GPE –6th International Congress on Green Process Engineering

Grape stems are a residual woody material from the vinification process. A waste that, if it is not treated in a correctly manner, could represent an environmental problem. Moreover, in the last years, special attention has been paid to this waste due to its high content of polyphenols, mainly stilbenes and flavonoids. Several studies have already revealed the potential and possibilities of these compounds in industries, such as alimentary, cosmetic and pharmaceutic thanks to their antioxidant, antimicrobial and/or anticarcinogenic properties. In this work, the effect of solid-liquid extraction parameters of polyphenols from grape stems have been studied. These parameters were: solid-liquid ratio (RS-L), type of solvent (variation of the percentage of ethanol in the hydroalcoholic mixture) and temperature. Parameter values selected as the best for polyphenol extraction in a conventional solid-liquid extraction were: a RS-L of 0.10 g/mL, a temperature of 75ºC and a hydroalcoholic mixture with a 50% vol. of ethanol. Furthermore, microwaves were applied to grape stems as a pre-treatment prior to the conventional extraction for the first time. In this case the parameters assessed were also solid-liquid ratio, type of solvent and, in addition, the time of the pre-treatment. For this purpose, a statistical surface design was employed to obtain the optimum conditions which maximize the final TPC of the extracts. In a first approach, extracts were characterized in terms of total polyphenol content and total flavonoid content. The main result was that, microwaves make it faster the extraction (until 4 times) but it is not clear their role on the extraction yield. Key-words. Grape stems, stilbenes, flavonoids, microwaveConserjeria de Educación de Castilla y León (España) y FEDER. Proyecto VA040U16Conserjería de Educación de Castilla y León (España). Orden EDU/602/2016Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (España). Proyecto CTQ2015-64892-

Spirometry and respiratory oscillometry: Feasibility and concordance in schoolchildren with asthma

Producción CientíficaObjective:The purpose of this study was to describe the feasibility of respiratory oscillometry (RO) in schoolchildren with asthma, and the concordance of its results with those of spirometry, to determine its clinical usefulness. Methods:RO and spirometry were performed in 154 children (6 to 14-year-old) with asthma, following strict quality criteria for the tests. Their feasibility (probability of valid test, time of execution, number of maneuvers needed to achieve a valid test, and perceived difficulty) was compared. The factors that influence feasibility were analyzed with multivariate methods. FEV1, FEV1/FVC, FVC and FEF25-75 for spirometry, and R5, AX and R5-19 for RO, were converted into z-scores and their concordance was investigated through intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and kappa indices for normal/abnormal values. Results:There were no differences in the probability of obtaining a valid RO or spirometry (83.1% vs. 81.8%, p = 0.868). RO required a lower number of maneuvers [mean (SD) 4.2 (1.8) versus 6.0 (1.6), p < 0.001] and less execution time [5.1 (2.7) versus 7.6 (2.4) minutes, p < 0.001], and patients considered it less difficult. Age increased the probability of obtaining valid RO and spirometry. The concordance of results between RO and spirometry was low, and only between zFEV1 and zAX could it be considered moderate (ICC = 0.412, kappa = 0.427). Conclusion:RO and spirometry are feasible in children with asthma. RO has some practical advantages, but the concordance of its results with spirometry is low.Junta de Castilla y León (Gerencia Regional de Salud - Grant/Award Number: 2191/A/2020

Development of a screening test for cognitive impairment in alcoholic population: TEDCA.

ntroducción. Numerosos estudios han encontrado alteraciones cognitivas en pacientes con historia de trastorno por consumo de alcohol, afectando su funcionamiento psicosocial y consecución de objetivos terapéuticos. Para identificar estas afectaciones se han utilizado pruebas de cribado cognitivo a pesar de que no han sido diseñadas para esta población, aumentando el riesgo de error. Objetivo. Valorar los principales déficits cognitivos en pacientes con historia de trastorno por consumo de alcohol, para desarrollar una prueba de cribado de alteraciones cognitivas específica para estos pacientes. Metodología. El TEDCA (Test de detección de deterioro cognitivo en alcoholismo) se diseñó en base a tres dimensiones: Cognición Viso-espacial, Memoria/Aprendizaje y Función Ejecutiva. El estudio se dividió en dos fases: En la fase 1 se seleccionaron las pruebas con mayor capacidad de discriminación entre pacientes con diferentes niveles de afectación cognitiva, y en la fase 2 se realizaron los análisis de validez y fiabilidad. La muestra estuvo formada por 248 participantes, 88 controles (fase 2) y 160 pacientes (fase 1: n=70 y fase 2: n=90). Resultados. El TEDCA obtuvo una fiabilidad elevada (alfa de Cronbach 0.754), el análisis factorial confirmó la presencia de las 3 dimensiones definidas previamente, dis- criminó entre pacientes y controles, y presenta una buena validez diagnóstica de afectación cognitiva. Conclusiones. El TEDCA es una nueva prueba de cribado, que permite identificar la posible presencia de afectación cognitiva en pacientes con historia de trastorno por onsumo de alcohol, que puede ser utilizado en los ámbitos de psiquiatría, atención primaria e investigación.post-print146 K

Doce años después.... recuperamos el saber acumulado y elaboramos una nueva propuesta docente para los estudiantes de Tecnología educativa de la Universidad de Barcelona

En este artículo se relatan los cambios introducidos en nuestra propuesta docente de la asignatura de Tecnología Educativa en la Universidad de Barcelona y se intenta mostrar el trabajo, el conocimiento y el saber acumulado en todos estos años. El texto se divide en dos bloques. El primero, describe la propuesta actual y el recorrido realizado desde el curso 1993/94. Es una síntesis – con las limitaciones que conlleva – donde se destaca el sentido y algunos cambios significativos para las profesoras y profesores de la asignatura, en su intento de alejarse de una práctica docente de tradición reproductora, que la mayoría de las alumnas y los alumnos habían experimentado en propuestas educativas anteriores. El segundo, recoge algunas de sus voces y nos muestra como se han apropiado y han significado el trabajo realizado durante este curso 2004/05. La valoración de los alumnos y alumnas, es un mosaico de testimonios que nos permite comprender o, al menos, intuir el sentido que ha podido tener para ellas y ellos esta vivencia. Algunos de éstos son reveladores en cuanto confirman o desmienten tópicos o creencias, asumidas por el profesorado, y por mostrar elementos sutiles que quizás durante las sesiones de clase pasaron desapercibidos.In this article we describe the changes introduced in our educational proposal of the subject of Educational Technology in the University of Barcelona and we show the work and the knowledge accumulated in every year. The text is divided in two blocks. The first one, describes the current proposal and the journey carried out from the course 1993/94. It is a synthesis, where he/she stands out the sense and some significant changes for the teachers of the subject, in their intent of moving away from an educational practice of reproductional tradition that most of the students had experienced in previous educational proposals. The second, it picks up some of their voices and it shows us like they have appropriated and they have meant the work carried out during this course 2004/05. The valuation of the students, it is a mosaic of testimonies that allows us to understand this experience

The use of available chemical equilibria software for the prediction of the performance of EKR

Risk assessment aims for the prediction of the mobility of contaminants, and these are usually based in lab essays together with mathematical modelling. Also the feasibility studies of most techniques, require similar tools. Frequently the lab characterization is based in the chemical fractionation of the contaminants based on their mobility under different chemical reagents. Probably the most frequent fractionation technique for heavy metal contaminated soils is the BCR [1]. The use of chemical equilibria software helps to understand the processes involved in the contaminant transport during electrokinetic remediation. Most mathematical models used for the simulation of electrokinetic decontamination assume local equilibrium between the chemicals present in the aqueous phase. In other cases also equilibrium is supposed between the chemical species present in the aqueous phase and the solid matrix. In this work, we compare the results of batch extraction experiments with those obtained using Visual MINTEQ [2]. This is a free software that allows a reliable simulation of the chemical processes involved in the water-soil systems such as solubility, sorption, etc. We found that even when the main contaminant behaviour is in accordance with the local equilibrium assumption, the mobilization of other metals, such as Ca and Mg, that are also present in important concentrations, are affected by kinetic limitations. These kinetic limitations have important effects in the overall behaviour of the system. Thus, if ignored, important flaws will appear in the predictions of the model with respect to those toxic species that could be considered to behave under local equilibrium. [1] M. Villen-Guzman, J.M. Paz-Garcia, J.M. Rodriguez-Maroto, C. Gomez-Lahoz and F. Garcia-Herruzo. Acid Enhanced Electrokinetic Remediation of a Contaminated Soil Using Constant Current Density: Strong vs. Weak Acid. Separation Science and Technology (in press; DOI 10.1080/01496395.2014.898306). [2] J.P. Gustafsson, Visual MINTEQ ver. 3.0beta. KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Dept. of Land and Water Resources Engineering, Stockholm, Sweden. (2010) http://www2.lwr.kth.se/English/OurSoftware/vminteq/index.htmlUniversidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Targets, Mechanisms and Cytotoxicity of Half-Sandwich Ir(III) Complexes Are Modulated by Structural Modifications on the Benzazole Ancillary Ligand

Cancers are driven by multiple genetic mutations but evolve to evade treatments targeting specific mutations. Nonetheless, cancers cannot evade a treatment that targets mitochondria, which are essential for tumor progression. Iridium complexes have shown anticancer properties, but they lack specificity for their intracellular targets, leading to undesirable side effects. Herein we present a systematic study on structure-activity relationships of eight arylbenzazole-based Iridium(III) complexes of type [IrCl(Cp*)], that have revealed the role of each atom of the ancillary ligand in the physical chemistry properties, cytotoxicity and mechanism of biological action. Neutral complexes, especially those bearing phenylbenzimidazole (HL1 and HL2), restrict the binding to DNA and albumin. One of them, complex 1[C,NH-Cl], is the most selective one, does not bind DNA, targets exclusively the mitochondria, disturbs the mitochondria membrane permeability inducing proton leak and increases ROS levels, triggering the molecular machinery of regulated cell death. In mice with orthotopic lung tumors, the administration of complex 1[C,NH-Cl] reduced the tumor burden. Cancers are more vulnerable than normal tissues to a treatment that harnesses mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, complex 1[C,NH-Cl] characterization opens the way to the development of new compounds to exploit this vulnerabilityWe acknowledge the “la Caixa” Foundation (LCF/PR/PR12/11070003), Ministerio de Ciencia Innovación y Universidades-FEDER (RTI2018-102040-B-100) and Junta de Castilla y León-FEDER (BU305P18) for financial support. Networking support by COST Action CA18202 (NECTAR) is also acknowledged

Determination of Exosome Mitochondrial DNA as a Biomarker of Renal Cancer Aggressiveness

This study is partially supported by ID#53169721 project funded by Pfizer and the exosomes characterization was financed thanks to the grant PY20_00241 (FEDER/Junta de Andalucia-Regional Ministry of Economic Transformation, Industry, Knowledge and Universities).Here, the role of non-invasive biomarkers in liquid biopsy was evaluated, mainly in exosomes and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as promising, novel, and stable biomarkers for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A total of 140 fractions (named from B to F) obtained by ultracentrifugations of whole blood samples from 28 individuals (13 patients and 15 controls) were included. Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) was conducted to characterized exosomal fraction. Subsequently, an analysis of digital PCR (dPCR) using the QuantStudio (TM) 3D Digital PCR platform was performed and the quantification of mtDNA copy number by QuantStudioTM 12K Flex Real-Time PCR System (qPCR) was developed. Moreover, Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analyses were included using MiSeq system (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). An F fraction, which contains all exosome data and all mitochondrial markers, was identified in dPCR and qPCR with statistically significant power (adjusted p values <= 0.03) when comparing cases and controls. Moreover, present analysis in mtDNA showed a relevant significance in RCC aggressiveness. To sum up, this is the first time a relation between exosomal mtDNA markers and clinical management of RCC is analyzed. We suggest a promising strategy for future liquid biopsy RCC analysis, although more analysis should be performed prior to application in routine clinical practice.Pfizer 53169721FEDER/Junta de Andalucia-Regional Ministry of Economic Transformation, Industry, Knowledge and Universities PY20_0024

LOCATE-US: Indoor Positioning for Mobile Devices Using Encoded Ultrasonic Signals, Inertial Sensors and Graph- Matching

Indoor positioning remains a challenge and, despite much research and development carried out in the last decade, there is still no standard as with the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) outdoors. This paper presents an indoor positioning system called LOCATE-US with adjustable granularity for use with commercial mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets. LOCATE-US is privacy-oriented and allows every device to compute its own position by fusing ultrasonic, inertial sensor measurements and map information. Ultrasonic Local Positioning Systems (ULPS) based on encoded signals are placed in critical zones that require an accuracy below a few decimeters to correct the accumulated drift errors of the inertial measurements. These systems are well suited to work at room level as walls confine acoustic waves inside. To avoid audible artifacts, the U-LPS emission is set at 41.67 kHz, and an ultrasonic acquisition module with reduced dimensions is attached to the mobile device through the USB port to capture signals. Processing in the mobile device involves an improved Time Differences of Arrival (TDOA) estimation that is fused with the measurements from an external inertial sensor to obtain real-time location and trajectory display at a 10 Hz rate. Graph-matching has also been included, considering available prior knowledge about the navigation scenario. This kind of device is an adequate platform for Location-Based Services (LBS), enabling applications such as augmented reality, guiding applications, or people monitoring and assistance. The system architecture can easily incorporate new sensors in the future, such as UWB, RFiD or others.Universidad de AlcaláJunta de Comunidades de Castilla-La ManchaAgencia Estatal de Investigació

Magnetic study of co-doped magnetosome chains

Magnetotactic bacteria synthesize a chain of magnetic nanoparticles, called magnetosome chain, used to align and swim along the geomagnetic field lines. In particular, Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense biomineralize magnetite, Fe3O4. Growing this species in a Co-supplemented medium, Co-doped magnetite is obtained, tailoring in this way the magnetic properties of the magnetosome chain. Combining structural and magnetic techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, X-ray absorption near edge structure, and X-ray magnetic circular dichroism, we determine that 1% of Co2+ substitutes Fe2+ located in octahedral places in the magnetite, thus increasing the coercive field. In the framework of the Stoner-Wohlfarth model, we have analyzed the evolution of the hysteresis loops as a function of temperature determining the different magnetic anisotropy contributions and their evolution with temperature. In contrast with the control magnetosome chains, whose effective anisotropy is uniaxial in the whole temperature range from 300 to 5 K, the effective anisotropy of Codoped magnetosome chains changes appreciably with temperature, from uniaxial down to 150 K, through biaxial down to 100 K, to triaxial below 100 K.L.M. acknowledges the Basque Government for her fellowship (PRE_2015_1_0130). We acknowledge the technical and human support provided by SGIker (UPV/EHU). Funding from the Spanish Government (project nos. MAT2014-55049-C2-R and MAT2017-83631-C3-R) and Basque Government (project n. IT711-13) is acknowledged. We thank the ESRF (CRG BM25 beamline-SpLine) and HZB for the allocation of synchrotron radiation beamtime and funding under the project CALIPSOplus (Grant Agreement 730872) from the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation HORIZON 2020. We thank R. Fernández-Pacheco for his assistance in the EDS measurements