo funcional o a lo tectónico, principalmente. Es también particular el caso de la restauración, en donde debemos analizar no sólo la geometría existente, sino solucionar errores en su construcción

Influence of pore size in protein G'-grafted mesoporous silica nanoparticles as a serum pretreatment system for in vitro allergy diagnosis

Particles with the capacity to bind to immunoglobulin G (IgG) can be used for the purification of IgG or to process clinical samples for diagnostic purposes. For in vitro allergy diagnosis, the high IgG levels in serum can interfere with the detection of allergen-specific IgE, the main diagnostic biomarker. Although commercially available, current materials present a low IgG capture capacity at large IgG concentrations or require complex protocols, preventing their use in the clinic. In this work, mesoporous silica nanoparticles are prepared with different pore sizes, to which IgG-binding protein G’ is grafted. It is found that for one particular optimal pore size, the IgG capture capacity of the material is greatly enhanced. The capacity of this material to efficiently capture human IgG in a selective way (compared to IgE) is demonstrated in both solutions of known IgG concentrations as well as in complex samples, like serum, from healthy controls and allergic patients using a simple and fast incubation protocol. Interestingly, IgG removal using the best-performing material enhances in vitro IgE detection in sera from patients allergic to amoxicillin. These results highlight the great translation potential of this strategy to the clinic in the context of in vitro allergy diagnosis.Funding for Open Access charge: Universidad de Málaga/CBUA. TEM experiments were performed in the ICTS “NANBIOSIS,” more specifically in the U28 Unit at IBIMA Plataforma BIONAND

Silica Particle based nanocomposites for Specific IgE Determination to Betalactams

Current immunoassays for diagnosing betalactam (BL) allergy have limited sensitivity and poor specificity. These include ImmunoCAP, the commercial immunoassay, and the radioallergosorbent test (RAST), a handmade test performed only in specialized laboratories. Both are based on cellulose polymers modified with covalently attachedbetalactam-poly-L-lysine conjugates, which are able to interact with specific IgE (sIgE). In RAST, dendrimers have been used instead of poly-L-lysine in the formation of penicilloyl- conjugates, showing specific recognition by penicillin-sIgE. In this work, we propose the use of nanomaterials consisting on silica particles highly functionalized with drug-dendrimer conjugates (including mono- and bi-epitopic structures), as precise and controlled solid phases able to improve the tests’ reliability. The homogeneous composition of the nano-composites provides high reproducibility and quality, which is critical for hospital applications, while silica particles possess promising properties as biocompatibility, tuneable size, and functionalisation, and their preparation is affordable and reproducible. The use of nano-scaled silica particles improved the results of available immunoassays techniques in terms of sensitivity and specificity, providing the possibility of testing different betalactams, simultaneously.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Changes in Muscle Oxygen Saturation Measured Using Wireless Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Resistance Training: A Systematic Review

This work was supported by DGI-University Andres Bello, No DI-6-20/CBC.This paper will be part of Claudia Miranda-Fuentes’ Doctoral Thesis performed in the Biomedicine Doctorate Program of the University of Granada.Background: This study aimed to report, through a systematic review of the literature, the baseline and final reference values obtained by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) of muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) during resistance training in healthy adults. Methods: Original research studies were searched from four databases (Scopus, PubMed, WOS, and SportDiscus). Subsequently, three independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts, followed by full-text reviews to assess the studies' eligibility. Results: Four studies met the inclusion criteria, data were extracted and methodological quality was assessed using the Downs and Black scale. Muscle oxygen saturation (% SmO2) during reported muscle strength exercises showed a decreasing trend after a muscle strength protocol; that is, before the protocol (range = 68.07-77.9%) and after (range = 9.50-46.09%). Conclusions: The trend of the SmO2 variables is to decrease after a muscle strength protocol. Studies are lacking that allow expanding the use of these devices during this type of training.DGI-University Andres Bello DI-6-20/CB

In vitro supporting diagnostic tools in plant‐food allergy.

Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málaga / CBU

New approaches for Basophil Activation Tests employing Dendrimeric Antigen-Silica Nanoparticle composites.

Publicación en Open Acces. https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/16/8/1039In vitro detection of specific IgE bound to high-affinity receptor on basophils’ surface is 25 a widely used strategy for the evaluation of IgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity reactions to 26 drugs. Due to the drug small size, IgE recognition requires conjugation to a carrier molecule present 27 in blood. Thus, the conjugate formed is large enough to allow the cross-linking of two IgE bound to 28 the basophil’s surface and their degranulation. However, no information about size and composi-29 tions of these conjugates is available. The use of well-defined hapten-carrier conjugates would be a 30 valuable tool for the investigation of the mechanism through which the activation occurs and could 31 offer clinical potential for diagnosis of drug-allergy. Silica Nanoparticles decorated with PAMAM-32 dendrimer-amoxicilloyl conjugates (NpDeAXO) of different size and amoxicilloyl densities have 33 been prepared and chemically characterized. Their functional effect on basophils was measured 34 using an in-house basophil activation test (BAT) by determining CD63+ or CD203chigh activation 35 markers. It was observed that NpDeAXO nanocomposites are not only able to specifically activate 36 basophils, but also do so with a lower concentration of amoxicilloyl compared to free amoxicillin. 37 These results indicate that NpDeAXO possess high basophil activation potency, pointing to a trans-38 lational potential of this strategy in the context of in vitro allergy determination.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Proyectos 639 de I+D+I «Programación Conjunta Internacional», EuroNanoMed 2019 (PCI2019-111825-2), Minis-640 terio de Ciencia e Innovación (PID2022-136705NB-I00, CNS2022-136144), Instituto de Salud Carlos 641 III (ISCIII) (through projects co-funded by the European Union: AC19/00082, PI21/00329, 642 PI20/01734, PI23/00620, RETICS ARADYAL RD16/0006/0001 and RD16/0006/0012, RICORS Red de 643 Enfermedades Inflamatorias RD21/0002/0008); Junta de Andalucía (ProyExcel00971 and PE-0172-644 2018, all co-funded by the European Union). C.M. holds “Nicolas Monardes” research contract by 645 Andalusian Regional Ministry Health (Grant No. RC-0004-2021). This project has received funding 646 from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie 647 Sklodowska-Curie grant agreement No 101027955”. S.C.S. holds a grant from the Ministry of Eco-648 nomic Transformation, Industry, Knowledge, and Universities of the Andalusian Regional Govern-649 ment under the predoctoral contract with reference PREDOC_01545

Muscle quality index and isometric strength in older adults with hip osteoarthritis

Background. Older adults with hip osteoarthritis (OA) suffer a progressive loss of muscle quality and strength, affecting their daily activities and quality of life. The purpose of this study is to compare the levels of isometric strength among older adults with and without hip OA and healthy young adults, and to determine the relationship between muscle quality index (MQI) and isometric strength. Methods. Fourteen subjects with hip OA (65.6 +/- 3.0 years), 18 healthy older adults (66.6+/-6.5 years) and 32 young adults (20.7+/-2.0 years) participated in the study. MQI, isometric muscle strength of the hip, ten time sit-to-stand tests, and body composition were measured. Results. The MQI was lower in subjects with hip OA, with no significant differences between groups (p > 0:054). Subjects with OA produced significantly less isometric strength in hip extension (p < 0:001), flexion (p < 0:001), abduction (p < 0:05), adduction (p < 0:001), external (p < 0:05) and internal rotation (p < 0:05). Subjects with OA demonstrated longer time in the execution of the sit-to-stand test (p<0:001) in comparison with healthy older and young adults. High correlations between MQI, sitto- stand (r = -0:76, p<0:01) and peak force during hip abduction (r =0:78, p<0:01) where found in subjects with OA. Moderate correlation between MQI and peak force during hip flexion (r =0:55, p<0:05) and external rotation (r =0:61, p<0:05) were found in the OA group. Conclusions. Subjects with OA have lower MQI than old and young healthy controls. In subjects with OA, there was a significant relationship between isometric strength of hip muscles and performance on the sit-to-stand test and the MQI.This work was supported by University Andrés Bello, NoDI-7-17/CBC

Artificial intelligence in medicine and healthcare: a review and classification of current and near-future applications and their ethical and social Impact

This paper provides an overview of the current and near-future applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Medicine and Health Care and presents a classification according to their ethical and societal aspects, potential benefits and pitfalls, and issues that can be considered controversial and are not deeply discussed in the literature. This work is based on an analysis of the state of the art of research and technology, including existing software, personal monitoring devices, genetic tests and editing tools, personalized digital models, online platforms, augmented reality devices, and surgical and companion robotics. Motivated by our review, we present and describe the notion of 'extended personalized medicine', we then review existing applications of AI in medicine and healthcare and explore the public perception of medical AI systems, and how they show, simultaneously, extraordinary opportunities and drawbacks that even question fundamental medical concepts. Many of these topics coincide with urgent priorities recently defined by the World Health Organization for the coming decade. In addition, we study the transformations of the roles of doctors and patients in an age of ubiquitous information, identify the risk of a division of Medicine into 'fake-based', 'patient-generated', and 'scientifically tailored', and draw the attention of some aspects that need further thorough analysis and public debate

Empreendedorismo sustentável e novos modelos de negócios: Uma pesquisa de mercado na Colômbia

Purpose –The aim of this work is to approach the concept of sustainable entrepreneurship from a theoretical and a practical point of view, paying attention to new business models that are emerging around the world for social innovation. In this context, we focus the attention on the business model called one-for-one and we wonder whether the Colombian market should be a good option for developing this business model.Design/methodology/approach – To test the viability of the business model one-for-one we conducted a market research in March 2019, with a sample of students from two higher education institutions in the city of Medellin (Colombia). Findings – The results of the empirical research show the positive moral attitude of Colombian to solve social problems, but also the market immaturity because of the relative low purchase intentions found in Colombian potential consumers. Research limitations/implications– Not exempt from criticism, this work defends innovative business models standing for a business driven concept of sustainability which focusses on increasing both economic as well as social value.Practical implications – The model of donating one item to someone in need, for each item purchased, could be considered in the future a viable option for developing business models in Colombia.Social implications – Nowadays and more than never before, society requires that the actions of companies are aimed at contributing to social development and environmental sustainability, as well as economic viability. Companies oriented towards present and future sustainability in the decision making of purchase or investment will be an important source of competitive advantages in the near future.Originality/value – Although the study of sustainable entrepreneurship is still in very early stages in Latin American countries, this work shed light on the topic analyzing the business model one-for-one as a potential mean to foster a transition towards more sustainable societies.Objetivo - O objetivo deste trabalho é abordar o conceito de empreendedorismo sustentável do ponto de vista teórico e prático, atentando para novos modelos de negócios que estão surgindo em todo o mundo para a inovação social. Nesse contexto, foca-se a atenção no modelo de negócio denominado one-for-one e busca-se entender se o mercado colombiano deve ser uma boa opção para o desenvolvimento desse modelo de negócio.Metodologia - Para testar a viabilidade do modelo de negócios one-for-one, realizou-se uma pesquisa de mercado em março de 2019, com uma amostra de alunos de duas instituições de ensino superior da cidade de Medellín (Colômbia).Resultados - Os resultados da pesquisa empírica mostram a atitude moral positiva do colombiano para resolver os problemas sociais, mas também a imaturidade do mercado devido às baixas intenções de compra encontradas nos consumidores potenciais colombianos.Limitações/implicações da pesquisa - Não isento de críticas, este trabalho defende modelos de negócios inovadores que representam um conceito de sustentabilidade orientado para o negócio, que se concentra no aumento do valor econômico e social.Implicações práticas - O modelo de doar um item a um necessitado, para cada item adquirido, pode ser considerado no futuro uma opção viável para o desenvolvimento de modelos de negócios na Colômbia.Implicações sociais – Cada vez mais, a sociedade exige que as ações das empresas contribuam para o desenvolvimento social e para a sustentabilidade ambiental, bem como com a viabilidade econômica. Empresas orientadas para a sustentabilidade presente e futura na tomada de decisão de compra ou investimentos, serão importantes fontes de vantagens competitivas em um futuro próximo.Originalidade/valor - Embora o estudo do empreendedorismo sustentável ainda esteja em seus estágios iniciais nos países latino-americanos, este trabalho lança luz sobre o tema, analisando o modelo de negócios one-for-one como um meio potencial para promover uma transição para sociedades mais sustentáveis