Aireko lineetako koroa-efektuaren analisia elementu finituen bidezko simulazioaz

Koroa-efektua tentsio altuko lineen eroale eta elementuen inguruan sortzen da airearen ionizazioaren ondorioz, elektrizitate-galerak eta lineetan kalteak eraginez. Lan honen helburua parametro atmosferikoek koroa-efektuan dituzten ondorioak ikertzea da. Ikerketa hau Jorgensen eta Pedersen-ek lortutako datu esperimentaletan oinarritzen da, haien kalkuluak Townsend-en teorian oinarrituta egonik. Eremu elektrikoa kalkulatzeko, COMSOL multiphysics elementu finituen softwarea erabiliko da eta lortutako emaitzak Excel bidez aztertuko dira. Behin datu teorikoak lortuta, presio, tenperatura eta altitude parametroak aldatuko dira koroa-efektua baldintza ez-estandarrean aztertzeko.El efecto corona se crea alrededor de los cables y elementos de las líneas de alta tensión como consecuencia de la ionización del aire, causando pérdidas de electricidad y destrozos sobre las líneas. El objetivo de este trabajo es investigar los efectos de distintos parámetros atmosféricos sobre el efecto corona. Este estudio se basa en los datos experimentales obtenidos por Jorgensen y Pedersen, que basaron sus cálculos en la teoría de Townsend. Para el cálculo del campo eléctrico se utilizará primero el software de elementos finitos COMSOL multiphysics y después se analizarán los resultados mediante Excel. Una vez obtenidos los datos teóricos, se modificarán los parámetros presión, temperatura y altitud para analizar el efecto corona en condiciones no estándares.The corona effect is created around the cables and elements of the high voltage lines as a result of the ionization of the air, causing electricity losses and damage to the lines. The objective of this work is to investigate the effects of different atmospheric parameters on the corona effect. This study is based on the experimental data obtained by Jorgensen and Pedersen, who based their calculations on Townsend's theory. For the calculation of the electric field, the finite element software COMSOL multiphysics will first be used and then the results will be analysed using Excel. Once the theoretical data has been obtained, pressure, temperature and altitude parameters will be modified to analyse the corona effect in non-standard conditions

Aireko lineetako koroa-efektuaren analisia elementu finituen bidezko simulazioaz

Koroa-efektua tentsio altuko lineen eroale eta elementuen inguruan sortzen da airearen ionizazioaren ondorioz, elektrizitate-galerak eta lineetan kalteak eraginez. Lan honen helburua parametro atmosferikoek koroa-efektuan dituzten ondorioak ikertzea da. Ikerketa hau Jorgensen eta Pedersen-ek lortutako datu esperimentaletan oinarritzen da, haien kalkuluak Townsend-en teorian oinarrituta egonik. Eremu elektrikoa kalkulatzeko, COMSOL multiphysics elementu finituen softwarea erabiliko da eta lortutako emaitzak Excel bidez aztertuko dira. Behin datu teorikoak lortuta, presio, tenperatura eta altitude parametroak aldatuko dira koroa-efektua baldintza ez-estandarrean aztertzeko.El efecto corona se crea alrededor de los cables y elementos de las líneas de alta tensión como consecuencia de la ionización del aire, causando pérdidas de electricidad y destrozos sobre las líneas. El objetivo de este trabajo es investigar los efectos de distintos parámetros atmosféricos sobre el efecto corona. Este estudio se basa en los datos experimentales obtenidos por Jorgensen y Pedersen, que basaron sus cálculos en la teoría de Townsend. Para el cálculo del campo eléctrico se utilizará primero el software de elementos finitos COMSOL multiphysics y después se analizarán los resultados mediante Excel. Una vez obtenidos los datos teóricos, se modificarán los parámetros presión, temperatura y altitud para analizar el efecto corona en condiciones no estándares.The corona effect is created around the cables and elements of the high voltage lines as a result of the ionization of the air, causing electricity losses and damage to the lines. The objective of this work is to investigate the effects of different atmospheric parameters on the corona effect. This study is based on the experimental data obtained by Jorgensen and Pedersen, who based their calculations on Townsend's theory. For the calculation of the electric field, the finite element software COMSOL multiphysics will first be used and then the results will be analysed using Excel. Once the theoretical data has been obtained, pressure, temperature and altitude parameters will be modified to analyse the corona effect in non-standard conditions

Targeted release of probiotics from enteric microparticulated formulations

The development of advanced probiotic delivery systems, which preserve bacteria from degradation of the gastrointestinal tract and achieve a targeted release mediated by pH-independent swelling, is of great interest to improve the eficient delivery of probiotic bacteria to the target tissue. Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria models (Lactobacillus acidophilus (Moro) Hansen and Mocquot (ATCC®4356™) and Escherichia coli S17, respectively) have been successfully encapsulated for the first time in pH-independent microparticulate polymethacrylates (i.e., Eudraguard biotic) used for the targeted delivery of nutraceuticals to the colon. These bacteria have also been encapsulated within the mucoadhesive polymethacrylate Eudragit RS 100 widely used as targeted release formulation for active pharmaceutical ingredients. The enteric microparticles remained unaltered under simulated gastric conditions and released the contained viable microbial cargo under simulated intestinal conditions. Buoyancies of 90.2% and 57.3% for Eudragit and Eudraguard microparticles, respectively, and long-term stability (5 months) for the encapsulated microorganisms were found. Cytotoxicity of the microparticles formulated with both polymers was evaluated (0.5-20 mg/mL) on Caco-2 cells, showing high cytocompatibility. These results underline the suitability of the synthesized materials for the successful delivery of probiotic formulations to the target organ, highlighting for the first time the potential use of Eudraguard biotic as an effective enteric coating for the targeted delivery of probiotics

Microarrays, Enzymatic Assays, and MALDI-MS for Determining Specific Alterations to Mitochondrial Electron Transport Chain Activity, ROS Formation, and Lipid Composition in a Monkey Model of Parkinson’s Disease

Multiple evidences suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease via the selective cell death of dopaminergic neurons, such as that which occurs after prolonged exposure to the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) complex I inhibitor, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrine (MPTP). However, the effects of chronic MPTP on the ETC complexes and on enzymes of lipid metabolism have not yet been thoroughly determined. To face these questions, the enzymatic activities of ETC complexes and the lipidomic profile of MPTP-treated non-human primate samples were determined using cell membrane microarrays from different brain areas and tissues. MPTP treatment induced an increase in complex II activity in the olfactory bulb, putamen, caudate, and substantia nigra, where a decrease in complex IV activity was observed. The lipidomic profile was also altered in these areas, with a reduction in the phosphatidylserine (38:1) content being especially relevant. Thus, MPTP treatment not only modulates ETC enzymes, but also seems to alter other mitochondrial enzymes that regulate the lipid metabolism. Moreover, these results show that a combination of cell membrane microarrays, enzymatic assays, and MALDI-MS provides a powerful tool for identifying and validating new therapeutic targets that might accelerate the drug discovery process.This research has been supported by grants from the regional Basque Government ITI1454-22 awarded to the “Neurochemistry and Neurodegeneration” consolidated research group and ISCIII Spanish Ministry for Health PI20/00153 and co-funded by the European Union (ERDF “A way to make Europe”), a grant from the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (IPT-2011-1205) and Scholarship Program for the Transition from Educational to Occupational Word (UPV-Basque Government)

Gamifying Physics Laboratory Work Increases Motivation and Enhances Acquisition of the Skills Required for Application of the Scientific Method

Although increasing student motivation is widely accepted to enhance learning outcomes, this relationship has scarcely been studied quantitatively. Therefore, this study aimed to address this knowledge gap by exploring the effects of gamification on students’ motivation and consequently their learning performance, regarding the proper application of the scientific method. To motivate students and enhance their acquisition of new skills, we developed a gamification framework for the laboratory sessions of first-year physics in an engineering degree. Data regarding student motivation were collected through a Likert-scale-type satisfaction questionnaire. The inter-item correlations and Cronbach’s alpha confirmed the internal consistency of the questionnaire. In addition, the learning outcome was assessed based on the students’ laboratory reports. Students participating in gamified activities were more motivated than those participating in non-gamified activities and obtained better learning results overall. Our findings suggest that gamified laboratory sessions boost students´ extrinsic motivation, and consequently inspire their intrinsic motivation and increase their learning performance. Finally, we discuss our results, with a focus on specific skills and the short- and long-term effects of gamification.This work was funded by the vice-rectorate for Innovation, Social Commitment and Cultural Action of the University of the Basque Country through SAE-HELAZ (PIE 2019-20, 83)

Design of an Anti-Corona Device for HVAC Substation Connectors

One of the aspects to consider during high-voltage (HV) equipment design is the reduction in the probability of corona effect onset. Indeed, the corona effect is related to high electric field values beyond the equipment’s insulation levels and insulation strength, among other factors. This issue can be addressed during the design step, either by modifying the geometry of the electrical device or by including additional elements in the equipment structure to smooth out the voltage gradient along critical regions, such as anti-corona devices. The study of anti-corona devices for HV insulators is well documented, in contrast to substation connectors. Therefore, the present study proposed the design of a novel anti-corona device for HV substation connectors, including a method for the selection of its dimensions. This study shows that the relationship between the dimensional design variables and the critical electrical field on the connector is described by linear and rational functions. Thus, the design process times are cut down due to a reduction in the number of simulations required to run the assessment of the anti-corona device arrangement impact.The authors wish to thank the support from the Basque Government (GISEL research group IT1191-19 and ELEKTRIKER research group IT164-22), as well as from the University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU (GISEL research group GIU18/181 and ELEKTRIKER research group GIU20/034)

Adherence to the Western, Prudent and Mediterranean Dietary Patterns and Colorectal Cancer Risk: Findings from the Spanish Cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC-Spain)

The aim of this study was to explore the association between three previously identified dietary patterns (Western, Prudent, and Mediterranean) and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk by sex and cancer subtype. The Spanish cohort of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study provided dietary and epidemiological information from 15,629 men and 25,808 women recruited between 1992 and 1996. Among them, 568 CRC cases and 3289 deaths were identified during a median follow-up of 16.98 years. The associations between adherence to the three dietary patterns and CRC risk (overall, by sex, and by tumour location: proximal and distal colon and rectum) were investigated by fitting multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models stratified by study centre and age. Possible heterogeneity of the effects by sex and follow-up time (1-10 vs. >= 10 years) was also explored. While no clear effect of the Prudent dietary pattern on CRC risk was found, a suggestive detrimental effect of the Western dietary pattern was observed, especially during the first 10 years of follow-up (HR1SD-increase (95% CI): 1.17 (0.99-1.37)), among females (HR1SD-increase (95% CI): 1.31 (1.06-1.61)), and for rectal cancer (HR1SD-increase (95% CI): 1.38 (1.03-1.84)). In addition, high adherence to the Mediterranean pattern seemed to protect against CRC, especially when restricting the analyses to the first 10 years of follow-up (HR1SD-increase (95% CI): 0.84 (0.73-0.98)), among males (HR1SD-increase (95% CI): 0.80 (0.65-0.98)), and specifically against distal colon cancer (HR1SD-increase (95% CI): 0.81 (0.63-1.03)). In conclusion, low adherence to the Western diet and high adherence to the Mediterranean dietary pattern could prevent CRC, especially distal colon and rectal cancer

Matryoshka-type gastro-resistant microparticles for the oral treatment of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Aim: Production of Matryoshka-type gastroresistant microparticles containing antibiotic-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NP) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Materials & methods: The emulsification and evaporation methods were followed for the synthesis of PLGA–NPs and methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate-based coatings to protect rifampicin from degradation under simulated gastric conditions. Results & conclusion: The inner antibiotic-loaded NPs here reported can be released under simulated intestinal conditions whereas their coating protects them from degradation under simulated gastric conditions. The encapsulation does not hinder the antituberculosis action of the encapsulated antibiotic rifampicin. A sustained antibiotic release could be obtained when using the drug-loaded encapsulated NPs. Compared with the administration of the free drug, a more effective elimination of M. tuberculosis was observed when applying the NPs against infected macrophages. The antibiotic-loaded PLGA–NPs were also able to cross an in vitro model of intestinal barrier. Matryoshka-type gastroresistant microparticles containing antibiotic-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles against M. tuberculosis were produced to protect the antibiotic from degradation under simulated gastric conditions. The antibiotic-loaded poly lactic-co-glycolic acid nanoparticles were able to cross an in vitro model of intestinal barrier, being more effective in the elimination of M. tuberculosis when applied against infected macrophages compared with the use of the free drug

Anxiety, depression, health-related quality of life, and mortality among colorectal patients: 5-year follow-up

Purpose Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measurement represents an important outcome in cancer patients. We describe the evolution of HRQoL over a 5-year period in colorectal cancer patients, identifying predictors of change and how they relate to mortality. Methods Prospective observational cohort study including colorectal cancer (CRC) patients having undergone surgery in nineteen public hospitals who were monitored from their diagnosis, intervention and at 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year periods thereafter by gathering HRQoL data using the EuroQol-5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer's Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC-QLQ-C30), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires. Multivariable generalized linear mixed models were used. Results Predictors of Euroqol-5D-5L (EQ-5D-5L) changes were having worse baseline HRQoL; being female; higher Charlson index score (more comorbidities); complications during admission and 1 month after surgery; having a stoma after surgery; and needing or being in receipt of social support at baseline. For EORTC-QLQ-C30, predictors of changes were worse baseline EORTC-QLQ-C30 score; being female; higher Charlson score; complications during admission and 1 month after admission; receiving adjuvant chemotherapy; and having a family history of CRC. Predictors of changes in HADS anxiety were being female and having received adjuvant chemotherapy. Greater depression was associated with greater baseline depression; being female; higher Charlson score; having complications 1 month after intervention; and having a stoma. A deterioration in all HRQoL questionnaires in the previous year was related to death in the following year. Conclusions These findings should enable preventive follow-up programs to be established for such patients in order to reduce their psychological distress and improve their HRQoL to as great an extent as possible.Open Access funding provided thanks to the CRUE-CSIC agreement with Springer Nature. This work was supported in part by grants from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III and the European Regional Development Fund (PS09/00314, PS09/00910, PS09/00746, PS09/00805, PI09/90460, PI09/90490, PI09/90453, PI09/90441, PI09/90397); the Departments of Health (2010111098) and Education, Language Policy and Culture (IT620-13) of the Basque Government; the Research Committee of Hospital Galdakao; and the thematic network-REDISSEC (Red de Investigacion en Servicios de Salud en Enfermedades Cronicas)-of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III

Nanoengineering palladium plasmonic Nanosheets inside polymer nanospheres for photothermal therapy and targeted drug delivery

The incorporation of plasmonic nanoconstructs in biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles (NPs), together with therapeutic drugs in a controlled procedure is of interest for different applications in Nanomedicine. Advanced hybrid nanomaterials can be engineered by combining the in situ formation of plasmonic palladium nanosheets (NSs) and the proper ionic nature of the encapsulated drug. This study presents a new procedure to synthesize hybrid nanostructures by a Pickering double emulsion. Anisotropic palladium (Pd) NSs with unique near-infrared (NIR)-optical properties can be assembled within a poly lactic-co-glycolic acid matrix of REF: RTI2018-099019-A-I00. R.A. acknowledges funding from the Spanish MICINN (project grant PID2019-104739GB-100/AEI/10.13039/501100011033), from the Government of Aragon (project DGA E13-20R), and from the European Union H2020 program “ESTEEM3” (No. 823717).Peer reviewe