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  • 1
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    CRISPR/nCas9-Based Genome Editing on GM2 Gangliosidoses Fibroblasts via Non-Viral Vectors
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  International Journal of Molecular Sciences Vol. 23, No. 18 ( 2022-09-14), p. 10672-
    Details
    In: International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI AG, Vol. 23, No. 18 ( 2022-09-14), p. 10672-
    Abstract: The gangliosidoses GM2 are a group of pathologies mainly affecting the central nervous system due to the impaired GM2 ganglioside degradation inside the lysosome. Under physiological conditions, GM2 ganglioside is catabolized by the β-hexosaminidase A in a GM2 activator protein-dependent mechanism. In contrast, uncharged substrates such as globosides and some glycosaminoglycans can be hydrolyzed by the β-hexosaminidase B. Monogenic mutations on HEXA, HEXB, or GM2A genes arise in the Tay–Sachs (TSD), Sandhoff (SD), and AB variant diseases, respectively. In this work, we validated a CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing strategy that relies on a Cas9 nickase (nCas9) as a potential approach for treating GM2 gangliosidoses using in vitro models for TSD and SD. The nCas9 contains a mutation in the catalytic RuvC domain but maintains the active HNH domain, which reduces potential off-target effects. Liposomes (LPs)- and novel magnetoliposomes (MLPs)-based vectors were used to deliver the CRISPR/nCas9 system. When LPs were used as a vector, positive outcomes were observed for the β-hexosaminidase activity, glycosaminoglycans levels, lysosome mass, and oxidative stress. In the case of MLPs, a high cytocompatibility and transfection ratio was observed, with a slight increase in the β-hexosaminidase activity and significant oxidative stress recovery in both TSD and SD cells. These results show the remarkable potential of CRISPR/nCas9 as a new alternative for treating GM2 gangliosidoses, as well as the superior performance of non-viral vectors in enhancing the potency of this therapeutic approach.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1422-0067
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810672
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2019364-6
    SSG: 12
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  • 2
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    EEG Evaluation in a Neuropsychological Intervention Program Based on Virtual Reality in Adults with Parkinson’s Disease
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  Biosensors Vol. 12, No. 9 ( 2022-09-12), p. 751-
    Details
    In: Biosensors, MDPI AG, Vol. 12, No. 9 ( 2022-09-12), p. 751-
    Abstract: Nowadays, several strategies for treating neuropsychologic function loss in Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been proposed, such as physical activity performance and developing games to exercise the mind. However, few studies illustrate the incidence of these therapies in neuronal activity. This work aims to study the feasibility of a virtual reality-based program oriented to the cognitive functions’ rehabilitation of PD patients. For this, the study was divided into intervention with the program, acquisition of signals, data processing, and results analysis. The alpha and beta bands’ power behavior was determined by evaluating the electroencephalography (EEG) signals obtained during the execution of control tests and games of the “Hand Physics Lab” Software, from which five games related to attention, planning, and sequencing, concentration, and coordination were taken. Results showed the characteristic performance of the cerebral bands during resting states and activity states. In addition, it was determined that the beta band increased its activity in all the cerebral lobes in all the tested games (p-value 〈 0.05). On the contrary, just one game exhibited an adequate performance of the alpha band activity of the temporal and frontal lobes (p-value 〈 0.02). Furthermore, the visual attention and the capacity to process and interpret the information given by the surroundings was favored during the execution of trials (p-value 〈 0.05); thus, the efficacy of the virtual reality program to recover cognitive functions was verified. The study highlights implementing new technologies to rehabilitate people with neurodegenerative diseases.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2079-6374
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/bios12090751
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2662125-3
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  • 3
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Is IIIG9 a New Protein with Exclusive Ciliary Function? Analysis of Its Potential Role in Cancer and Other Pathologies
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  Cells Vol. 11, No. 20 ( 2022-10-21), p. 3327-
    Details
    In: Cells, MDPI AG, Vol. 11, No. 20 ( 2022-10-21), p. 3327-
    Abstract: The identification of new proteins that regulate the function of one of the main cellular phosphatases, protein phosphatase 1 (PP1), is essential to find possible pharmacological targets to alter phosphatase function in various cellular processes, including the initiation and development of multiple diseases. IIIG9 is a regulatory subunit of PP1 initially identified in highly polarized ciliated cells. In addition to its ciliary location in ependymal cells, we recently showed that IIIG9 has extraciliary functions that regulate the integrity of adherens junctions. In this review, we perform a detailed analysis of the expression, localization, and function of IIIG9 in adult and developing normal brains. In addition, we provide a 3D model of IIIG9 protein structure for the first time, verifying that the classic structural and conformational characteristics of the PP1 regulatory subunits are maintained. Our review is especially focused on finding evidence linking IIIG9 dysfunction with the course of some pathologies, such as ciliopathies, drug dependence, diseases based on neurological development, and the development of specific high-malignancy and -frequency brain tumors in the pediatric population. Finally, we propose that IIIG9 is a relevant regulator of PP1 function in physiological and pathological processes in the CNS.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2073-4409
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/cells11203327
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2661518-6
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  • 4
    Online Resource
    Online Resource
    Biomechanical Assessment of Post-Stroke Patients’ Upper Limb before and after Rehabilitation Therapy Based on FES and VR
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  Sensors Vol. 22, No. 7 ( 2022-03-31), p. 2693-
    Details
    In: Sensors, MDPI AG, Vol. 22, No. 7 ( 2022-03-31), p. 2693-
    Abstract: Stroke is a medical condition characterized by the rapid loss of focal brain function. Post-stroke patients attend rehabilitation training to prevent the degeneration of physical function and improve upper limb movements and functional status after stroke. Promising rehabilitation therapies include functional electrical stimulation (FES), exergaming, and virtual reality (VR). This work presents a biomechanical assessment of 13 post-stroke patients with hemiparesis before and after rehabilitation therapy for two months with these three methods. Patients performed two tests (Maximum Forward Reach and Apley Scratching) where maximum angles, range of motion, angular velocities, and execution times were measured. A Wilcoxon test was performed (p = 0.05) to compare the variables before and after the therapy for paretic and non-paretic limbs. Significant differences were found in range of motion in flexion–extension, adduction–abduction, and internal–external rotation of the shoulder. Increases were found in flexion–extension, 17.98%, and internal–external rotation, 18.12%, after therapy in the Maximum Forward Reach Test. For shoulder adduction–abduction, the increase found was 20.23% in the Apley Scratching Test, supporting the benefits of rehabilitation therapy that combines FES, exergaming, and VR in the literature.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1424-8220
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/s22072693
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2052857-7
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  • 5
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    Online Resource
    Predicting Perceived Exhaustion in Rehabilitation Exercises Using Facial Action Units
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  Sensors Vol. 22, No. 17 ( 2022-08-30), p. 6524-
    Details
    In: Sensors, MDPI AG, Vol. 22, No. 17 ( 2022-08-30), p. 6524-
    Abstract: Physical exercise has become an essential tool for treating various non-communicable diseases (also known as chronic diseases). Due to this, physical exercise allows to counter different symptoms and reduce some risk of death factors without medication. A solution to support people in doing exercises is to use artificial systems that monitor their exercise progress. While one crucial aspect is to monitor the correct physical motions for rehabilitative exercise, another essential element is to give encouraging feedback during workouts. A coaching system can track a user’s exhaustion and give motivating feedback accordingly to boost exercise adherence. For this purpose, this research investigates whether it is possible to predict the subjective exhaustion level based on non-invasive and non-wearable technology. A novel data set was recorded with the facial record as the primary predictor and individual exhaustion levels as the predicted variable. 60 participants (30 male, 30 female) took part in the data recording. 17 facial action units (AU) were extracted as predictor variables for the perceived subjective exhaustion measured using the BORG scale. Using the predictor and the target variables, several regression and classification methods were evaluated aiming to predict exhaustion. The results showed that the decision tree and support vector methods provide reasonable prediction results. The limitation of the results, depending on participants being in the training data set and subjective variables (e.g., participants smiling during the exercises) were further discussed.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1424-8220
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/s22176524
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2052857-7
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  • 6
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    Microfluidic Synthesis and Purification of Magnetoliposomes for Potential Applications in the Gastrointestinal Delivery of Difficult-to-Transport Drugs
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  Pharmaceutics Vol. 14, No. 2 ( 2022-01-28), p. 315-
    Details
    In: Pharmaceutics, MDPI AG, Vol. 14, No. 2 ( 2022-01-28), p. 315-
    Abstract: Magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) have gained significant attention in several applications for drug delivery. However, there are some issues related to cell penetration, especially in the transport of cargoes that show limited membrane passing. A widely studied strategy to overcome this problem is the encapsulation of the MNPs into liposomes to form magnetoliposomes (MLPs), which are capable of fusing with membranes to achieve high delivery rates. This study presents a low-cost microfluidic approach for the synthesis and purification of MLPs and their biocompatibility and functional testing via hemolysis, platelet aggregation, cytocompatibility, internalization, and endosomal escape assays to determine their potential application in gastrointestinal delivery. The results show MLPs with average hydrodynamic diameters ranging from 137 ± 17 nm to 787 ± 45 nm with acceptable polydispersity index (PDI) values (below 0.5). In addition, we achieved encapsulation efficiencies between 20% and 90% by varying the total flow rates (TFRs), flow rate ratios (FRRs), and MNPs concentration. Moreover, remarkable biocompatibility was attained with the obtained MLPs in terms of hemocompatibility (hemolysis below 1%), platelet aggregation (less than 10% with respect to PBS 1×), and cytocompatibility (cell viability higher than 80% in AGS and Vero cells at concentrations below 0.1 mg/mL). Additionally, promising delivery results were obtained, as evidenced by high internalization, low endosomal entrapment (AGS cells: PCC of 0.28 and covered area of 60% at 0.5 h and PCC of 0.34 and covered area of 99% at 4 h), and negligible nuclear damage and DNA condensation. These results confirm that the developed microfluidic devices allow high-throughput production of MLPs for potential encapsulation and efficient delivery of nanostructured cell-penetrating agents. Nevertheless, further in vitro analysis must be carried out to evaluate the prevalent intracellular trafficking routes as well as to gain a detailed understanding of the existing interactions between nanovehicles and cells.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1999-4923
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020315
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2527217-2
    SSG: 15,3
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  • 7
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    Use of Opuntia ficus-indica Fruit Peel as a Novel Source of Mucilage with Coagulant Physicochemical/Molecular Characteristics
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  Polymers Vol. 14, No. 18 ( 2022-09-14), p. 3832-
    Details
    In: Polymers, MDPI AG, Vol. 14, No. 18 ( 2022-09-14), p. 3832-
    Abstract: The peels obtained as a byproduct from the processing of fruits (prickly pears) of the Cactaceae family are a rich source of mucilage, a hydrocolloid biopolymer that may have potential application in water/wastewater treatment as a natural coagulant. In this study, the structural (UPLC-QTOF-MS, FTIR, Raman, NMR, XRD, and zeta potential), morphological (SEM), and thermal (DSC/TGA) characterizations of the mucilage extracted from the peels of Opuntia ficus-indica (OFI) fruits were carried out. UPLC-QTOF-MS results revealed the presence of a branched polymer with an average molecular weight of 0.44 KDa for this mucilage in aqua media. The NMR spectra of mucilage in DMSO-d6 indicated that it seemed well-suited as a coagulant with its typical oligosaccharide structure. FTIR studies confirmed the presence of hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups in the mucilage, indicating its polyelectrolyte nature that could provide coagulating properties through binding and adsorption mechanisms. Likewise, the zeta potential of −23.63 ± 0.55 mV showed an anionic nature of the mucilage. Power XRD technique evidenced the presence of crystalline poly(glycine-β-alanine), glutamic acid, and syn-whewellite. SEM images revealed an irregular and amorphous morphology with cracks, which are suitable characteristics for adsorption mechanisms. The mucilage exhibited two endothermic transitions, with a decomposition temperature in uronic acid of 423.10 °C. These findings revealed that mucilage obtained from OFI fruit peels has molecular and physicochemical characteristics that are suited to its possible application as a natural coagulant in water/wastewater treatments.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2073-4360
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/polym14183832
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2527146-5
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  • 8
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    Biomechanical Effects of Adding an Ankle Soft Actuation in a Unilateral Exoskeleton
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  Biosensors Vol. 12, No. 10 ( 2022-10-14), p. 873-
    Details
    In: Biosensors, MDPI AG, Vol. 12, No. 10 ( 2022-10-14), p. 873-
    Abstract: Stroke disease leads to a partial or complete disability affecting muscle strength and functional mobility. Early rehabilitation sessions might induce neuroplasticity and restore the affected function or structure of the patients. Robotic rehabilitation minimizes the burden on therapists by providing repetitive and regularly monitored therapies. Commercial exoskeletons have been found to assist hip and knee motion. For instance, unilateral exoskeletons have the potential to become an effective training system for patients with hemiparesis. However, these robotic devices leave the ankle joint unassisted, essential in gait for body propulsion and weight-bearing. This article evaluates the effects of the robotic ankle orthosis T-FLEX during cooperative assistance with the AGoRA unilateral lower-limb exoskeleton (hip and knee actuation). This study involves nine subjects, measuring muscle activity and gait parameters such as stance and swing times. The results showed a reduction in muscle activity in the Biceps Femoris of 50%, Lateral Gastrocnemius of 59% and Tibialis Anterior of 35% when adding T-FLEX to the AGoRA unilateral lower-limb exoskeleton. No differences were found in gait parameters. Nevertheless, stability is preserved when comparing the two legs. Future works should focus on evaluating the devices in ground tests in healthy subjects and pathological patients.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 2079-6374
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/bios12100873
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2662125-3
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  • 9
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    Development of a 3D Relative Motion Method for Human–Robot Interaction Assessment
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  Sensors Vol. 22, No. 6 ( 2022-03-21), p. 2411-
    Details
    In: Sensors, MDPI AG, Vol. 22, No. 6 ( 2022-03-21), p. 2411-
    Abstract: Exoskeletons have been assessed by qualitative and quantitative features known as performance indicators. Within these, the ergonomic indicators have been isolated, creating a lack of methodologies to analyze and assess physical interfaces. In this sense, this work presents a three-dimensional relative motion assessment method. This method quantifies the difference of orientation between the user’s limb and the exoskeleton link, providing a deeper understanding of the Human–Robot interaction. To this end, the AGoRA exoskeleton was configured in a resistive mode and assessed using an optoelectronic system. The interaction quantified a difference of orientation considerably at a maximum value of 41.1 degrees along the sagittal plane. It extended the understanding of the Human–Robot Interaction throughout the three principal human planes. Furthermore, the proposed method establishes a performance indicator of the physical interfaces of an exoskeleton.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1424-8220
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/s22062411
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2052857-7
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  • 10
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    Substance Use and Psychological Distress in Mexican Adults during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
    MDPI AG ; 2022
    In:  International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Vol. 20, No. 1 ( 2022-12-30), p. 716-
    Details
    In: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, MDPI AG, Vol. 20, No. 1 ( 2022-12-30), p. 716-
    Abstract: Objectives: This observational cross-sectional study examined changes in substance use during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in the Mexican population and evaluated whether depression or anxiety was associated with these new consumption patterns. Methods: An online survey was distributed to the general population. Participants were questioned about their demographics, situation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and substance consumption patterns. The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for depression and the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale were used. Results: A total of 866 individuals completed the survey. The mean scores for the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale were 8.89 ± 6.20 and 3.48 ± 3.22, respectively. The preferred substances were alcohol (19%), tobacco (16.5%), and marijuana (5.6%). Consumption of alcohol (p = 0.042) significantly increased during the pandemic and it was higher in women than in men (p = 0.040). Conclusions: Substance use patterns were affected by the pandemic, with an increase in the number of users and consumption rate, as well as the reported psychiatric symptoms.
    Type of Medium: Online Resource
    ISSN: 1660-4601
    URL: Article
    DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010716
    Language: English
    Publisher: MDPI AG
    Publication Date: 2022
    detail.hit.zdb_id: 2175195-X
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