Diferenciación de células madre como modelo experimental de terapia en enfermedades prevalentes: osteoartritis y patología cardiovascular

[ES]Es ampliamente conocida la limitada capacidad de regeneración del cartílago y el tejido cardíaco. El objetivo principal de esta investigación es desarrollar estrategias para dirigir la diferenciación celular hacia linaje cardiaco y condrocítico con potencial para reparar y / o regenerar daños en estos tejidos. Para ello, hemos estudiado la capacidad de diferenciación de cuatro fuentes diferentes de células: i) células madre derivadas de tejido adiposo humano aisladas de lipoaspirados (hASCs); ii) hASCs obtenidas a partir de la grasa infrapatelar de pacientes con osteoartritis (OA) (IFPSCs), iii) células progenitoras endoteliales (EPCs) derivadas de la sangre del cordón umbilical (UCB) y iv) EPCs aisladas de la sangre periférica (PB) de los pacientes que sufren de infarto agudo de miocardio (IAM). En conclusión, hemos implementado nuevas estrategias para dirigir la diferenciación celular. Los resultados incluidos en este estudio podrían representar un potencial enfoque terapéutico en las enfermedades cardiovasculares y lesiones osteocondrales[EN]It is broadly known the limited regeneration capacity of cartilage and cardiac tissue. The main goal of the present study was to develop strategies to direct cell differentiation toward cardiac and cartilage linage with potential to repair and/or regenerate the damage tissue. Here we have studied the potential differentiation capacity of four different cell sources: i) human adipose derived stem cells (hASCs) isolated from lipoaspirates; ii) hASCs obtained from infrapatellar fat pad (IFPSCs) of patients with osteoarthritis (OA), iii) endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) derived from umbilical cord blood (UCB) and iv) EPCs isolated from peripheral blood (PB) of patients suffering from acute myocardial infarction (AMI). In conclusion, we have implemented novel strategies to direct cell differentiation. The finding included in this study could represent a potential therapeutic approach in cardiovascular diseases and osteochondral injuriesTesis Univ. Jaén. Departament

CSPα, a molecular co-chaperone essential for short and long-term synaptic maintenance

Cysteine string protein a (CSPα) is a vesicle protein located in the presynaptic terminal of most synapses. CSPα is an essential molecular co-chaperone that facilitates the correct folding of proteins and the assembly of the exocytic machinery. The absence of this protein leads to altered neurotransmitter release and neurodegeneration in multiple model systems, from flies to mice. In humans, CSPα mutations are associated with the development of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL), a neurodegenerative disease characterized by intracellular accumulation of lysosomal material. Here, we review the physiological role of CSPα and the pathology resulting from the homozygous deletion of the gene or its mutations. In addition, we investigate whether long-term moderate reduction of the protein produces motor dysfunction. We found that 1-year-old CSPα heterozygous mice display a reduced ability to sustain motor unit recruitment during repetitive stimulation, which indicates that physiological levels of CSPα are required for normal neuromuscular responses in mice and, likely, in humans.Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación BFU2013–43763-

Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in Nd-Co alloy films nanostructured by di-block copolymer templates

Nd-Co amorphous magnetic films with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy have been grown on nanostructured templates prepared with self-organized di-block poly(styrene)-block-poly(4-vinylpyridine) copolymer layers with a periodic structure of 60 nm spaced pores. These templates modify both the magnetic film topography and mechanical strain on a local scale. The effect of these structural changes is particularly noticeable in the low thickness range of the magnetic films where the transition from in-plane to out-of plane magnetization takes place. The Nd-Co films grown on the copolymer template present lower perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and, also, stronger stripe domain pinning effects in comparison with reference films grown on flat Si substrates

Physical and sporting activities that college students require

Resumen basado en el de la publicaciónSe analizan las características de la demanda de actividades físicas y deportivas de tiempo libre del alumnado universitario almeriense. Para ello se ha seleccionado una muestra de 1.843 sujetos, a los que se les administró un cuestionario para evaluar las actividades en modalidad, periodo temporal, tipo de oferta y finalidad de las mismas. Durante la semana destacan las actividades físicas para el mantenimiento y la mejora de la salud, mientras que en fines de semana son los deportes individuales y colectivos los más practicados, sin perseguir un carácter competitivo. Las actividades en el medio natural están adquiriendo cada vez un papel más relevante durante los periodos vacacionales. Finalmente, la mayoría del alumnado prefiere realizar la práctica físico-deportiva por cuenta propia, de forma libre y autoorganizada.AndalucíaES

Clinical implications of inflammation in atheroma formation and novel therapies in cardiovascular diseases

PH-C is supported by an FPU grant from the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport. This work has been partially funded by the University of Jaen, Acción I apoyo a la investigación (BIO-349) and by Modeling Nature (MNat), Project number QUAL21-11.Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading causes of death and disability in the world. Among all CVD, the most common is coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD results from the complications promoted by atherosclerosis, which is characterized by the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques that limit and block the blood flow of the arteries involved in heart oxygenation. Atherosclerotic disease is usually treated by stents implantation and angioplasty, but these surgical interventions also favour thrombosis and restenosis which often lead to device failure. Hence, efficient and long-lasting therapeutic options that are easily accessible to patients are in high demand. Advanced technologies including nanotechnology or vascular tissue engineering may provide promising solutions for CVD. Moreover, advances in the understanding of the biological processes underlying atherosclerosis can lead to a significant improvement in the management of CVD and even to the development of novel efficient drugs. To note, over the last years, the observation that inflammation leads to atherosclerosis has gained interest providing a link between atheroma formation and oncogenesis. Here, we have focused on the description of the available therapy for atherosclerosis, including surgical treatment and experimental treatment, the mechanisms of atheroma formation, and possible novel therapeutic candidates such as the use of anti- inflammatory treatments to reduce CVD.FPU grant from the Ministry of Education, Culture and SportUniversity of Jaen, Accion I apoyo a la investigacion BIO-349Modeling Nature (MNat) QUAL21-1

Educación comunitaria: una propuesta alternativa para los pueblos indígenas de Oaxaca – México

La educación para los indígenas en México ha pasado por diferentes etapas y ha tenido distintos objetivos. Con la globalización económica y cultural, las escuelas situadas en comunidades indígenas enfrentan ahora nuevos retos, como es atender y respetar la diversidad cultural conservando la cultura originaria. En este contexto, las Secundarias Comunitarias (SC) han surgido en el Estado de Oaxaca – México como una propuesta educativa con un enfoque intercultural, centrándose en la comunidad para el desarrollo de los contenidos escolares. La implementación de esta propuesta devela el desarrollo de una actitud crítica por parte de los estudiantes que fortalecen su identidad étnica. Sin embargo, también presenta limitaciones en la construcción de conocimientos en el ámbito de las disciplinas exactas, por lo cual requiere de una revisión más amplia.Education for indigenous people in Mexico has had several stages and different objectives. With the economic and cultural globalization, the schools in indigenous communities now face new challenges, such as meeting and respecting cultural diversity preserving the original culture. In this context, the Community Middle Schools (SC) have emerged in Oaxaca-México with an educational proposal with an intercultural approach focussing on the community for the development of classroom content. The implementation of this proposal revels the development of a critical attitude on the part of students who strengthen their ethnic identity. However, it also has limitations in the construction of knowledge concerning the exact disciplines, which requires further review.A educação para os povos indígenas no México passou por várias etapas e teve objetivos diferentes. Com a globalização econômica e cultural, as escolas situadas em comunidades indígenas enfrentam agora novos desafios, tais como atender e respeitar a diversidade cultural preservando a cultura originaria. Neste contexto, as Escolas Secundarias Comunitárias (SC) surgiram no Estado de Oaxaca - México com um enfoque educacional com uma abordagem intercultural, centrado na comunidade para o desenvolvimento de conteúdos em sala de aula. A implementação desta proposta revela o desenvolvimento de uma atitude crítica dos estudantes que visam fortalecer sua identidade étnica. No entanto, também tem limitações na construção de conhecimentos no campo das disciplinas exatas, o que requer uma revisão posterior mais abrangente

Educación comunitaria: una propuesta alternativa para los pueblos indígenas de Oaxaca – México

La educación para los indígenas en México ha pasado por diferentes etapas y ha tenido distintos objetivos. Con la globalización económica y cultural, las escuelas situadas en comunidades indígenas enfrentan ahora nuevos retos, como es atender y respetar la diversidad cultural conservando la cultura originaria. En este contexto, las Secundarias Comunitarias (SC) han surgido en el Estado de Oaxaca – México como una propuesta educativa con un enfoque intercultural, centrándose en la comunidad para el desarrollo de los contenidos escolares. La implementación de esta propuesta devela el desarrollo de una actitud crítica por parte de los estudiantes que fortalecen su identidad étnica. Sin embargo, también presenta limitaciones en la construcción de conocimientos en el ámbito de las disciplinas exactas, por lo cual requiere de una revisión más amplia.Education for indigenous people in Mexico has had several stages and different objectives. With the economic and cultural globalization, the schools in indigenous communities now face new challenges, such as meeting and respecting cultural diversity preserving the original culture. In this context, the Community Middle Schools (SC) have emerged in Oaxaca-México with an educational proposal with an intercultural approach focussing on the community for the development of classroom content. The implementation of this proposal revels the development of a critical attitude on the part of students who strengthen their ethnic identity. However, it also has limitations in the construction of knowledge concerning the exact disciplines, which requires further review.A educação para os povos indígenas no México passou por várias etapas e teve objetivos diferentes. Com a globalização econômica e cultural, as escolas situadas em comunidades indígenas enfrentam agora novos desafios, tais como atender e respeitar a diversidade cultural preservando a cultura originaria. Neste contexto, as Escolas Secundarias Comunitárias (SC) surgiram no Estado de Oaxaca - México com um enfoque educacional com uma abordagem intercultural, centrado na comunidade para o desenvolvimento de conteúdos em sala de aula. A implementação desta proposta revela o desenvolvimento de uma atitude crítica dos estudantes que visam fortalecer sua identidade étnica. No entanto, também tem limitações na construção de conhecimentos no campo das disciplinas exatas, o que requer uma revisão posterior mais abrangente

Soil amelioration induced by nurse shrubs in coal mines reclaimed to pastures and their synergistic effects with grazing

Producción CientíficaNative shrubs facilitate the establishment of oak seedlings in the opencast coal mines rehabilitated to pastures in Northern Spain, under a Mediterranean sub-humid climate. We evaluate soil changes as one of the possible facilitative effects of nurse shrubs. We hypothesize that nurse shrubs on mining soils can improve edaphic properties directly and indirectly by reducing the negative effects of trampling and grazing by ungulates. Thus, we assessed the combined effects of nurse shrubs (plots with vs without shrubs) and grazing (plots with vs without a fence for preventing browsing and trampling) upon soil properties in a reclaimed coal mine. Chemical properties such as electrical conductivity, K+, cation exchange capacity, and C/N ratio reached higher values beneath shrubs’ canopies, so did total organic matter, total N, total organic C, total P, available P, and Mg2+ under shrubs but only with grazing. In contrast, pH was higher outside the shrubs; also Ca2+, though only in the absence of grazing. With grazing, Na+ decreased under shrubs. Among physical properties, bulk density increased and porosity decreased only in grazed plots, whereas sand content increased under shrubs in the grazed plots, and clay decreased in such locations. Water holding capacity and available water were the highest in ungrazed areas. Overall, we found that shrubs have a positive direct effect on soil fertility, especially relevant in grazed areas because nurse shrubs and grazing have synergistic effects, and a positive indirect effect on physical properties because they attenuate negative effects of grazing, particularly soil compaction, by reducing livestock and wild ungulates trampling. Therefore, these results demonstrate how nurse shrubs contribute to soil amelioration, helping to facilitate plant establishment in reclaimed mines, which has relevant restoration implications for pasture and forest recovery.Junta de Castilla y León (VA035G18)Universidad de Valladolid (CONVREC-2021–11) y (113–2019PREUVA27

A structural model of the relationships between optimism and perceived emotional intelligence on bullying victimization and health.

Bullying is a relationship in which an individual, or a group of individuals, intentionally and repeatedly perpetrates aggressive behaviors towards someone unable to defend himself/herself. Traditional forms of bullying consist of physical, verbal and covert forms of aggressive behaviors. Recently, the new phenomenon of cyberbullying has emerged. This relatively new form of bullying is defined as a behavior displayed through electronic or digital media. Multiple variables have been related to bullying victimization including perceived emotional intelligence (PEI) and optimism. Both variables have implications on the manner in which people cope with stressful experiences as could be bullying, which in turn could affect the level of perceived health. However, there are no studies that have considered all these variables simultaneously. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine, via structural equation modelling, the independent contribution of EI and optimism on bullying victimization and perceived physical health in adolescents. A total of 650 secondary school students (317 boys and 333 girls, with ages ranged from 11 to 18) participated in the study. The participants completed measures of PIE (TMMS-24; Fernández-Berrocal et al., 2004), optimism (General Mood Subscale of the Emotional Quotient Inventory-Youth Version; Bar-On and Parker, 2000), bullying (School Victimization Scale; Cava et al., 2010), cyberbullying (Cyber-Victimization Scale; Buelga et al., 2012), and physical health (KIDSCREEN-10 Index; Raven-Sieberer et al., 2004). Results gave partial empirical support to the hypothesized model, and shows significant relationships between the variables: optimism on clarity and repair dimensions of IE (but not on the attention subscale), optimism and attention (but not clarity and repair dimensions) on bullying, and bullying on health. Together these findings shed light on those factors that should be considered when developing prophylactic strategies within adolescents to become more resilient to the adverse effects of bullying behavior.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Unifying Different Cancer Theories in a Unique TumourModel: Chronic Inflammation and Deaminases as Meeting Points

The increase in cancer incidences shows that there is a need to better understand tumour heterogeneity to achieve efficient treatments. Interestingly, there are several common features among almost all types of cancers, with chronic inflammation induction and deaminase dysfunctions singled out. Deaminases are a family of enzymes with nucleotide-editing capacity, which are classified into two main groups: DNA-based and RNA-based. Remarkably, a close relationship between inflammation and the dysregulation of these molecules has been widely documented, which may explain the characteristic intratumor heterogeneity, both at DNA and transcriptional levels. Indeed, heterogeneity in cancer makes it difficult to establish a unique tumour progression model. Currently, there are three main cancer models—stochastic, hierarchic, and dynamic—although there is no consensus on which one better resembles cancer biology because they are usually overly simplified. Here, to accurately explain tumour progression, we propose interactions among chronic inflammation, deaminases dysregulation, intratumor genetic heterogeneity, cancer phenotypic plasticity, and even the previously proposed appearance of cancer stem-like cell populations in the edges of advanced solid tumour masses (instead of being the cells of origin of primary malignancies). The new tumour development model proposed in this study does not contradict previously accepted models and it may open up a window to interesting therapeutic approaches.FPU grant from the Ministry of Education, Culture and SportUniversity of Jaen, Accion I apoyo a la investigacion BIO-349Excellence Research Unit "Modeling Nature" (MNat)Junta de Andalucia European Commission SOMM17/6109/UGRConsejeria de Salud y Familias de la Junta de Andalucia (FEDER funds) PEMP-0205-2020Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (FEDER funds) PIE16/00045Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities RTI2018-101309-B-C22Chair "Doctors Galera-Requena in cancer stem cell research" CMC-CTS96