Sustainable one-pot immobilization of enzymes in/on metal-organic framework materials

peer-reviewedThe industrial use of enzymes generally necessitates their immobilization onto solid supports. The well-known high affinity of enzymes for metal-organic framework (MOF) materials, together with the great versatility of MOFs in terms of structure, composition, functionalization and synthetic approaches, has led the scientific community to develop very different strategies for the immobilization of enzymes in/on MOFs. This review focuses on one of these strategies, namely, the one-pot enzyme immobilization within sustainable MOFs, which is particularly enticing as the resultant biocomposite Enzyme@MOFs have the potential to be: (i) prepared in situ, that is, in just one step; (ii) may be synthesized under sustainable conditions: with water as the sole solvent at room temperature with moderate pHs, etc.; (iii) are able to retain high enzyme loading; (iv) have negligible protein leaching; and (v) give enzymatic activities approaching that given by the corresponding free enzymes. Moreover, this methodology seems to be near-universal, as success has been achieved with different MOFs, with different enzymes and for different applications. So far, the metal ions forming the MOF materials have been chosen according to their low price, low toxicity and, of course, their possibility for generating MOFs at room temperature in water, in order to close the cycle of economic, environmental and energy sustainability in the synthesis, application and disposal life cycle

Models of α-synuclein aggregation in Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is not only characterized by motor disturbances but also, by cognitive, sensory, psychiatric and autonomic dysfunction. It has been proposed that some of these symptoms might be related to the widespread pathology of α-synuclein (α-syn) aggregation in different nuclei of the central and peripheral nervous system. However, the pathogenic formation of α-syn aggregates in different brain areas of PD patients is poorly understood. Most experimental models of PD are valuable to assess specific aspects of its pathogenesis, such as toxin-induced dopaminergic neurodegeneration. However, new models are required that reflect the widespread and progressive formation of α-syn aggregates in different brain areas. Such α-syn aggregation is induced in only a few animal models, for example perikaryon inclusions are found in rats administered rotenone, aggregates with a neuritic morphology develop in mice overexpressing either mutated or wild-type α-syn, and in Smad3 deficient mice, aggregates form extensively in the perikaryon and neurites of specific brain nuclei. In this review we focus on α-syn aggregation in the human disorder, its genetics and the availability of experimental models. Indeed, evidences show that dopamine (DA) metabolism may be related to α-syn and its conformational plasticity, suggesting an interesting link between the two pathological hallmarks of PD: dopaminergic neurodegeneration and Lewy body (LB) formation

Early environmental and biological influences on preschool motor skills: implications for early childhood care and education

Early motor skills underpin the more complex and specialized movements required for physical activity. Therefore, the design of interventions that enhance higher levels of early motor skills may encourage subsequent participation in physical activity. To do so, it is necessary to determine the influence of certain factors (some of which appear very early) on early motor skills. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of some very early environmental variables (delivery mode, feeding type during the first 4 months of life) and some biological variables (sex and age in months) on preschool motor skills, considered both globally and specifically. The sample was composed by 43 preschool students aged 5–6 years. The participant's parents completed an ad hoc questionnaire, reporting on delivery mode, feeding type, sex, and age in months. The children's motor skills were assessed using observational methodology in the school setting, while the children participated in their regular motor skills sessions. A Nomothetic/Punctual/Multidimensional observational design was used. Results revealed that certain preschool motor skills were specifically influenced by delivery mode, feeding type, sex, and age. Children born by vaginal delivery showed higher scores than children born via C-section in throwing (p = 0.000; d = 0.63); total control of objects (p = 0.004; d = 0.97); total gross motor skills (p = 0.005; d = 0.95); and total motor skills (p = 0.002; d = 1.04). Children who were exclusively breastfed outperformed those who were formula-fed in throwing (p = 0.016; d = 0.75); visual-motor integration (p = 0.005; d = 0.94); total control of objects (p = 0.002; d = 1.02); total gross motor skills (p = 0.023; d = 0.82); and total motor skills (p = 0.042; d = 0.74). Boys outperformed girls in throwing (p = 0.041; d = 0.74) and total control of objects (p = 0.024; d = 0.63); while the opposite occurred in static balance (p = 0.000; d = 1.2); visual-motor coordination (p = 0.020; d = 0.79); and total fine motor skills (p = 0.032; d = 0.72). Older children (aged 69–74 months) obtained higher scores than younger ones (aged 63–68 months) in dynamic balance (p = 0.030; d = 0.66); visual-motor integration (p = 0.034; d = 0.63); and total balance (p = 0.013; d = 0.75). Implications for early childhood care and education are discussed since this is a critical period for motor skill development and learning

Metaverso y educación: el caso pionero de Minecraft en el aprendizaje inmersivo digital

The metaverse is presented as a possible new technological iteration for the Internet. The generation of virtual universes in which the physical and the digital converge raises the question of how education will be addressed in these new systems. We find, however, pioneering exercises such as Minecraft: Education Edition. This platform is a version based on the popular sandbox video game, which was originally created by a community of teachers. The aim of this research is to analyze and describe the idiosyncratic characteristics of Minecraft as an educational platform, framing it as one of the pioneering exercises in the metaverse. To this end, we have employed a methodology that combines Multimodal Discourse Analysis with Grounded Theory and the Constant Comparative Method. As conclusions, we observe how the Minecraft Education platform reinforces from its approach pre-existing aspects from the physical world, resizing them to adapt them to its connected digital environment. These are key elements such as the identity of the participants, their ability to act within the system, creativity through lessons as a guide to the educational objectives and the community as the backbone of the process. At the same time, it presents differential components, such as the use of avatars, the transition from textual literacy to multimodal literacy, game mechanics that boost creativity or transhuman capabilities that defy physical space-time. All in all, the platform is designed for teachers, parents and managers, to whom it offers a series of benefits. Therefore, the pedagogical action will depend on their judgment and execution, especially through the elaboration of lessons and worlds, the management of the sessions and their interaction in community environments. It is their responsibility to ensure that the educational experience is truly empowering or, on the contrary, that it ends up being governed by reproductive criteria linked to symbolic violence.El metaverso se presenta como una posible nueva iteración tecnológica para Internet. La generación de universos virtuales en los que convergen lo físico y lo digital pone sobre la mesa la cuestión de cómo se afrontará la educación en estos nuevos sistemas. Encontramos, no obstante, ejercicios pioneros como Minecraft: Education Edition. Esta plataforma es una versión basada en el popular videojuego sandbox, que fue creada originalmente por una comunidad de profesores. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar y describir las características idiosincráticas de Minecraft como plataforma educativa, enmarcándola como uno de los ejercicios pioneros en el metaverso. Para ello, se ha empleado una metodología que combina el Análisis del Discurso Multimodal con la Grounded Theory y el Constant Comparative Method. Como conclusiones, se determina que la plataforma Minecraft Education refuerza desde su planteamiento cuestiones pre-existentes en el mundo físico, redimensionándolas para adaptarlas a su entorno digital conectado. Son claves como la identidad de los participantes, la agencia, la creatividad, con las lecciones como guía de los objetivos educativos, y la comunidad como vertebradora del proceso. Al mismo tiempo, presenta componentes diferenciales digitales, como el uso de avatares, la transición de la lectoescritura textual a la alfabetización en entornos multimodales, las mecánicas que impulsan la creatividad o las capacidades transhumanas que desafían el espacio-tiempo físico. Con todo, la plataforma está diseñada para profesores, padres y gestores, a los que ofrece una serie de prebendas. Por tanto, la acción pedagógica dependerá de su criterio y ejecución, especialmente a través de la elaboración de lecciones y mundos, la gestión de las sesiones, y la interacción en los entornos comunitarios. Queda bajo su responsabilidad que la experiencia educativa sea verdaderamente empoderadora o, por el contrario, esta se acabe rigiendo por criterios reproductivos y vinculados a la violencia simbólica.Research financed through the Margarita Salas Grant from the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of the Government of Spain and the Next Generation EU program. This work is endorsed by the I+D+i project (2019-2021), entitled “Youtubers and instagramers: Media competence in emerging prosumers” with code RTI2018-093303-B-I00, financed by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of Spain and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and for the I+D+i project (2020-2022), entitled “Instagramers and youtubers for the transmedia empowerment of Andalusian citizens. The media competence of the instatubers”, with code P18-RT-756, financed by the Junta de Andalucía, in the 2018 call (Andalusian Research, Development and Innovation Plan, 2020) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). This work has been partially funded by the grant CIPROM/2021/17 of the Prometeo program of the Conselleria de Innovación, Universidades, Ciencia y Sociedad Digital de la Generalitat Valenciana

To live with an implantable cardioverter defribrillator: A qualitative study on patients'experiences

Objetivo principal: Conocer la experiencia de los pacientes portadores de Desfibrilador Automático Implantable (DAI) de la Unidad de Electrofisiología y Arritmias del Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío de Sevilla. Metodología: Estudio cualitativo mediante entrevistas semiestructuradas a 11 personas con DAI implantado. Se realizó un análisis de contenido teniendo en cuenta el objetivo de la investigación, las categorías de análisis creadas y las emergentes. Resultados principales: Los temas identificados fueron: la experiencia de vivir con un DAI, las descargas, las estrategias de adaptación, los cambios físicos, emocionales y en el estilo de vida, la vida sexual y la prohibición de conducir. Conclusión principal: Aunque la mayoría de los pacientes aceptan el dispositivo identificando las variables que influyen en la adaptación, existen limitaciones derivadas de cambios físicos, emocionales y en el estilo de vida. Los profesionales sanitarios han de valorar potenciales dificultades de adaptación o alteraciones psicológicas con el fin de facilitar las intervenciones necesarias.Objective: To know the experiences of patients with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator in the Electrophysiology and Arrhytmia Unit (“Virgen del Rocio” University Hospital Seville). Methods: A qualitative study by using semi-structured interviews with 11 people with ICDs. A content analysis considering research objectives, analytical categories, and those possibly emerging was carried out. Results: The identified issues were: the experience of living with an ICD, discharges, adaptation strategies, physical and emotional changes, as well as those affecting lifestyles, sex life, and driving ban. Conclusions: Although most of patients accept the device,identifying the variables affecting their adaptation, there are still some limitations resulting from physical, emotional, and lifestyle changes. Health professionals should assess potential adaptation difficulties or psychological disorders in order to provide necessary interventions

Early morning fluctuations in trunk diameter are highly sensitive to water stress in nectarine trees

The sensitivity to water stress of different plant water status indicators was evaluated during two consecutive years in early nectarine trees grown in a semi-arid region. Measurements were made post-harvest and two irrigation treatments were applied: a control treatment (CTL), irrigated at 120 % of crop evapotranspiration demand to achieve non-limiting water conditions, and a deficit irrigation treatment, that applied around 37 % less water than CTL during late postharvest. The plant water status indicators evaluated were midday stem water potential (Ψ stem) and indices derived from trunk diameter fluctuations: maximum daily shrinkage (MDS), trunk daily growth rate, early daily shrinkage measured between 0900 and 1200 hours solar time (EDS), and late daily shrinkage that occurred between 1200 hours solar time and the moment that minimum trunk diameter was reached (typically 1600 hours solar time). The most sensitive [highest ratio of signal intensity (SI) to noise] indices to water stress were Ψ stem and EDS. The SI of EDS was greater than that of Ψ stem, although with greater variability. EDS was a better index than MDS, with higher SI and similar variability. Although MDS was linearly related to Ψ stem down to −1.5 MPa, it decreased thereafter with increasing water stress. In contrast, EDS was linearly related to Ψ stem, although the slope of the regression decreased as the season progressed, as in the case of MDS. Further studies are needed to determine whether EDS is a sensitive index of water stress in a range of species.This research was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science of Innovation (AGL2010-19201-C04-04), European project SIRRIMED (FP7-KBBE-2009-3-245159) and also by the Regional Science Agency of Murcia Region (08845/PI/08). We thank E. Fereres for editorial comments

Influence of the chemical mechanism in the frame of diesel-like CFD reacting spray simulations using a presumed PDF flamelet-based combustion model

[EN] The ability of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation to reproduce the diesel-like reacting spray ignition process and its corresponding flame structure strongly depends on both the fidelity of the chemical mechanism for reproducing the oxidation of the fuel and also on how the turbulence-chemistry interaction (TCI) is modeled. Therefore, investigating the performance of different chemical mechanisms not only in perfect stirred reactors but directly in the diesel-like spray itself is of great interest in order to evaluate their suitability for being further applied to CFD engine simulations. This research work focuses on applying a presumed probability density function (PDF) unsteady flamelet combustion model to the well-known spray A from the Engine Combustion Network (ECN), using three chemical mechanisms widely accepted by the scientific community as a way to figure out the influence of chemistry in the key characteristics of the combustion process in the frame of diesel-like spray simulations. Results confirm that in spite of providing all of them correct trends for ignition delays (ID) and lift-off lengths (LOL), when comparing with experimental results, the structure of the flame presents noticeable differences, especially in the low and intermediate temperatures and high equivalence ratio regions. Consequently, the selection of the chemical mechanism has an impact on the zones of influence of key species as observed in both spatial coordinates and also in the equivalence ratio-temperature maps. These differences are expected to be relevant considering the implications when coupling pollutant emissions models. The analysis of temperature and oxygen concentration parametric studies evidences how the observed differences are consistent and moderately dependent on the ambient conditions.Authors acknowledge that this work was possible thanks to the Ayuda para la Formación de Profesorado Universitario (FPU 14/03278) belonging to the Subprogramas de Formación y de Movilidad del Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte from Spain. Also this study was partially funded by the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad from Spain in the frame of the COMEFF (TRA2014-59483-R) national project.Payri González, F.; García Oliver, JM.; Novella Rosa, R.; Pérez Sánchez, EJ. (2017). Influence of the chemical mechanism in the frame of diesel-like CFD reacting spray simulations using a presumed PDF flamelet-based combustion model. En Ilass Europe. 28th european conference on Liquid Atomization and Spray Systems. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. 678-685. https://doi.org/10.4995/ILASS2017.2017.4746OCS67868

A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial in the Gingivitis Prevention with an Oligomeric Proanthocyanidin Nutritional Supplement

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness on tissue response of the new nutritional supplement made of oligomeric proanthocyanidins in induced gingivitis after 21 days of use. Material and Methods. A prospective, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was carried out on 20 patients; it is divided into an experimental group and a control group after fulfilling the selection criteria. Patients had to come 4 times during the study to register the Silness and Löe index, the gingival bleeding index, the plaque index, the inflammatory crevicular fluid study (IL6), and the changes in the brightness of the gingiva. No complementary hygiene methods were allowed during the 21 days. Results. The Silness and Löe index was higher in the control group than in the experimental group, reaching a twofold difference between the groups (p < 0 0001). The gingival bleeding index also supports this fact, since the bleeding was lower in the experimental group (p < 0 005). However, the dental plaque on the tooth surface according to the plaque index was 33% higher in the experimental group (p < 0 006). Some differences in the IL-6 were found in the crevicular fluid (p < 0 0001). Conclusion. Oligomeric proanthocyanidins have an effect on the periodontal tissue’s health. No effects on the accumulation of plaque on the tooth surface were found, so further studies are needed to determine the nature of the plaque

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and PEDF-receptor in the adult mouse brain: Differential spatial/temporal localization pattern

Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) is a multifunctional protein which was initially described in the retina, although it is also present in other tissues. It functions as an antioxidant agent promoting neuronal survival. Recently, a PEDF receptor has shown an elevated binding affinity for PEDF. There are no relevant data regarding the distribution of both proteins in the brain, therefore the main goal of this work was to investigate the spatiotemporal presence of PEDF and PEDFR in the adult mouse brain, and to determine the PEDF blood level in mouse and human. The localization of both proteins was analyzed by different experimental methods such as immunohistochemistry, western-blotting, and also by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Differential expression was found in some telencephalic structures and positive signals for both proteins were detected in the cerebellum. The magnitude of the PEDFR labeling pattern was higher than PEDF and included some cortical and subventricular areas. Age-dependent changes in intensity of both protein immunoreactions were found in the cortical and hippocampal areas with greater reactivity between 4 and 8 months of age, whilst others, like the subventricular zones, these differences were more evident for PEDFR. Although ubiquitous presence was not found in the brain for these two proteins, their relevant functions must not be underestimated. It has been described that PEDF plays an important role in neuroprotection and data provided in the present work represents the first extensive study to understand the relevance of these two proteins in specific brain areas.The authors wish to thank D.W.E. Ramsden for the manuscript revision. Microscopy Service of the Central Research Support Services of the University of Málaga (SCAI). Y. D. D. O. is under a contract from the “Nicolas Monardes” programme of the “Servicio Andaluz de Salud,” Regional Ministry of Health of the Andalusian Government, Andalusia, Spain. Partial funds from FEDER-EU of the European Regional Development Funds program. Grant Sponsors: Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation; Grant numbers: SAF2008-00486. Health Ministry of the Andalusian Regional Government; Grant number: PI2009-0507. Innovation and Science Ministry of the Andalusian Regional Government; Grant number: P10-CTS-05704 and CTS546. Foundation Jerome Lejeune (Paris, France). Fundación Alicia Koplowitz (Madrid. Spain)

HALLAZGO DE CISTACANTOS (ACANTHOCEPHALA: POLYMORPHIDAE) EN EL CANGREJO TERRESTRE GECARCINUS PLANATUS STIMPSON DE ISLA SOCORRO, ARCHIPIÉLAGO REVILLAGIGEDO, MÉXICO

This is the first record of an acanthocephalan cystacanth (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) parasitizing the crab Gecarcinus planatus collected in the Socorro island, Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico. The highest prevalence was found at coastal localities (60% vs. 3.5%) and was significantly higher in males than in females (50% vs. 16%). Cystacanth numbers were positively correlated to the size of parasitized crabs (r=0.614; p&lt;0.01). Since these crabs are included in the diet of the night heron, red-tailed hawk and feral cat, it is likely that one or more of these species are the definitive host for this acanthocephalan.This is the first record of an acanthocephalan cystacanth (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) parasitizing the crab Gecarcinus planatus collected in the Socorro island, Revillagigedo Archipelago, Mexico. The highest prevalence was found at coastal localities (60% vs. 3.5%) and was significantly higher in males than in females (50% vs. 16%). Cystacanth numbers were positively correlated to the size of parasitized crabs (r=0.614; p&lt;0.01). Since these crabs are included in the diet of the night heron, red-tailed hawk and feral cat, it is likely that one or more of these species are the definitive host for this acanthocephalan