82 research outputs found
Performance of Starch Gels on In Vitro Enzymatic Hydrolysis Assessed by Rheological Methodologies
Starch hydrolysis is attracting much attention due to its relationship to digestion and glucose release. The objective is to propose rapid and continuous analytical methods that allow measuring gels hydrolysis following apparent viscosity (ÎĽ). Three different starches (corn, wheat, and rice) are tested recording starch gelatinization followed by gels digestions (digestograms) using a rapid-visco analyzer (RVA) or a rheometer. Results are compared with those obtained by measuring glucose release along hydrolysis. A modified first-order kinetic model in the RVA (R2 > 0.99) and rheometer (R2 > 0.99) describes the gels digestograms. Wheat gel shows a higher hydrolysis rate (k), which indicates faster digestion followed by rice and corn gels. The proposed models allow rapid analysis of starch digestograms, allowing to discriminate among hydrolysis rate of different starches. These less time-consuming methods can be an option to continuously analyze starch gelatinization followed by enzymatic digestion.Generalitat Valenciana (Prometeo 2017/189) and Xunta de Galicia (Consolidation Project ED431B 2019/01).S
Experiencia Piloto en PsicologĂa: EvoluciĂłn del Rendimiento AcadĂ©mico
El objetivo de este trabajo ha sido evaluar la utilidad de la experiencia piloto de adaptaciĂłn al sistema del crĂ©dito europeo (ECTS) en la licenciatura de PsicologĂa en la Universidad de JaĂ©n. Para ello se han considerado las asignaturas troncales y obligatorias de los tres primeros cursos de la titulaciĂłn y se ha comparado el porcentaje de alumnos que han superado las asignaturas antes de la implantaciĂłn de la experiencia y despuĂ©s de ella. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que, en general, el rendimiento de los alumnos ha mejorado si bien existe una gran variabilidad entre las diferentes asignaturas y cursos
Electrochemical Biosensor Based on Optimized Biocomposite for Organophosphorus and Carbamates Pesticides Detection
Altres ajuts: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB) for the award of PIF studentshipThis paper presents the characterization and optimization of biosensors based on graphite-epoxy which incorporates the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). By means of advanced electrochemical techniques, such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV), the characterization and optimization of graphite-epoxy-AChE biosensors have been performed. In order to obtain sensitive electrodes, the optimal composition of the transducer material (graphite-epoxy-enzyme ratio) was studied. The optimization of the conductive particles distribution inside the biomaterial has allowed an improvement of the electrochemical properties. Optimal composition guarantees improving electrochemical properties required, such as high electron-transfer rate, high signal-to-noise ratio, and suitable sensitivity. The optimal biocomposite composition range was obtained between 16% and 17% of graphite and 0.12% of AChE. The biosensors were applied to the analysis of different pesticides, organophosphorus and carbamates, using indirect measurements based on enzymatic inhibition process. These optimized biosensors present detection limit one order of magnitude lower compared to the standard composition (nonoptimized) and allow achieving concentrations lower than the established ones by the pesticides regulation. Finally, spiked tap water samples with pesticides were analyzed with the optimized biosensors
Potential Effects of Phenolic Compounds That Can Be Found in Olive Oil on Wound Healing
This study was supported by research group BIO277 (Junta de Andalucia) and the Department of Nursing of the University of Granada. We would also like to thank Concepcion Ruiz for the considerations and retouches made to this paper.The treatment of tissue damage produced by physical, chemical, or mechanical agents
involves considerable direct and indirect costs to health care systems. Wound healing involves a series
of molecular and cellular events aimed at repairing the defect in tissue integrity. These events can be
favored by various natural agents, including the polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). The
objective of this study was to review data on the potential effects of different phenolic compounds
that can also be found in EVOO on wound healing and closure. Results of in vitro and animal
studies demonstrate that polyphenols from different plant species, also present in EVOO, participate
in different aspects of wound healing, accelerating this process through their anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties and their stimulation of angiogenic activities required for
granulation tissue formation and wound re-epithelialization. These results indicate the potential
usefulness of EVOO phenolic compounds for wound treatment, either alone or in combination with
other therapies. Human studies are warranted to verify this proposition.Junta de Andalucia BIO277Department of Nursing of the University of Granad
Less is more : a comprehensive study on the effects of the unmber of gas diffusion layers on air-cathode microbial fuel cells
Altres ajuts: Acord transformatiu CRUE-CSICAir-cathode microbial fuel cells (AC-MFC) use a gas-diffusion-layer (GDL) coating based on polytetrafluoroethylene applied to the cathode to prevent electrolyte leakage. However, this type of GDL can also lead to a decrease in MFC performance due to electron-transfer limitation, mass-transfer limitation or catalyst availability. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the significance of the GDL coating, demonstrating the interaction between the number of GDL coatings and the external resistance (Rext) used. An experimental design in 28 mL AC-MFCs was prepared and conducted using two different Rext (10 and 249 Ω) and four different GDL coatings (1 to 4 layers). The coating effect was not significant when operating with a high Rext, where the electron transfer was the limiting process. However, when the Rext was low, the amount of polytetrafluoroethylene limited the cathode performance due to a significant decrease in the Pt availability on the catalytic surface. Thus, GDL-1 with 10 Ω as Rext reached 0.96 mA/cm2, 3-fold higher than that obtained with 249 Ω as Rext (ca. 0.30 mA/cm2). Besides, the current density did not vary noticeably in the other cathodes with 249 Ω as Rext. Contrarily, the current density with 10 Ω as Rext decreased as the number of GDL increased (0.74, 0.57 and 0.37 for GDL-2, GDL-3 and GDL-4 respectively). These values agreed with those of the polarization curve. Furthermore, limitations were also observed in electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements: the charge resistance increased with the number of GDL, related to the ease of electron flow. These values were18 Ω, 22 Ω, 53 Ω and 58 Ω for GDL-1, GDL-2, GDL-3 and GDL-4, respectively, for both 10 and 249 Ω cathodes
Impact of bisphosphonates on the proliferation and gene expression of human fibroblasts
The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of fibroblasts in bisphosphonate-related
osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), evaluating the effect of zoledronate, alendronate, and
ibandronate on the proliferation of fibroblasts and on their expression of genes essential for
fibroblast physiology. Human CCD-1064Sk epithelial fibroblast cells were incubated in culture
medium with 10-5, 10-7, or 10-9 M zoledronate, alendronate, or ibandronate. The proliferative
capacity of fibroblasts was determined by spectrophotometry (MTT) at 24 of culture. Real-time
polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to study the effects of BPs at a dose of 10-9 M on the
expression of FGF, CTGF, TGF-β1, TGFβR1, TGFβR2, TGFβR3, DDR2, α-actin, fibronectin,
decorin, and elastin. Fibroblasts proliferation was significantly increased at the lowest dose (10-9M)
of each BP but was not affected at the higher doses (10-5 and 10-7M). The proliferation increase may
be related to the rise in TGF-β1 and TGFβR1 expression detected after the treatment of cells with
10-9M of zoledronate, alendronate, or ibandronate. However, the expression of CTGF, DDR2,
α-actin, fibronectin, and decorin decreased versus controls. The results of this in vitro study indicate
that a very low BP dose (10-9 M) can significantly affect the physiology of fibroblasts, increasing their
proliferative capacity and modulating the expression of multiple genes involved in their growth and
differentiation
Human Fibroblast Gene Expression Modulation Using 940 NM Diode Laser
Low-Level Laser Therapy is used as regenerative therapy in different clinical fields. This is due to its
photobiomodulation effect via cell signaling on different cell populations, Including fibroblasts, cells
involved in tissue regeneration and healing. The aim was to analyze the effect of 940 nm diode laser on
the gene expression of different markers involved in fibroblast growth, differentiation, and migration.
Real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-RT-PCR) was used to quantify the expression of fibroblast
growth factor (FGF), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), vascular-endothelial growth factor
(VEGF), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), TGFβ-receptors (TGFβR1, TGFβR2, and TGFβR3),
discoidin-domain receptor-2 (DDR2), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2), α-actin, fibronectin, decorin,
and elastin on human fibroblast, treated with single dose (T1) or two doses (T2) of diode laser at 0.5
Watts and 4 J/cm2. A significant increase in the expression of FGF, TGF-β1, TGFβR1, TGFβR2, α-actin,
fibronectin, decorin, DDR2 and MMP2 was observed after both treatments. A decrease was observed
in expression of elastin (T1 and T2), and CTGF (T2). These changes underlie the biostimulatory effect
of laser on fibroblasts, which translates into an increase in short-term proliferation and in long-term
differentiation to myofibroblasts. These data support the therapeutic potential of diode laser for wound
repair
Bone Protective Effect of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil Phenolic Compounds by Modulating Osteoblast Gene Expression
The phenolic compounds of extra-virgin olive oil can act at various levels to protect
individuals against cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and osteoporosis, among
others. Polyphenols in extra-virgin olive oil can stimulate the proliferation of osteoblasts, modify
their antigen profile, and promote alkaline phosphatase synthesis. The objective of this work was to
determine the effect of different extra-virgin olive oil phenolic compounds on the gene expression
of osteoblast-related markers. The cells of the MG63 osteoblast line were cultured for 24 h with
10-6 M of the phenolic compounds ferulic acid, caffeic acid, coumaric acid, apigenin, or luteolin.
The expression of studied markers was quantified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain
reaction (q-RT-PCR). The expression by MG63 osteoblasts of growth and differentiation/maturation
markers was modified after 24 h of treatment with 10-6 M of the phenolic compounds under study,
most of which increased the gene expression of the transforming growth factor 1 (TGF- 1), TGF-
receptor 1,2 and 3 (TGF- R1, TGF- R2, TGF- R3), bone morphogenetic protein 2 and 7 (BMP2,
BMP7), run-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX-2), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Osteocalcin (OSC),
Osterix (OSX), Collagen type I (Col-I) and osteoprotegerin (OPN). The extra-virgin olive oil phenolic
compounds may have a beneficial effect on bone by modulating osteoblast physiology, which would
support their protective effect against bone pathologies.The work outlined in this article has been partially funded by the Spanish Ministry of Education under
FPU fellowship reference FPU15-0563
Antimicrobial properties of olive oil phenolic compounds and their regenerative capacity towards fibroblast cells
Some micronutrients of vegetable origin are considered potentially useful as wound-healing agents because they can increase fibroblast proliferation and differentiation.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the regenerative effects of selected olive oil phenolic compounds on cultured human fibroblasts and explore their antimicrobial properties.
Material and methods: The CCD-1064Sk fibroblast line was treated for 24 h with 10-6M luteolin, apigenin, ferulic, coumaric acid or caffeic acid, evaluating the effects on cell proliferation by using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) spectrophotometric assay; the migratory capacity by the scratch assay and determining the expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Transforming Growth Factor- β1 (TGFβ1), Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), and Collagen Type I (COL-I) genes by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The antimicrobial capacity of the polyphenols was evaluated by the disc diffusion method.
Results: All compounds except for ferulic acid significantly stimulated the proliferative capacity of fibroblasts, increasing their migration and their expression of the aforementioned genes. With respect to their antimicrobial properties, treatment with the studied compounds inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Proteus spp., and Candida Albicans.
Conclusions: The phenolic compounds in olive oil have a biostimulatory effect on the regeneration capacity, differentiation, and migration of fibroblasts and exert major antibacterial activity. According to the present findings, these compounds may have a strong therapeutic effect on wound recovery.Grupo BIO-277Departamento de EnfermerĂ
Evolution of the weight gain in women pregnant that made exercise
Introduction. Throughout the years, it has been recommended that pregnant women reduce their level of physical activity due to possible negative effects, but thanks to research, new recommendations have emerged where they advise practicing physical activity for the benefits that They are as much for the mother as for the baby. Among them, weight gain is one of the factors benefited by physical activity, being lower at the end of the gestational period.
Objective. To study the influence that the realization of physical activity can produce in the evolution of weight gain during the gestational period of the woman.
Methodology. A systematic bibliographic review of the Randomized Clinical Trials published in the last five years (2013-2018) has been carried out in the databases MEDLINE, PubMed, SciELO, Scopus and CINAHL, in Spanish, English and French.
Conclusions. The results may seem contradictory, there are authors who affirm that physical activity has positive effects on weight gain, and other authors affirm that there is no significant difference in weight gain between pregnant women who perform physical activity and those who do not. . It is also observed that there is no difference between women with higher or lower BMI with respect to the effect of physical activity on weight gain
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