Lysine-Grafted MCM-41 Silica as An Antibacterial Biomaterial

Abstract: A facile strategy for zwitterionization of bioceramics based on direct incorporation of L-lysine amino acid via the ε-amino group onto mesoporous MCM-41 materials is proposed. FTIR studies of lysine-grafted MCM-41 (MCM-LYS) showed simultaneously bands at 3080 and 1540 cm−1 and bands at 1625 and 1415 cm−1 corresponding to -NH3+/COO− pairs, demonstrating the incorporation of the amino acid on the material surface keeping its zwitterionic character. Both elemental and thermogravimetric analyses showed that the amount of grafted lysine was 8 wt % based on the bioceramic total weight. Moreover, MCM-LYS material exhibited a reduction of adhesion of S. aureus and E. coli bacteria in 33 and 50%, respectively at physiological pH, as compared with pristine MCM-41. Biofilm studies onto surfaces showed that lysine functionalization elicited a reduction of the area covered by S. aureus biofilm from 42% to only 5% (88%). This research shows a simple and effective approach to chemically modify bioceramics using single amino acids that provide zwitterionic functionality, useful to develop new biomaterials able to resist bacterial adhesion

A Polyextreme Hydrothermal System Controlled by Iron: The Case of Dallol at the Afar Triangle

One of the latest volcanic features of the Erta Ale range at the Afar Triangle (NE Ethiopia) has created a polyextreme hydrothermal system located at the Danakil depression on top of a protovolcano known as the dome of Dallol. The interaction of the underlying basaltic magma with the evaporitic salts of the Danakil depression has generated a unique, high-temperature (108 °C), hypersaline (NaCl supersaturated), hyperacidic (pH values from 0.1 to −1.7), oxygen-free hydrothermal site containing up to 150 g/L of iron. We find that the colorful brine pools and mineral patterns of Dallol derive from the slow oxygen diffusion and progressive oxidation of the dissolved ferrous iron, the iron-chlorine/-sulfate complexation, and the evaporation. These inorganic processes induce the precipitation of nanoscale jarosite-group minerals and iron(III)- oxyhydroxides over a vast deposition of halite displaying complex architectures. Our results suggest that life, if present under such conditions, does not play a dominant role in the geochemical cycling and mineral precipitation at Dallol as opposed to other hydrothermal sites. Dallol, a hydrothermal system controlled by iron, is a present-day laboratory for studying the precipitation and progressive oxidation of iron minerals, relevant for geochemical processes occurring at early Earth and Martian environmentsThis work received funding from the European Research Council under the Programme (FP7/2007-2013)/ERC Grant Agreement 340863 (Prometheus) and from MINECO, ref CGL2016-78971-P, AEI/FEDER, UE”

Presbyvestibulopathy, Comorbidities, and Perception of Disability: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: To assess the perception of disability in patients with presbyvestibulopathy and to determine the factors (demographic, balance test scores, and comorbidities) that determine higher levels of disability. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary university hospital. There were 103 patients who fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for presbyvestibulopathy and were included. Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) score was the main variable used to quantify disability. Influence on DHI score, sex, age, time of evolution, equilibriometric parameters (posturographic scores and timed up and go test), history of falls, comorbidities (high blood pressure, diabetes, and dyslipidemia), psychotropic drug use, tobacco or alcohol use, living environment (urban or rural), and active lifestyle were analyzed. Results: Most of the DHI scores showed a moderate (46 patients, 44.7%) or severe (39 participants, 37.9%) handicap. DHI scores were higher in women (59.8 vs. 36.1, p < 0.001), patients with obesity (58.92 vs. 48.68; p = 0.019), benzodiazepine (59.9 vs. 49.1, p = 0.008) or other psychotropic drug (60.7 vs. 49.2, p = 0.017) users, and fallers (57.1 vs. 47.3, p = 0.048). There was also a significant positive correlation between DHI score, time (Rho coefficient: 0.371, p < 0.001), and steps (Rho coefficient: 0.284, p = 0.004) used in the TUG and with the short FES-I questionnaire (a shortened version of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International) score (Rho coefficient: 0.695, p < 0.001). DHI scores were lower in alcohol consumers than in non-drinkers (46.6 vs. 56, p = 0.048). No significant correlation was found between DHI scores and age, time of evolution, posturographic scores, comorbidities, environment (rural or urban), or active lifestyle. Conclusion: Most patients with presbyvestibulopathy show an important subjective perception of disability in relation to their symptoms. This perception is substantially higher in women than in men. The most influential factors are difficulties in walking, fear of falling, and obesity. Unique Identifier: NCT03034655, www.clinicaltrials.gov

Modified Timed Up and Go Test for Tendency to Fall and Balance Assessment in Elderly Patients With Gait Instability

Objective: To compare the results from the modified Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) with posturographic variables, the subjective perception of disability due to gait instability, and the number of falls in a sample of the elderly population with imbalance, to confirm that the TUG Test is a useful clinical instrument to assess the tendency to fall in individuals of this age group. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary university hospital, in 174 people aged 65 years or older with gait instability. Modified TUG Test was performed; time, step count and the need for support during the test were the analyzed variables. They were compared with the number of falls, Computerized Dynamic Posturography scores, and questionnaires scores (Dizziness Handicap Inventory and a shortened version of the Falls Efficacy Scale-International). Results: The average time to complete the TUG Test was 21.24 +/- 8.18 s, and the average step count was 27.36 +/- 7.93. One hundred two patients (58.6%) required no support to complete the test, whereas the other 72 (41.4%) used supports. The time taken to complete the Test was significantly related with having or not having fallen in the previous year, with the scores of the questionnaires, and with various parameters of dynamic posturography. A higher percentage of patients who took more than 15 s had fallen in the previous year than those who took up to 15 s to complete the test [P = 0.012; OR = 2.378; 95% CI (1.183, 4.780)]. No significant correlation was found between the step count and the number of falls in the previous year, with falling during the test or not, or with being a single or a frequent faller. No relation was found between the need for supports and the number of falls, with having or not having fallen in the previous year, or with being a single or frequent faller. Conclusion: The modified TUG Test is in relation with the presence or absence of falls. Time is the essential parameter for analyzing the risk of falling and the 15-s threshold is a good value to differentiate elderly patients at high risk of falling. Unique Identifier: NCT03034655, www.clinicaltrials.gov

Large-Area Paper Batteries with Ag and Zn/Ag Screen-Printed Electrodes

This work was partially funded by H2020-ICT-2014-1, RIA, ERC-CoG-2014, and FEDER funds through the COMPETE 2020 Program and National Funds through FCT -Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology under the project UID/CTM/50025/2019.Large-area paper batteries have been explored in this paper, correlating electrode materials and screen printing with the electrochemical performances. The use of office paper embedded in salt solution with two electrodes performed by an easy and large-scale application technique opens doors to a new concept of energy storage. The proposed device is Li-free and uses zinc and silver powder-based screen printable pastes to deposit the electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry and charge-discharge curves reveal the performance of the produced devices using NaCl and KOH solutions in different concentrations. The simulation of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements gave clue of a similar working mechanism to conventional Li-ion batteries. After charging, a single paper battery achieves 1.83 V with 60 mA/cm2 and 90.6% charge-discharge efficiency. As a proof of concept, a small paper battery and a set integrated in series and parallel were used to power a commercial red light-emitting diode.publishersversionpublishe

Liraglutide Reduces Vascular Damage, Neuronal Loss, and Cognitive Impairment in a Mixed Murine Model of Alzheimer's Disease and Type 2 Diabetes

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, and epidemiological studies support that type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a major contributor. The relationship between both diseases and the fact that Alzheimer's disease (AD) does not have a successful treatment support the study on antidiabetic drugs limiting or slowing down brain complications in AD. Among these, liraglutide (LRGT), a glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist, is currently being tested in patients with AD in the Evaluating Liraglutide in Alzheimer's Disease (ELAD) clinical trial. However, the effects of LRGT on brain pathology when AD and T2D coexist have not been assessed. We have administered LRGT (500 mu g/kg/day) to a mixed murine model of AD and T2D (APP/PS1xdb/db mice) for 20 weeks. We have evaluated metabolic parameters as well as the effects of LRGT on learning and memory. Postmortem analysis included assessment of brain amyloid-beta and tau pathologies, microglia activation, spontaneous bleeding and neuronal loss, as well as insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptors. LRGT treatment reduced glucose levels in diabetic mice (db/db and APP/PS1xdb/db) after 4 weeks of treatment. LRGT also helped to maintain insulin levels after 8 weeks of treatment. While we did not detect any effects on cortical insulin or insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor m-RNA levels, LRGT significantly reduced brain atrophy in the db/db and APP/PS1xdb/db mice. LRGT treatment also rescued neuron density in the APP/PS1xdb/db mice in the proximity (p = 0.008) far from amyloid plaques (p < 0.001). LRGT reduced amyloid plaque burden in the APP/PS1 animals (p < 0.001), as well as A beta aggregates levels (p = 0.046), and tau hyperphosphorylation (p = 0.009) in the APP/PS1xdb/db mice. Spontaneous bleeding was also ameliorated in the APP/PS1xdb/db animals (p = 0.012), and microglia burden was reduced in the proximity of amyloid plaques in the APP/PS1 and APP/PS1xdb/db mice (p < 0.001), while microglia was reduced in areas far from amyloid plaques in the db/db and APP/PS1xdb/db mice (p < 0.001). This overall improvement helped to rescue cognitive impairment in AD-T2D mice in the new object discrimination test (p < 0.001) and Morris water maze (p < 0.001). Altogether, our data support the role of LRGT in reduction of associated brain complications when T2D and AD occur simultaneously, as regularly observed in the clinical arena.CH-B: predoctoral fellowship. University of Cadiz. PA-M: predoctoral fellowship. Instituto de Investigacion Biomedica de la Provincia de Cadiz (INIBICA). MG-A: Agencia Estatal de Investigacion. Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion. Programa Estatal de Generacion de Conocimiento y Fortalecimiento Cientifico y Tecnologico del Sistema de I C D C i y del Programa Estatal de I + D + i Orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad, del Plan Estatal de Investigacion Cientifica y Tecnica y de Innovacion 2017-2020 (PID2020115499RB-I0). Programa Estatal de I C D C I orientada a los Retos de la Sociedad (BFU 2016-75038-R), financed by the Agencia Estatal de Investigacion (AEI) and the Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER), Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades. Subvencion para la financiacion de la Investigacion y la Innovacion Biomedica y en Ciencias de la Salud en el Marco de la Iniciativa Territorial Integrada 2014-2020 para la Provincia de Cadiz. Consejeria de Salud. Junta de Andalucia. Union Europea, financed by the Fondo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) (PI-0008-2017)

Innovative Approaches for Organizing an Inclusive Optics and Photonics Conference in Virtual Format

The COVID pandemic is forcing the renewal of scientific conferences, offering opportunities to introduce technological and inclusive developments. Our analysis focuses on the implementation of inclusive practices for female and early-career researchers in a virtual scientific conference. This organization approach was applied in the XIII Spanish Optical Meeting (RNO2021), which was also characterized by avatars interacting in an online metaverse. The effectiveness of inclusive policies and novel technological tools was evaluated using the participation data and a post-conference survey. Our study reveals the high impact of inclusive actions and a strong interest in the scientific community to explore conference advances

the case of advanced public health education and training in Cabo Verde

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Enhancement of Water Transport and Microstructural Changes Induced by High-Intesity Ultrasound Application on Orange Peel Drying

The main aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of high-intensity ultrasound (US) on the drying kinetics of orange peel as well as its influence on the microstructural changes induced during drying. Convective drying kinetics of orange peel slabs were carried out at a relative humidity of 26.5±0.9%, 40 °C and 1 m/s with (AIR+US) and without (AIR) ultrasound application. In order to identify the US effect on water transport, drying kinetics were analyzed by taking the diffusion theory into account. Fresh, AIR and AIR+US dried samples were analyzed using Cryo-Scanning Electron Microscopy. Results showed that the drying kinetics of orange peel were significantly improved by US application, which involved a significant (p<0.05) improvement of mass transfer coefficient and effective moisture diffusivity. The effects on mass transfer properties were confirmed with microstructural observations. In the cuticle surface of flavedo, the pores were obstructed by the spread of the waxy components, this fact evidencing US effects on the air solid interfaces. Furthermore, the cells of the albedo were disrupted by US, as it created large intercellular air spaces facilitating water transfer through the tissue.The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support of MICINN and CEE (European Regional Development Fund) from projects Ref. DPI2009-14549-C04-04, PSE-060000-2009-003, and FP6-2004-FOOD-23140 HIGHQ RTE.García Pérez, JV.; Ortuño Cases, C.; Puig Gómez, CA.; Cárcel Carrión, JA.; Pérez Munuera, IM. (2012). Enhancement of Water Transport and Microstructural Changes Induced by High-Intesity Ultrasound Application on Orange Peel Drying. Food and Bioprocess Technology. 5(6):2256-2265. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11947-011-0645-0S2256226556Alandes, L., Perez-Munuera, I., Llorca, E., Quiles, A., & Hernando, I. (2009). 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Food Research International, 36(1), 35–41.Chau, C., Sheu, F., Huang, Y., & Su, L. (2005). Improvement in intestinal function and health by the peel fibre derived from Citrus sinensis L cv Liucheng. Journal of the Science of Food & Agriculture, 85(7), 1211–1216.Crank J. (1975). The Mathematics of diffusion. Oxford (2nd ed.), UK: Clarendon Press.Cruz, R. M. S., Vieira, M. C., Fonseca, S. C., Silva, C. L. M. (2010). Impact of thermal blanching and thermosonication treatments on watercress (Nasturtium officinale) quality: thermosonication process optimization and microstructure evaluation. Food and Bioprocess Technology. doi: 10.1007/s11947-009-0220-0 , in press.Delgado, A. E., Zheng, L., & Sun, D.-W. (2010). Influence of ultrasound on freezing rate of immersion-frozen apples. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 2(3), 263–270.FAOSTAT (2010). FAO Statistical Databases. Food and Agriculture of the United Nations. Available at: http://faostat.fao.org/site/291/default.aspx . Accessed 15 January 2010.Fernandes, F. A. N., Gallao, M. I., & Rodrigues, S. (2008a). Effect of osmotic dehydration and ultrasound pre-treatment on cell structure: Melon dehydration. Food Science and Technology, 41(4), 604–610.Fernandes, F. A. N., Oliveira, F. I. P., & Rodrigues, S. (2008b). Use of ultrasound for dehydration of papayas. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 1(4), 339–345.Gabaldon-Leyva, C. A., Quintero-Ramos, A., Barnard, J., Balandrán-Quintana, R., Talamás-Abbud, R., & Jiménez-Castro, J. (2007). Effect of ultrasound on the mass transfer and physical changes in brine bell pepper at different temperatures. Journal of Food Engineering, 81(2), 374–379.Gallego-Juárez, J. A. (1998). Some applications of air-borne power ultrasound to food processing. In M. J. W., Povey, T. J. Mason (Eds.), Ultrasound in Food Processing. UK: London, Chapman & Hall.Gallego-Juárez, J. A., Rodríguez-Corral, G., Gálvez-Moraleda, J. C., & Yang, T. S. (1999). A new high intensity ultrasonic technology for food dehydration. Drying Technology, 17(3), 597–608.Garau, M. C., Simal, S., Femenia, A., & Rosselló, C. (2006). Drying of orange skin: drying kinetics modelling and functional properties. Journal of Food Engineering, 75(2), 288–295.Garau, M. C., Simal, S., Rossello, C., & Femenia, A. (2007). Effect of air-drying temperature on physico-chemical properties of dietary fibre and antioxidant capacity of orange (Citrus aurantium v. Canoneta) by-products. Food Chemistry, 104(3), 1014–1024.Garcia-Perez, J. V., Cárcel, J. A., De la Fuente, S., & Riera, E. (2006). Ultrasonic drying of foodstuff in a fluidized bed. Parametric study. Ultrasonics, 44, 539–543.Garcia-Perez, J. V., Cárcel, J. A., Benedito, J., & Mulet, A. (2007). Power ultrasound mass transfer enhancement in food drying. Food and Bioproducts Proccessing, 85(3), 247–254.Guiné, R. P. F., Henrriques, F., Barroca, M. J. (2010). Mass transfer coefficients for the drying of pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) and dried product quality. Food and Bioprocess Technology. doi: 10.1007/s11947-009-0275 , in press.Khalloufi, S., Almeida-Rivera, C., & Bongers, P. (2009). A theoretical model and its experimental validation to predict the porosity as a function of shrinkage and collapse phenomena during drying. Food Research International, 42(8), 1122–1130.Larrauri, J. A., Rupérez, P., Bravo, L., & Saura-Calixto, F. (1996). High dietary fibre powders from orange and lime peels: associated polyphenols and antioxidant capacity. Food Research International, 29(8), 757–762.Mujumdar, A. S., & Law, C. L. (2010). Drying technology: trends and applications in postharvest processing. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 3(6), 843–852.Mulet, A., Blasco, M., García-Reverter, J., & Garcia-Perez, J. V. (2005). Drying kinetics of Curcuma longa rhizomes. Journal of Food Science, 7(5), 318–323.Oliveira, F. I. P., Gallao, M. I., Rodrigues, S., Fernandes, F.A.N. (2010). Dehydration of malay apple (Syzygium malaccense L.) using ultrasound as a pretreatment. Food and Bioprocess Technology. doi: 10.1007/s11947-010-0351-3 , in press.Ortuño, C., Perez-Munuera, I., Puig, A., Riera, E., & Garcia-Perez, J.V. (2010). Influence of power ultrasound application on mass transport and microstructure of orange peel during hot air drying. Physics Procedia, 3, 153–159.Perry, R. H. & Chilton, C. H. (1973). Chemical Engineers’ Handbook. McGraw Hill (5th ed.), New York, US.Ruiz-López, I. I., Castillo-Zamudio, R. I., Salgado-Cervantes, M. A., Rodríguez-Jimenes, G. C., & García-Alvarado, M. A. (2010). Mass transfer modelling during osmotic dehydration of hexahedral pineapple slices in limited volume solutions. Food and Bioprocess Technology, 3(3), 427–433.Salvador, A., Salvador, L., Besada, C., Larrea, V., Hernando, I., & Perez-Munuera, I. (2008). 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Smart Solar Micro-exchangers for Sustainable Mobility of University Camps

Publicado el resumen en: https://www.wmcaus.org/files/WMCAUS2020_Book.pdf. Pendiente de publicación de las contribuciones en IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering.A significant number of universities have several campuses located in urban or rural settings, or with scattered university buildings that require the use of means of transportation. This implies the mobility and potential displacement of a large community of students, professors and researchers. The use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) is an intermediate alternative between the bicycle and electric cars. It can be an important stimulus for the promotion of the decarbonisation of the University Campus, avoiding the traffic congestion and reducing space requirements for parking. This paper presents the smart solar micro-exchanger model managed through a sustainable mobility web platform, applied to the case study of the University of Malaga (Spain). It is a solar charging station for e-bike, whose design is based on the principles of solar architecture (providing great security to e-bike). It managed by a web platform and app that allows the user to make reservations and learn about the savings in CO2 emissions. The system allows performing an aerobic sports activity without sweating problems when you reach the job. The platform also incorporates a database of quiet and safe routes for e-bike users.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tec