General Mapping of the Environmental Performance in Climate Change Mitigation of Spanish Universities through a Standardized Carbon Footprint Calculation Tool

Higher education institutions (HEIs) can be considered role models of small cities that contribute to the fight against climate change. Therefore, assessing their own carbon footprints (CFs) and drawing conclusions gives significance to this study. In this study, 77 CFs from 14 HEIs were obtained through a tool developed by the Spanish Government. They were analyzed along with different variables and recalculated using the same standardized activity ratios. As a result, a general mapping of the environmental performance in climate change mitigation of Spanish universities has been obtained. Although there is an overall decrease in total CF (72.7%), direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Scope 1) remain stable, while the decrease is due to the reduction of emissions caused by electricity consumption (Scope 2) through the use electricity suppliers that guarantee the energy provided is generated from renewable sources. A lack of consensus in the definition of “student” and “employee”, used for the activity ratios, causes large variations in the relative CF values. For worldwide benchmarking of HEIs’ climate change performance, CF can be a valid indicator only if they: (1) include standardized Scope 1 and 2 emission sources, (2) use the same emission factors, and (3) calculate activity ratios from standardized functional units

Novel Horizons in Postbiotics: Lactobacillaceae Extracellular Vesicles and Their Applications in Health and Disease

Lactobacillus probiotics contained in dietary supplements or functional foods are wellknown for their beneficial properties exerted on host health and diverse pathological situations. Their capacity to improve inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and regulate the immune system is especially remarkable. Although bacteria–host interactions have been thought to occur directly, the key role that extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from probiotics play on this point is being unveiled. EVs are lipid bilayer-enclosed particles that carry a wide range of cargo compounds and act in different signalling pathways. Notably, these EVs have been recently proposed as a safe alternative to the utilisation of live bacteria since they can avoid the possible risks that probiotics may entail in vulnerable cases such as immunocompromised patients. Therefore, this review aims to give an updated overview of the existing knowledge about EVs from different Lactobacillus strains, their mechanisms and effects in host health and different pathological conditions. All of the information collected suggests that EVs could be considered as potential tools for the development of future novel therapeutic approaches.Junta de Andalucia CTS 164 PY20_01157Instituto de Salud Carlos III European Commission PI19/01058 European Commissio

Spinal Muscular Atrophy autophagy profile is tissue-dependent: differential regulation between muscle and motoneurons

Motoneurona; Neurodegeneració; Malaltia neuromuscularMotoneurona; Neurodegeneración; Enfermedad neuromuscularMotoneuron; Neurodegeneration; Neuromuscular diseaseSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular genetic disease caused by reduced survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. SMN is ubiquitous and deficient levels cause spinal cord motoneurons (MNs) degeneration and muscle atrophy. Nevertheless, the mechanism by which SMN reduction in muscle contributes to SMA disease is not fully understood. Therefore, studies evaluating atrophy mechanisms in SMA muscles will contribute to strengthening current knowledge of the pathology. Here we propose to evaluate autophagy in SMA muscle, a pathway altered in myotube atrophy. We analized autophagy proteins and mTOR in muscle biopsies, fibroblasts, and lymphoblast cell lines from SMA patients and in gastrocnemius muscles from a severe SMA mouse model. Human MNs differentiated from SMA and unaffected control iPSCs were also included in the analysis of the autophagy. Muscle biopsies, fibroblasts, and lymphoblast cell lines from SMA patients showed reduction of the autophagy marker LC3-II. In SMA mouse gastrocnemius, we observed lower levels of LC3-II, Beclin 1, and p62/SQSTM1 proteins at pre-symptomatic stage. mTOR phosphorylation at Ser2448 was decreased in SMA muscle cells. However, in mouse and human cultured SMA MNs mTOR phosphorylation and LC3-II levels were increased. These results suggest a differential regulation in SMA of the autophagy process in muscle cells and MNs. Opposite changes in autophagy proteins and mTOR phosphorylation between muscle cells and neurons were observed. These differences may reflect a specific response to SMN reduction, which could imply diverse tissue-dependent reactions to therapies that should be taken into account when treating SMA patients.The authors wish to thank the consenting parents and patients. This work was supported by grants from Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Fondo de Inversiones Sanitarias, Unión Europea, Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) “Una manera de hacer Europa” (PI17/00231, PI20/00098), AGAUR (2014 SGR 1087), and Fundació La Marató TV3 (73/C/2020). AG is a Serra Hunter Fellow from Generalitat de Catalunya, AS holds a fellowship from Universitat de Lleida and M.J.P-G was awarded the Marie-Curie fellowship (BP-B 00083). We thank Elaine Lilly, PhD, for English language revision of the manuscript

Rhizobium etli Produces Nitrous Oxide by Coupling the Assimilatory and Denitrification Pathways

More than two-thirds of the powerful greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from soils can be attributed to microbial denitrification and nitrification processes. Bacterial denitrification reactions are catalyzed by the periplasmic (Nap) or membrane-bound (Nar) nitrate reductases, nitrite reductases (NirK/cd1Nir), nitric oxide reductases (cNor, qNor/ CuANor), and nitrous oxide reductase (Nos) encoded by nap/nar, nir, nor and nos genes, respectively. Rhizobium etli CFN42, the microsymbiont of common bean, is unable to respire nitrate under anoxic conditions and to perform a complete denitrification pathway. This bacterium lacks the nap, nar and nos genes but contains genes encoding NirK and cNor. In this work, we demonstrated that R. etli is able to grow with nitrate as the sole nitrogen source under aerobic and microoxic conditions. Genetic and functional characterization of a gene located in the R. etli chromosome and annotated as narB demonstrated that growth under aerobic or microoxic conditions with nitrate as nitrogen source as well as nitrate reductase activity requires NarB. In addition to be involved in nitrate assimilation, NarB is also required for NO and N2O production by NirK and cNor, respectively, in cells grown microoxically with nitrate as the only N source. Furthermore, β-glucuronidase activity from nirK::uidA and norC::uidA fusions, as well as NorC expression and Nir and Nor activities revealed that expression of nor genes under microoxic conditions also depends on nitrate reduction by NarB. Our results suggest that nitrite produced by NarB from assimilatory nitrate reduction is detoxified by NirK and cNor denitrifying enzymes that convert nitrite into NO which in turn is reduced to N2O, respectively

Os micromachismos nos adolescentes. Sua associação com as relações de casal e o modelo de maternidade e paternidade

La identidad femenina continúa representada por la dependencia emocional, la comprensión y el cuidado de los otros, mientras que la masculina sigue asociada a la autosuficiencia, la racionalidad, el control emocional, la fuerza, el dominio y la competitividad. Los micromachismos son prácticas de dominación masculina en la vida cotidiana, precisamente cimentadas en la sutileza social/cultural, casi imperceptible, que ejerce hasta el “hombre menos machista del mundo”. Informes recientes sobre la juventud en España muestran la persistencia de los roles de género tradicionales. Objetivo. Conocer las representaciones sociales de los micromachismos en el modelo de pareja y el concepto de maternidad/paternidad que tienen los adolescentes del distrito Centro de Madrid. Metodología. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo en el que se realizaron dos grupos de discusión, uno con chicos y uno con chicas. Conclusiones. Los resultados muestran una población adolescente conocedora sobre temas de machismo y concienciada a producir un cambio hacia una sociedad más igualitaria. Se observa la importancia que tiene la educación en igualdad a edades tempranas para conseguir un cambio en la sociedad. Es importante continuar explorando los puntos de vista de los jóvenes sobre estos temas para conocer hasta qué punto está cambiando su perspectiva.Female identity is still represented by an emotional dependency, empathy and taking care of others, meanwhile the male one is still associated to self-sufficiency, rationality, self-control, strength, power and competitiveness. Everyday sexim are male domination practices on their daily life, precisely consolidated on the social/cultural subtleness, almost imperceptible, practiced even by “the less of the world’s male chauvinist”. In recent studies about Spanish youth, it is noticed the persistence of traditional gender roles. Objective. Recognize social representations of the everyday sexim inside the couple model and the concept teenagers have about paternity/maternity in the Center district of Madrid. Methodology. Qualitative study where two different discussion groups were created, one with boys and the other one with girls. Conclusion. The results of such study show a teenager population knowledgeable of the male chauvinist matters, and become aware to make a change towards a more equal society. It is shown the importance the education has in equality at early ages to achieve a change in the society. It is important to carry on exploring the youngers point of view regarding these matters, to get to know up to what point they are truly changing their perspective.A identidade feminina continua representada pela dependência emocional, pela compreensão e pelo cuidado dos outros, enquanto que a masculina permanece associada à auto-suficiência, à racionalidade, ao controlo emocional, à força, ao domínio e à competitividade. Os micromachismos são práticas de domínio masculino na vida quotidiana, precisamente cimentadas na subtileza social/cultural, quase impercetível, que exerce até o “homem menos machista do mundo”. Relatórios recentes sobre a juventude em Espanha mostram a persistência dos papéis de género tradicionais. Objetivo. Conhecer as representações sociais dos micromachismos no modelo de casal e o conceito de maternidade/paternidade que têm os adolescentes do distrito Centro de Madrid. Metodologia. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo no qual se realizaram dois grupos de discussão, um com rapazes e outro com raparigas. Conclusões. Os resultados mostram uma população adolescente conhecedora de temas sobre machismo e consciencializada para produzir uma mudança no sentido de uma sociedade mais igualitária. Observa-se a importância que tem a educação em igualdade em idades precoces para conseguir uma mudança na sociedade. É importante continuar a explorar os pontos de vista dos jovens sobre estes temas para conhecer até que ponto está a mudar a sua perspetiva

The Antioxidant Activity of Thymus serpyllum Extract Protects against the Inflammatory State and Modulates Gut Dysbiosis in Diet-Induced Obesity in Mice

Nowadays, there is an increasing interest in alternative therapies in the treatment of metabolic syndrome that combine efficacy and safety profiles. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of an extract of Thymus serpyllum, containing rosmarinic acid, on high-fat diet (HFD)- induced obesity mice, highlighting the impact of its antioxidant activity on the inflammatory status and gut dysbiosis. The extract was administered daily (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg) in HFD-fed mice. The treatment reduced body weight gain, glucose and lipid metabolic profiles. Moreover, the extract ameliorated the inflammatory status, with the c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JUNK) pathway being involved, and showed a significant antioxidant effect by the reduction of radical scavenging activity and the mitigation of lipid peroxidation. Moreover, the extract was able to modulate the altered gut microbiota, restoring microbial richness and diversity, and augmenting the counts of short-chain fatty acid producing bacteria, which have been associated with the maintenance of gut permeability and weight regulation. In conclusion, the antioxidant activity of Thymus serpyllum extract displayed a positive impact on obesity and its metabolic alterations, also reducing systemic inflammation. These effects may be mediated by modulation of the gut microbiota.Junta de Andalucia CTS 164Instituto de Salud Carlos III European Commission PI19.01058Spanish Government AGL201567995-C3-3-REuropean CommissionInstituto de Salud Carlos II

Beneficial Effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum in the DCA Experimental Model of Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Rats

Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716, a probiotic strain isolated from human milk, has reported beneficial effects on different gastrointestinal disorders. Moreover, it has shown its ability to restore altered immune responses, in association with microbiome modulation in different pathological conditions. Therefore, our aim was to assess the effects of a Limosilacbacillus fermentum CECT5716 in a rat experimental model of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) that resembles human IBS. The experimental IBS was induced by deoxycholic acid (DCA) in rats and then, Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 (109 CFU/day/rat) was administered. Behavioral studies, hyperalgesia and intestinal hypersensitivity determinations were performed and the impact of the probiotic on the inflammatory and intestinal barrier integrity was evaluated. Additionally, the gut microbiota composition was analyzed. Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 attenuated the anxiety-like behavior as well as the visceral hypersensitivity and referred pain. Moreover, this probiotic ameliorated the gut inflammatory status, re-establishing the altered intestinal permeability, reducing the mast cell degranulation and re-establishing the gut dysbiosis in experimental IBS. Therefore, our results suggest a potential use of Limosilactobacillus fermentum CECT5716 in clinical practice for the management of IBS patients.Junta de Andalucia A-CTS-447-UGR18 CTS 164Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIEuropean Commission PI19/01058 PI20/0144

La imagen y la narrativa como herramientas para el abordaje psicosocial en escenarios de violencia. Municipios de Armenia, Dosquebradas, Cartago y Manizales

El presente trabajo invita a descubrir a través del enfoque narrativo, una serie de eventos psicosociales traumáticos y dolorosos por causa de la violencia desatada por el conflicto armado en Colombia entre grupos ilegales, abordando las historias de vida de personas víctimas de los hechos violentos causados por el conflicto, dejando con su narrativa evidencia de la lucha y la resiliencia de estas familias y comunidades que perdieron todo, su dignidad fue arrebatada, sus seres queridos asesinados, violados, torturados, fueron desplazados de sus hogares y tuvieron la capacidad, la fortaleza de sobrevivir a la adversidad y alzar la voz por una verdad y justicia reparadora. Así mismo, se hace un análisis al caso de Luz, una mujer y su hija víctimas del conflicto armado, que tuvieron que presenciar el asesinato de su esposo, el despojo de sus tierras, las amenazas y la persecución política, tomando la decisión de exiliar a otro país para salvaguardar su vida y la de su hija. En este sentido, y con el caso seleccionado, se continúa con un ejercicio de análisis por medio de la construcción de preguntas circulares, reflexivas y estratégicas, esto con el fin de garantizar una atención psicosocial adecuada. Seguidamente se realiza el análisis del caso de la masacre del Salado, donde se hace una reflexión y se plantean estrategias psicosociales que facilitaran la potenciación de los recursos de afrontamiento de las víctimas del conflicto armado.The present work invites us to discover through the narrative approach, a series of traumatic and painful psychosocial events due to the violence unleashed by the armed conflict in Colombia between illegal groups, addressing the life stories of victims of the violent events caused by the conflict, leaving with their narrative evidence of the struggle and resilience of these families and communities that lost everything. Their dignity was taken away, their loved ones murdered, raped, tortured, they were displaced from their homes, and they had the ability, the strength to survive adversity and raise their voices for restorative truth and justice. An analysis is also made of the case of Luz, a woman, and her daughter victims of the armed conflict, who had to witness the murder of her husband, the dispossession of their lands, threats and political persecution, making the decision to exile to another country to safeguard her life and that of her daughter. In this sense, with the selected case, an analysis exercise is continued through the construction of circular, reflective, and strategic questions, to guarantee adequate psychosocial care. Next, the case of the Salado massacre is analyzed, where a reflection is made, and psychosocial strategies are proposed that will facilitate the enhancement of the coping resources of the victims of the armed conflict

Tigecycline reduces tumorigenesis in colorectal cancer via inhibition of cell proliferation and modulation of immune response

Junta de Andalucía (CTS 164)Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Spain)Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER)European Union, through the research grants PI18/00826, P18-RT-4930, PI0206–2016, PIE16/00045 and PI19/01058Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (MCIN/AEI/ 10.13039/501100011033/FEDER)RTI2018–101309-BC22Chair “Doctors Galera-Requena in cancer stem cell research” (CMC-CTS963Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (“Programa de Doctorado: Medicina Clínica y Salud Pública” B12.56.1).Instituto de Salud Carlos III (FI17/00176)Junta de Andalucía (P18-RT-4930)University of GranadaCIBER-EHD is funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos II