Effects of Magnetic Nanoparticles on the Functional Activity of Human Monocytes and Dendritic Cells

The use of nanoparticles in medicine is sometimes hampered by their potential to activate immune cells, eliciting inflammation or allergy. We investigated whether magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) or biomimetic magnetic nanoparticles (BMNPs) affect relevant activities of human monocytes. We found that the nanoparticles neither elicited the production of pro-inflammatory mediators IL-6 and TNF by resting monocytes (when BMNP dose < 300 g/mL) nor enhanced their secretion induced by R848, a molecule engaging virus-recognizing receptors, or bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MNPs and BMNPs neither induced the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), nor affected the ROS production elicited by the NADPH oxidase activator phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) or the fungal derivative -glucan. BMNPs, but not MNPs, caused an up-regulation of the maturation markers CD80, CD83, and CD86 in immature monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs), whereas both nanoparticles did not affect the LPS-induced expression of these markers. Moreover, the nanoparticles were greedily ingested by monocytes and DCs without altering their viability. Therefore, these nanoparticles are candidates for medical applications because they do not activate pro-inflammatory activities of monocytes. Furthermore, their ability to stimulate DC maturation could be used for the design of vaccines. Moreover, harmlessly engulfed nanoparticles could be vehicles to carry molecules inside the immune cells to regulate the immune response.FUR (Fondo Unico della Ricerca-University of Verona)European Commission B-BIO-432-UGR20 Instituto de Salud Carlos III European Commission PI20-01658Spanish Government PDC2021-121135.100Ministerio de Universidades (Spain) FPU21_0152

Effect of Heating on Avian (Cortical and Medullary) Bone Chemistry, Mineralogy and Structural Organization

The Supporting Information is available free of charge at https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.cgd.3c00648.The study of bone changes induced by heating is highly relevant for forensic and archeological analyses as well as for the production of bone-derived materials with novel properties and applications. In the present study, we study in detail how different types of avian bone (cortical, medullary) transform during thermal treatments (up to 800 °C) using different analytical techniques such as thermogravimetry (TGA-DSC), electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy. We show that bone transformation following thermal treatments is strongly influenced by bone architecture, the composition of the organic matrix, and the integration of the mineral with the organic fractions. For instance, in avian cortical bone, the apatite nanocrystals are integrated within collagen fibrils and coated with phosphorylated proteins. During heating, the collagen losses structural order and denatures (at around 200 °C), losing all structural integrity at 300 °C. In the bone mineral fraction, there is a gradual conversion of phosphate, in poorly crystalline/amorphous environments, into apatite (up to 400 °C). However, it is not until all organics are completely lost at around 600 °C that recrystallization sets in with a rapid increase in the size of apatite crystals. Also, during recrystallization, foreign ions (Mg2+, Na+) are expelled from the apatite lattice to the crystal surface, and the degree of preferential orientation of the apatite crystals increases as larger, well-oriented apatite crystals grow epitaxially at the expense of smaller, randomly oriented crystals. However, the scenario is different for the medullary bone. In this case, with an organic matrix rich in noncollagen proteins and proteoglycans, the recrystallization sets in at much lower temperatures (around 400 °C compared to 600 °C in cortical bone). Thus, the association of mineral and organic components controls recrystallization, particularly in the case of apatite nanocrystals within collagen fibrils in cortical bone. Also, the calcination process creates additional microporosity in both types of bone, increasing the bone mineral surface area and reactivity. The information obtained in this study provides a better understanding of the dynamics of bone transformation during alteration in natural processes (e.g., diagenesis, burning) and how bone mineral characteristics can be modified for specific applications (e.g., bone grafts, waste removal, or chromatography).Junta de Andalucía (P20_00208 and P20_00207)Spanish government (PID2020-116660GB-I00), UCE-PP2016-05Biotechnology Institute (University of Granada

High-temperature mechanical behavior of polycrystalline yttrium-doped barium cerate perovskite

The high-temperature mechanical properties of the mixed ionic-electronic conductor perovskite BaCe0.95Y0.05O3-δ with average grain size of 0.40μm have been studied in compression between 1100 and 1300°C in air at different initial strain rates. The true stress-true strain curves display an initial stress drop, followed by an extended steady-state stage. As the temperature decreases and/or the strain rate increases, there is a transition to a damage-tolerant strain-softening stage and eventually to catastrophic failure. Analysis of mechanical and microstructural data revealed that grain boundary sliding is the primary deformation mechanism. The strength drop has been correlated with the growth of ultrafine grains during deformation, already present at grain boundaries and triple grain junctions in the as-fabricated material.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación MAT2009-13979-C03-0

La formación docente en Didáctica de las Ciencias Sociales a través de los proyectos socioeducativos en contextos de exclusión social

Presentamos una experiencia formativa innovadora con los estudiantes de la titulación deMaestro/a de Educación Primaria de la Facultad de Ciencias de la Educación de la Universidad de Almería.Se ha realizado en el marco de un Programa Socioeducativo en colegios públicos de un barrio marginal dela ciudad de Almería mediante la metodología de Aprendizaje-Servicio (ApS). Desde la Didáctica de lasCiencias Sociales queremos contribuir a una educación democrática mediante la participación ciudadana.Mostramos algunas valoraciones de nuestros estudiantes en este proceso de investigación-acción. Elbalance positivo de esta evaluación inicial nos motiva para seguir implicados en el desarrollo de proyectoscomo éste donde se vincula universidad, escuela y comunidad.This paper speaks about an innovative training experience with Pre-Service Primary Teacher atthe University of Almeria, Faculty of Education. Carried out in the framework of a social and educationalproject in public schools in a slum in the city of Almeria using service learning methodology. From theteaching of the social sciences our aim seeks to contribute to a democratic education through citizenparticipation. We show some evaluations carried out by our students in the process of action research. Thepositive results of this initial assessment motivates us to keep involved in the development of projects likethis, where University, school and community are linked

Social capital and governance. Mining tourism (Riotinto-Huelva)

Estamos asistiendo a la revalorización del patrimonio industrial y en especial del patrimonio minero. Asociaciones, ayuntamientos, gobierno autonómico y el propio Estado apuestan por el turismo minero como un sector emergente, donde el buen gobierno y la participación social juegan un papel fundamental. Los proyectos turísticos que se vienen desarrollando ponen de manifiesto la voluntad de acercar a residentes y turistas al legado de un pasado industrial que ha conformado las señas de identidad de la comarca Cuenca Minera de Riotinto (Huelva). El objetivo de este estudio es constatar como la gobernabilidad implica la aparición de nuevas relaciones entre el Estado y la sociedad civil, que pasan principalmente por la colaboración de los agentes públicos y privados, y ésta se manifiesta en el territorio a través de la mina. La mina tradicionalmente era un espacio de trabajo para los mineros y seguirá siéndolo para el turismo. Ha sido y es una pieza esencial del paisaje y del patrimonio; es a la vez naturaleza y cultura. Es la razón de sus habitantes, su economía y su forma de sociedad. Los valores que encierra la mina son únicos, singulares e identitarios.We are witnessing the presentation of the industrial heritage and in particular the mining heritage. Associations, municipalities, regional government and the State are committed to the mining tourism as an emerging sector, where good governance and social participation play role. Tourism projects being developed demonstrate the will to bring residents and tourists to the legacy of an industrial past that has shaped the identity of Riotinto Mining Park (Huelva). The aim of this study reveals how the governance implies the emergence of new relations between state and civil society, which go mainly by the cooperation of public and private actors, and this is manifested in the territory through the mine. The mine was traditionally a working space for the miners and will remain so for tourism. It was and is an essential part of the landscape and heritage, is both nature and culture. Is the reason for its people, its economy and its social form. The values contained in the mine are unique, singular and identity.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación CSO2008-0291

Percepción de las jugadoras internacionales de baloncesto sobre su toma de decisiones

En las Ciencias del Deporte, existe gran interés por investigar los procesos cognitivos de deportistas. Por tanto, se pretende analizar la toma de decisiones en jugadoras de máximo nivel a través de la percepción que tienen sobre su formación y particularmente en las situaciones tácticas de ataque vinculadas a las acciones de 1x1 y 2x2. La muestra de la investigación está compuesta por 12 jugadoras seleccionadas para formar el equipo nacional

Synergistic Photothermal-Chemotherapy Based on the Use of Biomimetic Magnetic Nanoparticles

MamC-mediated biomimetic magnetic nanoparticles (BMNPs) have emerged as one of the most promising nanomaterials due to their magnetic features (superparamagnetic character and large magnetic moment per particle), their novel surface properties determined by MamC, their biocompatibility and their ability as magnetic hyperthermia agents. However, the current clinical application of magnetic hyperthermia is limited due to the fact that, in order to be able to reach an effective temperature at the target site, relatively high nanoparticle concentration, as well as high magnetic field strength and/or AC frequency are needed. In the present study, the potential of BMNPs to increase the temperature upon irradiation of a laser beam in the near infrared, at a wavelength at which tissues become partially transparent, is explored. Moreover, our results also demonstrate the synergy between photothermia and chemotherapy in terms of drug release and cytotoxicity, by using BMNPs functionalized with doxorubicin, and the effectiveness of this combination therapy against tumor cells in in vitro experiments. Therefore, the findings of the present study open the possibility of a novel, alternative approach to fight localized tumors.Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (CGL2016- 76723 and PID2019-109294RB-100 projects)Ramón y Cajal program (RYC-2014-16901)Junta de Andalucía. Programa Operativo FEDER 2014–2020. (A1-FQM-341-UGR18, C-FQM-497-UGR18, A-BIO376-UGR18).Andalusian regional government (CTS-236)Formación de Doctores 2018 grant (ref. PRE2018-085440) from the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (Spain)Unidad Cientifica de Excelencia UCE-PP2016-05Instituto de Biotecnología of the University of Granad

Visualization of Iron-Binding Micelles in Acidic Recombinant Biomineralization Protein, MamC

Biological macromolecules are utilized in low-temperature synthetic methods to exert precise control over nanoparticle nucleation and placement. They enable low-temperature formation of a variety of functional nanostructured materials with properties often not achieved via conventional synthetic techniques. Here we report on the in situ visualization of a novel acidic bacterial recombinant protein, MamC, commonly present in the magnetosome membrane of several magnetotactic bacteria, including Magnetococcus marinus, strain MC-1. Our findings provide an insight into the self-assembly of MamC and point to formation of the extended protein surface, which is assumed to play an important role in the formation of biotemplated inorganic nanoparticles. The self-organization of MamC is compared to the behavior of another acidic recombinant iron-binding protein, Mms6.This work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Science, Basic Energy Sciences, Materials Sciences and Engineering Division. The research was performed at the Ames Laboratory, which is operated for the U.S. Department of Energy by Iowa State University under Contract no. DE-AC02-07CH11358. MamC cloning and purification were done at the University of Granada, Spain. Concepción Jiménez López acknowledges the support from the Spanish Government through Grant CGL2010-18274 and the program Salvador de Madariaga

Decision-making of Spanish Female basketball team Players while they are Competing

Decision-making play a very important role in basketball. While the game is taking place, players are constantly choosing what to do. In order to carry out this research work, two questions have been formulated: 1) how do high level female basketball players make a decision while they are competing? 2) which key components do they use to make the best decisions? The twelve players who make up the Spanish female basketball team have taken part in this project. They all participated in the 2008 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which took place in Madrid. This tournament allowed them to qualify and take part in the 2008 Olympic Games, where they finished in fifth place. A questionnaire and an interview have been used to make this research possible. The matches of the 2008 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament have also been analyzed. Those aspects in terms of the team's performance in 1x1 and 2x2 attack situations, and more specifically in pick actions, have been recorded and analyzed. In order to include these data, a system of specific categories and variables has been established. The results show that players are expert on making decisions during the competition. In order to come to this conclusion, their opinions, style of decision-making, as well as the way they move in 1x1 and 2x2 situations, were very useful. This research has also confirmed that decisions made by playmakers, forwards and centers are different

Antimicrobial defenses of table eggs: Importance of antibacterial proteins in egg white as a function of hen age in an extended production cycle

The importance of egg natural defences to prevent bacterial contamination and their relation with hen age in extended production cycles were evaluated. Egg-white from eggs of different hen age groups (up 100-weeks-old) and lines (Hy-Line white and brown) were inoculated with Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus or Gram-negative Salmonella Typhimurium, ranging from 103-106 CFU/mL. Our results show that concentrations of egg-white lysozyme and, particularly, ovotransferrin are important to modulate bacterial survival in a dose-dependent matter. Depending on protein concentration, their effect ranges from bactericidal to bacteriostatic, with a threshold for bacterial contamination that depends also on hen age and line. The concentrations of lysozyme and ovotransferrin increased with hen age (up to 2 and 22 w/w% of total protein, respectively), and eggs laid by older hens exhibited the greatest potential to prevent the growth of the highest Salmonella inoculum (106 CFU/ mL). Salmonella-penetration experiments demonstrated that non-contaminated eggs display significantly higher concentrations of antimicrobial proteins. However, eggs from older hens needed a higher concentration of these proteins (>20% ovotransferrin) to prevent bacterial contamination, showing that antimicrobial protein concentrations in egg-whites was not the only factor influencing bacterial contamination. Finally, this study demonstrated that egg-white of eggs produced by old hens are less prone to contamination by Salmonella.Spanish Government CGL 2015-64683-PPremio de Investigacion 2019 (Instituto del Huevo)Junta de Andalucia RNM-938Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) RGPIN2022-0441