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Design and Implementation of a Didactic Monopolar Electrosurgical Simulator for Biomedical Engineering Education
No full textThis work presents the development of a didactic monopolar electrosurgical unit (ESU) simulator, designed as a support tool for the technical training in the handling and basic operation of this medical device within academic environments. The simulator aims to facilitate both theoretical understanding and practical experience of the electrosurgical unit’s operating principles, allowing students to interact with a functional system that replicates its primary modes: cutting and coagulation. The system architecture is based on an ESP32 microcontroller, which generates PWM signals within an adjustable range of 200 kHz to 1 MHz, controlled via rotary encoder potentiometers, and displayed in real time through an LCD screen with I2C interface. The power stage integrates an IRFZ44N MOSFET and a high-frequency transformer, configured to maintain energy levels within safe limits. The activation circuit incorporates 4N25 optocouplers, ensuring electrical isolation between user controls and the power electronics. This simulator is conceived as a formative platform capable of replicating realistic operational scenarios, promoting safe, scalable, and practical learning—particularly suited for biomedical engineering education and related disciplines
Evaluation of the use of contrast agents in medical imaging
No full textAdvances in medical imaging techniques have significantly improved clinical diagnosis, and contrast agents have become essential tools in procedures such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. However, their use has been associated with significant risks, particularly contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), which mainly affects patients with pre-existing renal or cardiovascular disease. The studies reviewed addressed the pathophysiological mechanisms of this complication, as well as the most effective prevention strategies, such as intravenous hydration and the use of agents with lower renal toxicity potential. The safety of iodinated and even gadolinium-based contrast agents was also analysed, highlighting that some compounds offered a safer profile. Despite advances, clinical controversies persisted, and the need for further research to optimise preventive management and ensure patient safety was emphasised
Biological databases useful for epitope mapping and immune response simulation
No full textThe application of bioinformatics has facilitated the development of subareas of science and subspecialties, such as immunoinformatics. Immunoinformatics is extremely useful in vaccine development, the prediction of potential epitopes, and the simulation of immune responses. However, this requires the availability of curated, high-quality data that has been experimentally tested and validated. This study describes databases that are useful in epitope mapping and immune response simulation. The Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource, Universal Protein Resource, and Protein Data Bank are three such databases that are relevant for the use of immunoinformatics tools in epitope mapping and immune response simulation. These databases, together with others, whether general or specialized, form part of the biological data ecosystem on which most immunoinformatics tools for epitope prediction and immune response simulation are built and operate. All have their advantages and limitations, so the selection of one or the other should be based on an analysis of the needs and objectives of the researcher and their projects
Implementation of Lab-on-a-Chip technologies in hematology: advances and challenges
No full textAdvances in biomedical engineering, electronics, and bioinformatics are catalyzing the transition from conventional laboratories to Lab-on-a-Chip technologies. This technology shows potential for application in areas with a strong diagnostic component, such as hematology. This article was developed with the aim of describing the principles, advances, and challenges of implementing Lab-on-a-Chip technologies in hematology. Guided by the principles of microfluidics, these technologies enable tests ranging from complete blood counts to more complex ones such as flow cytometry. The ability to perform multiple analyses in parallel, its portability, and speed could greatly improve care in the care unit or at the patient\u27s bedside, leading to early and timely diagnosis. However, component integration issues, manufacturing complexity, robustness, reliability, sensitivity, and lack of standardization remain real problems that hinder its development. Its development, although still slow, and integration with artificial intelligence techniques will favor diagnosis and treatment in hematological practice.
Medical Applications and Challenges of Cell Culture Systems
No full textIntroduction: cell culture systems allow investigation of physiological, pathological, and pharmacological processes under controlled conditions, tracing back to techniques developed since the early 20th century and enhanced by the discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells in 2006.Methods: a total of 16 articles in Spanish and English were retrieved from Scopus, Science, and Springer using the keywords “2D cell culture,” “3D cell culture,” “regenerative medicine,” and “drug screening,” with more than 60 % published in the last five years.Results: two-dimensional cultures are characterized by simplicity, low cost, and scalability in cytotoxicity assays and drug screening, although they exhibit low biological fidelity. Three-dimensional systems better reproduce tissue architecture, generate nutrient and oxygen gradients, and promote more physiological gene expression profiles, making them suitable for tissue engineering, organoid development, and regenerative medicine. Identified applications include monoclonal antibody production, vaccines, cell therapies, and viral diagnostics. However, technical complexity, matrix standardization, and reproducibility remain limiting factors.Conclusions: cell culture techniques enable in vitro study of cellular physiology and pathology. Two-dimensional monolayers and three-dimensional constructs offer distinct advantages and limitations. Their applications include drug screening, regenerative medicine, vaccine production, and diagnostics
Photoaging: molecular mechanisms, clinical impact, and treatment strategies
No full textBackground:Cutaneous photoaging is a clinically distinguishable form of extrinsic aging caused primarily by chronic ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, accelerating the structural and functional degradation of the skin. Objective: To critically synthesize scientific evidence on the molecular mechanisms, clinical manifestations, and therapeutic strategies related to photoaging. Methods: A narrative review was conducted between February and April 2025 through indexed databases (PubMed, SciELO, Scopus, ScienceDirect), using controlled MeSH terms and Boolean operators to retrieve full-text articles from 2000 to 2024 in English and Spanish. Results: Studies show that UV radiation triggers oxidative stress via excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activates proinflammatory transcription factors (NF-κB, AP-1), and upregulates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), leading to degradation of collagen, elastin, and DNA damage. Clinically, this results in wrinkles, elastosis, and increased risk of skin neoplasms. Conclusions: Current therapies include topical retinoids, antioxidants, advanced photoprotection, and platelet-rich plasma. Personalized approaches and advanced delivery technologies such as nanoparticles and liposomes are needed to enhance therapeutic efficacy
Bioprocess Engineering: Advances in Cell Culture Systems, Reactor Design, Scale-up Strategies, and Intensification Processes for the Production of Biological and Bioactive Compounds
No full textBioprocess engineering is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, driven by the growing demand for complex and bioactive biological products across diverse industries, from pharmaceuticals to food and energy. Recent advances have redefined the efficiency, scalability, and sustainability of biomanufacturing. Key elements of this evolution include the widespread adoption of single-use systems, the integration of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) for precise control and predictive optimization, and the fundamental shift toward continuous bioprocessing. These innovations not only reduce costs and production times but also improve product quality and consistency, enabling the manufacturing of personalized therapies and high-value compounds. Scaling strategies have diversified to include both scale-up and parallel expansion (scale-out), tailored to specific product needs. Together, these developments are laying the foundation for more agile, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible biomanufacturing, preparing the industry to address global challenges in health and sustainability
Medicine of the future: artificial intelligence, gene editing, and planetary health
No full textThis article analyzed the main advances and challenges associated with the medicine of the future, focusing on four fundamental pillars: personalized medicine based on genomics, artificial intelligence applied to diagnosis and clinical management, emerging therapies using CRISPR-based gene editing, and the comprehensive One Health approach that links human, animal, and environmental health. Through a narrative review, recent evidence was examined to illustrate how these technologies are transforming healthcare systems worldwide. Ethical, social, and regulatory implications were also discussed, highlighting the need for interdisciplinary integration to achieve preventive, personalized, and sustainable medicine
Therapeutic strategies in multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis: impact of bedaquiline as a pharmacological innovation
No full textMDR-TB is a considerable challenge for global public health given the growing resistance to conventional drugs. This article evaluates the efficacy and safety of bedaquiline, an inhibitor of Mycobacterium tuberculosis ATP synthase, in the pharmacotherapy of multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis. Using the PRISMA method, 20 investigations from international data were selected with the objective of evaluating therapeutic efficacy, adverse effects and clinical improvement in patients undergoing treatments with regimens that incorporate bedaquiline. The findings indicate that these interventions achieve success rates exceeding 80%, with accelerated bacteriological conversion during the first weeks of treatment. Although adverse effects such as QTc interval prolongation, hepatotoxicity, peripheral neuropathy, myelosuppression, and hematologic toxicity were documented, these were manageable with appropriate follow-up. The article concludes that bedaquiline constitutes an essential progress in the treatment of MDR-TB, although its high cost and monitoring restrict its accessibility
Bibliographic review on the application of biomaterials in neurological disorders
No full textIntroduction: the process of endogenous neurogenesis is not capable of replenishing lost cells after an injury that can result in massive cell loss. Biomaterials are being developed to mimic the brain’s extracellular matrix, providing scaffolds that promote tissue repair and regeneration. The objective was to characterize the application of biomaterials in neurological affections.Methods: a literature review was conducted, where 20 articles in English and Spanish were selected, published in the last five years on the subject, in databases such as: Scopus, PubMed, Springer.Results: biomaterials play an essential role in the human body by serving as artificial substitutes or implants that interact with living tissues, organs, and bodily fluids. Emerging approaches, including stem cell therapy, biomaterials, immune cell therapy, and exosome-based treatments, show promise in modulating the inflammatory response while avoiding broad suppression of immune function. With that in mind, researchers are exploring how these materials could help repair nerve damage once thought to be permanent, boost brain function, and play a key role in fields like neuro-oncology and neuro-rehabilitation. Conclusions: biomaterials enable safe contact with living tissue and offer promise in neuroscience. Research is still needed to address ethics and ensure safe use