Microwave-assisted synthesis of highly crystalline, multifunctional iron oxide nanocomposites for imaging applications

We report a reproducible single-step, microwave-assisted approach for the preparation of multifunctional magnetic nanocomposites comprising superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) cores, a polyelectrolyte stabilizer and an organic dye with no requirement for post-processing. The stabilisers poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSSS) and sodium polyphosphate (SPP) have been thoroughly investigated and from analysis using electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering measurements, magnetic hysteresis and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, we show that the higher degree of Fe3O4 nanoparticle crystallinity achieved with the PSSS stabiliser leads to enhanced magnetic behaviour and thus better contrast agent relaxivity compared to the less crystalline, poorly defined particles obtained when SPP is employed as a stabiliser. We also demonstrate the potential for obtaining a multifunctional magnetic-fluorescent nanocomposite using our microwave-assisted synthesis. In this manner, we demonstrate the intimate link between synthetic methodology (microwave heating with a polyelectrolyte stabilizer) and the resulting properties (particle size, shape, and magnetism) and how this underpins the functionality of the resulting nanocomposites as agents for biomedical imaging

PP2A ligand ITH12246 protects against memory impairment and focal cerebral ischemia in mice

ITH12246 (ethyl 5-amino-2-methyl-6,7,8,9-tetrahydrobenzo[b][1,8] naphthyridine-3-carboxylate) is a 1,8-naphthyridine described to feature an interesting neuroprotective profile in in vitro models of Alzheimer's disease. These effects were proposed to be due in part to a regulatory action on protein phosphatase 2A inhibition, as it prevented binding of its inhibitor okadaic acid. We decided to investigate the pharmacological properties of ITH12246, evaluating its ability to counteract the memory impairment evoked by scopolamine, a muscarinic antagonist described to promote memory loss, as well as to reduce the infarct volume in mice suffering phototrombosis. Prior to conducting these experiments, we confirmed its in vitro neuroprotective activity against both oxidative stress and Ca2+ overload-derived excitotoxicity, using SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and rat hippocampal slices. Using a predictive model of blood-brain barrier crossing, it seems that the passage of ITH12246 is not hindered. Its potential hepatotoxicity was observed only at very high concentrations, from 0.1 mM. ITH12246, at the concentration of 10 mg/kg i.p., was able to improve the memory index of mice treated with scopolamine, from 0.22 to 0.35, in a similar fashion to the well-known Alzheimer's disease drug galantamine 2.5 mg/kg. On the other hand, ITH12246, at the concentration of 2.5 mg/kg, reduced the phototrombosis-triggered infarct volume by 67%. In the same experimental conditions, 15 mg/kg melatonin, used as control standard, reduced the infarct volume by 30%. All of these findings allow us to consider ITH12246 as a new potential drug for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, which would act as a multifactorial neuroprotectant.Peer Reviewe

"Invisible burials" and fragmentation practices in Iron Age Europe:Excavations at the Monte Bernorio Necropolis (Northern Spain)

The scarcity of burial remains in large parts of Iron Age Europe, particularly in the Atlantic regions, has often led scholars to discuss the apparent “invisibility” of graves. This paper presents the results from several excavation campaigns at Monte Bernorio, one of the most important sites of the 1st millennium b.c. on the Iberian Peninsula. The fieldwork and post-excavation work carried out in the area of the necropolis have identified numerous burial pits, with complex ritual activities characterized by fragmentation and the practice of the pars pro toto. In addition, evidence for later rituals in some of the graves can be linked to ancestor worship. The results provide important insights into funerary practices in Late Iron Age Europe, leading us to rethink the very meaning of cemeteries in the study area and beyond.- Burial Traditions in Iron Age Europe - The Monte Bernorio Archaeological Zone - The 2007–2008 Necropolis Excavations - The 2015–2016 Necropolis Excavations - Post-Excavation Work and Interpretation: The Faunal and Human Remains - Structure and Chronology of Monte Bernorio Area 7 - Destruction of the Body, Commemoration in the Absence of a Corpse, and Visibility of the Mortuary Rite

Red en cultura material prehistórica: talleres de experimentación lítica en titulaciones de la UA

Una parte muy importante de las herramientas que fueron elaborando los seres humanos a lo largo de más de 2,5 millones de años se fabricaron durante la Prehistoria usando diferentes tipos de rocas. Entre los contenidos curriculares de los grados en Historia en España y en másteres afines, destacan diversas nociones sobre tecnología e instrumental lítico prehistórico, para que el alumnado conozca los procesos de producción lítica tallada, su evolución tecnológica y tipológica, y los procesos de clasificación y análisis. A pesar del creciente empleo de material gráfico como recurso docente, la metodología de clase teórica/participativa se muestra insuficiente a la hora de conseguir buenos resultados de aprendizaje. El desarrollo de talleres de experimentación lítica tallada sobre instrumental prehistórico permite el aprendizaje mediante la interacción y una mejor asimilación por parte de los estudiantes. La experiencia de las asignaturas del Grado en Historia y del Máster en Arqueología Profesional y Gestión del Patrimonio de la UA es un ejemplo de evaluación de las fortalezas y debilidades del desarrollo de dichos talleres

Tarteso. Nuevas Fronteras (I)

El presente volumen recoge las contribuciones presentadas al II Congreso Internacional sobre Tarteso, Nuevas Fronteras, que tuvo lugar en Mérida entre los días 17 y 19 de noviembre de 2021. Su lectura permite un viaje desde el extremo oriental del Mediterráneo hasta el suroeste de la península ibérica, mostrando las diversas realidades históricas acontecidas en este territorio durante la I Edad del Hierro. El objetivo de esta publicación es mostrar la situación que atravesaba el Mediterráneo durante los años de surgimiento y desarrollo de la cultura tartésica para así comprender mejor la formación y evolución de dicha cultura. El conocimiento de Tarteso ha evolucionado sensiblemente en la última década, desde la celebración y publicación de las actas del I Congreso Internacional, Tarteso. El emporio del metal (Almuzara, 2013). La incorporación de nuevas voces y visiones enfocadas al conocimiento de la protohistoria peninsular, así como de algunos temas nunca antes abordados en el conocimiento de Tarteso, permiten presentar en este volumen una visión renovada, donde destaca la incorporación de unos nuevos límites territoriales para esta cultura.Esta publicación se ha beneficiado de las siguientes ayudas para su financiación: Proyecto de Investigación del Plan Nacional I+D+i: “Construyendo Tarteso 2.0: análisis constructivo, espacial y territorial de un modelo arquitectónico en el valle medio del Guadiana” (PID2019-108180GB- I00), financiado por MCIN AEI/10.13039/501100011033). Subvención global de la Secretaría General de Ciencia, Tecnología, Innovación y Universidad de la Junta de Extremadura al Instituto de Arqueología.Peer reviewe

Red para la mejora de la calidad docente de las asignaturas del área de conocimiento de Prehistoria

En 2014 se dispone en el BOE la resolución del 7 de febrero de la Universidad de Alicante por la que se publica el plan de estudios de Graduado en Historia. Transcurridos 8 años, resulta necesario realizar una retrospectiva del camino realizado por los miembros del área de Prehistoria, especialmente al haberse detectado una serie de disfunciones relacionadas con el solapamiento de contenidos y competencias en algunas de estas asignaturas. El objetivo de esta red es detectar el origen de algunos de estos problemas, para lo que se ha llevado a cabo una encuesta al alumnado de 3º y 4º curso de grado, y un análisis de las asignaturas por parte del profesorado implicado, proponiendo una serie de acciones de mejora que serán implantadas a partir del curso 2021-22

Undifferentiated and differentiated PC12 cells protected by huprines against injury induced by hydrogen peroxide

Oxidative stress is implicated in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plays a central role in the stress. Huprines, a group of potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs), have shown a broad cholinergic pharmacological profile. Recently, it has been observed that huprine X (HX) improves cognition in non transgenic middle aged mice and shows a neuroprotective activity (increased synaptophysin expression) in 3xTg-AD mice. Consequently, in the present experiments the potential neuroprotective effect of huprines (HX, HY, HZ) has been analyzed in two different in vitro conditions: undifferentiated and NGF-differentiated PC12 cells. Cells were subjected to oxidative insult (H2O2, 200 µM) and the protective effects of HX, HY and HZ (0.01 µM- 1 µM) were analyzed after a pre-incubation period of 24 and 48 hours. All huprines showed protective effects in both undifferentiated and NGF-differentiated cells, however only in differentiated cells the effect was dependent on cholinergic receptors as atropine (muscarinic antagonist, 0.1 µM) and mecamylamine (nicotinic antagonist, 100 µM) reverted the neuroprotection action of huprines. The decrease in SOD activity observed after oxidative insult was overcome in the presence of huprines and this effect was not mediated by muscarinic or nicotinic receptors. In conclusion, huprines displayed neuroprotective properties as previously observed in in vivo studies. In addition, these effects were mediated by cholinergic receptors only in differentiated cells. However, a non-cholinergic mechanism, probably through an increase in SOD activity, seems to be also involved in the neuroprotective effects of huprines