Nanostructural changes in dentine caused by endodontic irrigants

Objective: To study nanostructural dentinal changes produced by endodontic irrigants. Study Design: Experimental study. Nanoindentations were performed on peritubular (PD) and intertubular dentine (ID) with an atomic force microscopy. Stiffness and adhesion force were determined before and after application of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Normalized differences before and after treatment for stiffness and adhesion forces were calculated. A paired T-test was used to compare stiffnes and adhesion force before and after irrigants application. Results: After treatment with EDTA there was a 29.80% reduction in stiffness in ID and a 63.53% reduction in PD. Adhesion force was reduced by 21.22% and 8.21% respectively. After treatment with 5.25% NaOCI stiffness was reduced by 2.49% in ID and increased by 15.01% in PD. Adhesion force increased by 25.11% and 23.97% respectively. Conclusions: 17% EDTA reduced stiffness and adhesion force in ID and PD. Treatment with NaOCI at 5.25% had no significant effect on stiffness but did affect adhesion force in ID and PD

Remanence enhancement for stray field-based applications in arrays of crystalline nanomagnets

With the aim of achieving stable, substantial remanences adequate for exploitation in stray field-based applications, we report on the hysteresis behavior occurring in arrays of single-crystal Fe motifs, a-beam lithographed into prisms with triangular bases and different orientations of their magnetocrystalline axes with respect to the morphological symmetry axes. From both experimental and simulational analyses we recognize the fact that the magnetization reversal processes of our samples were mediated by motif-sized vortices. Their nucleation and annihilation fields and sites within the motifs, and their field-induced displacements, are discussed in terms of the magnetocrystalline and configurational anisotropies and inter-motif dipolar interactions. From our data, we conclude that reduced remanences as large as 0.85 (sufficient for the application requirements), protected by nucleation fields of several tens of Oe, can be produced in arrays where magnetocrystalline easy axes reinforce and partly compensate the easiest and hardest configurational ones, respectively. The angular dependence of the reduced remanence associated with interplay of these anisotropies corresponds to a symmetry reduction from the triaxial one linked to the triangular morphology down to an effective uniaxial one. We also identify, for the particular case of inter-nanoprism distances that are short in comparison with the dimensions of the motif base, a contribution to the remanence enhancement originating from the dipolar interactions

Magnetization reversal mechanisms in Fe/NiO bilayers grown onto nanoporous alumina membranes and Si wafers

We report on the magnetization reversal measured in two ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic (F/AF) bilayer series: Fe/NiO/Al2O3 (nanoporous membranes, series N) and Fe/NiO/Si (wafers, series W). The Fe and NiO layers were deposited by pulsed laser ablation and magnetron sputtering, respectively. In both series different oxygen partial pressures were implemented in the Ar plasma during the NiO growth. The morphologies of both series (as imaged by atomic force microscopy) reflect those of their substrates and, particularly, the series N samples exhibit a six-fold columnar growth around each one of the membranes nanopores. The in-plane hysteresis loops measured upon field cooling the samples down to different temperatures in the range from 50 K up to 290 K evidenced i) 50 K, 0% oxygen coercivities that decreased markedly in both series samples with the increase of the Fe layer thickness (particularly the Fe 5 nm, series N sample exhibited a coercivity larger than the Fe magneto-crystalline anisotropy field), ii) a decrease of the coercivity with the increase of the NiO deposition oxygen partial pressure, observed in both series independently of the Fe layer thickness, iii) low temperature coercivities larger in the series N samples than in the series W ones. Our data are analyzed in correlation to the deposits morphology and in terms of the occurrence of either propagation mediated reversal (collective mode linked to spatially averaged interactions at the F/AF interface) or localized switching (defect ruled mechanism taking place in a spatially confined environment). It is concluded that i) the magnetization reversal mechanism active in series W samples corresponds to a weak pinning regime propagation of walls interacting with uncompensated moments at the F/AF interface, ii) in series N samples, the magnetization reversal does not involve propagation, and iii) in the latter series the reversal events are spatially restricted to the dot-like tops of the NiO columns surrounding the membrane poresThe authors acknowledge the financial support from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and the Spanish Research Agency under grant no. MAT2016-80394-

REX-001, a BM-MNC Enriched Solution, Induces Revascularization of Ischemic Tissues in a Murine Model of Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia

Background: Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells (BM-MNC) constitute a promising alternative for the treatment of Chronic Limb-Threatening ischemia (CLTI), a disease characterized by extensive blockade of peripheral arteries, clinically presenting as excruciating pain at rest and ischemic ulcers which may lead to gangrene and amputation. BM-MNC implantation has shown to be efficient in promoting angiogenesis and ameliorating ischemic symptoms in CLTI patients. However, the variability seen between clinical trials makes necessary a further understanding of the mechanisms of action of BM-MNC, and moreover, to improve trial characteristics such as endpoints, inclusion/exclusion criteria or drug product compositions, in order to implement their use as stem-cell therapy. Materials: Herein, the effect of REX-001, a human-BM derived cell suspension enriched for mononuclear cells, granulocytes and CD34+ cells, has been assessed in a murine model of CLTI. In addition, a REX-001 placebo solution containing BM-derived red blood cells (BM-RBCs) was also tested. Thus, 24 h after double ligation of the femoral artery, REX-001 and placebo were administrated intramuscularly to Balb-c nude mice (n:51) and follow-up of ischemic symptoms (blood flow perfusion, motility, ulceration and necrosis) was carried out for 21 days. The number of vessels and vascular diameter sizes were measured within the ischemic tissues to evaluate neovascularization and arteriogenesis. Finally, several cell-tracking assays were performed to evaluate potential biodistribution of these cells. Results: REX-001 induced a significant recovery of blood flow by increasing vascular density within the ischemic limbs, with no cell translocation to other organs. Moreover, cell tracking assays confirmed a decrease in the number of infused cells after 2 weeks post-injection despite on-going revascularization, suggesting a paracrine mechanism of action. Conclusion: Overall, our data supported the role of REX-001 product to improve revascularization and ischemic reperfusion in CLTI

Changes in Gut Microbiota Induced by Doxycycline Influence in Vascular Function and Development of Hypertension in DOCA-Salt Rats

Previous experiments in animals and humans show that shifts in microbiota and its metabolites are linked to hypertension. The present study investigates whether doxycycline (DOX, a broad-spectrum tetracycline antibiotic) improves dysbiosis, prevent cardiovascular pathology and attenuate hypertension in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt rats, a renin-independent model of hypertension. Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control, DOCA-salt hypertensive rats, DOCA-salt treated with DOX for 4 weeks. DOX decreased systolic blood pressure, improving endothelial dysfunction and reducing aortic oxidative stress and inflammation. DOX decreased lactate-producing bacterial population and plasma lactate levels, improved gut barrier integrity, normalized endotoxemia, plasma noradrenaline levels and restored the Treg content in aorta. These data demonstrate that DOX through direct effects on gut microbiota and its non-microbial effects (anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory) reduces endothelial dysfunction and the increase in blood pressure in this low-renin form of hypertension.Grants from Comisión Interministerial de Ciencia y Tecnología, Ministerio de Economía y competitividad (SAF2017-84894-R)Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (PID2020-116347RB-I00)Junta de Andalucía (CTS-164, P20_00193)European Union, and by the Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBER-CV; Ciberes)Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Sara Borrell Program)European Union (Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional, FEDER, “FEDER una manera de hacer Europa”

Is it compatible with breastfeeding? www.e-lactancia.org: analysis of visits, user profile and most visited products

Introduction One of the factors to influence abandoning breastfeeding is mothers’ use of medications. The www.e-lactancia.org website is a reliable source in Spanish and English for online free-access information about the compatibility of medications with breastfeeding. The aim of this study was to analyse the search profiles, and groups and products, searched the most on this website. Materials and methods A retrospective and descriptive study of the e-lactancia.org website during 2014–2018. Google Analytics was used for data collection. The following variables were analysed: number of users and queries; professional profile; country; language; users’ and groups’ access modes/devices; most searched products. Results We found 16,821.559 users and 63,783.866 pages. Of users, 62.7 % were “mother/father”, and 31.9 % were health professionals. Visits came mostly from: Spain (25.86 %); Mexico (16.87 %); Argentina (7.99 %); Chile (7.31 %). The preferred access mode and device were organic searches (62.1 %) and mobile phones (73.4 %), respectively. Phytotherapy (14.4 %), antibacterial agents (12.3 %) and NSAIDs (12.3 %) were the most searched groups, and ibuprofen (6.25 %) was the most popular product. Conclusion Users and consultations in e-lactation increased significantly during the study period. Mothers/fathers were the main website users, followed by health professionals. The main consulted groups were antibacterial agents, NSAIDs and systemic phytotherapy. Ibuprofen, paracetamol and amoxicillin stood out as the most consulted products. These results revealed increase Internet resources use to solve parents and health professionals’ breastfeeding doubts. Future research should study how users (parents, health professionals) interact with this information

Efficient In Vitro and In Vivo Anti‐Inflammatory Activity of a Diamine‐PEGylated Oleanolic Acid Derivative

Recent evidence has shown that inflammation can contribute to all tumorigenic states. We have investigated the anti‐inflammatory effects of a diamine‐PEGylated derivative of oleanolic acid (OADP), in vitro and in vivo with inflammation models. In addition, we have determined the sub‐cytotoxic concentrations for anti‐inflammatory assays of OADP in RAW 264.7 cells. The in‐ flammatory process began with incubation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Nitric oxide production levels were also determined, exceeding 75% inhibition of NO for a concentration of 1 μg/mL of OADP. Cell‐cycle analysis showed a reversal of the arrest in the G0/G1 phase in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, through Western blot analysis, we have determined the probable molecular mechanism activated by OADP; the inhibition of the expression of cytokines such as TNF‐α, IL‐1β, iNOS, and COX‐2; and the blocking of p‐IκBα production in LPS‐stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Finally, we have analyzed the anti‐inflammatory action of OADP in a mouse acute ear edema, in male BL/6J mice treated with OADP and tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA). Treatment with OADP induced greater suppression of edema and decreased the ear thickness 14% more than diclofenac. The development of new derivatives such as OADP with powerful anti‐inflammatory effects could represent an effective therapeutic strategy against inflammation and tumorigenic processes

Atherosclerotic Pre-Conditioning Affects the Paracrine Role of Circulating Angiogenic Cells Ex-Vivo

In atherosclerosis, circulating angiogenic cells (CAC), also known as early endothelial progenitor cells (eEPC), are thought to participate mainly in a paracrine fashion by promoting the recruitment of other cell populations such as late EPC, or endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFC), to the injured areas. There, ECFC replace the damaged endothelium, promoting neovascularization. However, despite their regenerative role, the number and function of EPC are severely affected under pathological conditions, being essential to further understand how these cells react to such environments in order to implement their use in regenerative cell therapies. Herein, we evaluated the effect of direct incubation ex vivo of healthy CAC with the secretome of atherosclerotic arteries. By using a quantitative proteomics approach, 194 altered proteins were identified in the secretome of pre-conditioned CAC, many of them related to inhibition of angiogenesis (e.g., endostatin, thrombospondin-1, fibulins) and cell migration. Functional assays corroborated that healthy CAC released factors enhanced ECFC angiogenesis, but, after atherosclerotic pre-conditioning, the secretome of pre-stimulated CAC negatively affected ECFC migration, as well as their ability to form tubules on a basement membrane matrix assay. Overall, we have shown here, for the first time, the effect of atherosclerotic factors over the paracrine role of CAC ex vivo. The increased release of angiogenic inhibitors by CAC in response to atherosclerotic factors induced an angiogenic switch, by blocking ECFC ability to form tubules in response to pre-conditioned CAC. Thus, we confirmed here that the angiogenic role of CAC is highly affected by the atherosclerotic environment

Innovamos, jugamos y aprendemos combinando conocimientos de diferentes áreas

El objetivo principal de este proyecto de innovación docente es elaborar nuevas herramientas docentes para la enseñanza de la Bioquímica y la Fisiología, así como facilitar su aprendizaje y la relación de los conocimientos adquiridos entre ambas asignaturas en diferentes Grados tanto del Campus de Melilla como del Campus de Granada. Para ello nos planteamos los siguientes objetivos específicos: 1. Identificar una historia para hilar el contenido de la asignatura de Bioquímica. 2. Crear ligas o torneos para retar a los alumnos en su aprendizaje con estos juegos. 3. Relacionar contenidos entre las asignaturas de Bioquímica y Fisiología. 4. Evaluar el material didáctico al final del semestre mediante cuestionarios para comprobar su evolución en el aprendizaje de los conocimientos adquiridos. Por otro lado, también pretendemos que los alumnos identifiquen los conocimientos y competencias adquiridos y la utilidad y aplicación de esas tareas y habilidades en el ámbito empresarial, como un primer paso para el autoconocimiento profesional y la búsqueda de empleo. La dinámica de juego empleada será la realización de un Escape Room Educativo Virtual. Para alcanzar el primer objetivo en clase, identificaremos una historia o juego de interés entre los alumnos de primero. Si existen varias, se elegirá la que sea propuesta por el mayor número de alumnos. Tras la presentación de la historia, crearemos una liga o torneo para retar a los alumnos entre ellos. En el caso de que haya algún alumno/a con necesidades especiales, se nombrar un alumno colaborador, el cual le facilitará su participación durante la realización del juego. Además, el contenido será evaluado de modo que todos los alumnos tengan acceso a él, esto es, aumento del tamaño de letra, grabación de voz en off en caso necesario, aumento en el tiempo de realización de la actividad, etc. Algunas de las preguntas introducidas en el juego permitirán la relación de contenidos entre las asignaturas de Bioquímica y Fisiología y su aplicabilidad en su futuro profesional. Por último, al finalizar la actividad se les pasará a los alumnos un cuestionario para evaluar su satisfacción con este proyecto de innovación docente. Dicho proyecto docente ha sido aplicado al final del semestre en los Grados de Enfermería, Fisioterapia y el Doble Grado en Educación Primaria y Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte del Campus de Melilla y en los Grado de Fisioterapia y el Grado en Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte del Campus de Granada en la Universidad de Granada.The main objective of this teaching innovation project is to develop new teaching tools for the teaching of Biochemistry and Physiology, as well as to facilitate their learning and the relationship of the knowledge acquired between both subjects in different Degrees in both Melilla and Granada Campus at the University of Granada. To this end, we set ourselves the following specific objectives: 1. Identify a story to string together the content of the Biochemistry subject. 2. Create leagues or tournaments to resume students in their learning with these games. 3. Relate content between the subjects of Biochemistry and Physiology. 4. Evaluate the didactic material at the end of the semester by means of questionnaires to verify its evolution in the learning of the acquired knowledge. On the other hand, we also intend that students identify the knowledge and skills acquired and the usefulness and application of these tasks and skills in the business field, as a first step for professional self-knowledge and job search. The game dynamics used will be the realization of a Virtual Educational Escape Room. To achieve the first objective in class, we will identify a story or game of interest among the first graders. If there are several, the one proposed by the largest number of students will be chosen. After the presentation of the story, we will create a league or tournament to take the students back to each other. In the event that there is a student with special needs, a collaborating student will be appointed, who will facilitate their participation during the game. In addition, the content will be evaluated so that all students have access to it, that is, increased font size, voiceover recording if necessary, increased time to complete the activity, etc. Some of the questions presented in the game will allow the content relationship between the subjects of Biochemistry and Physiology and its applicability in their professional future. Finally, at the end of the activity, students will be given a questionnaire to assess their satisfaction with this teaching innovation project. This teaching project has been applied at the end of the semester in the Degrees of Nursing, Physiotherapy and the Double Degree in Primary Education and Physical Activity and Sports Sciences of the Melilla Campus and in the Degrees of Physiotherapy and the Degree in Sciences of the Physical Activity and Sports of the Granada Campus at the University of Granada

Pauta de observación de la enseñanza de las matemáticas en Educación Secundaria en España (POEMat.ES)

POEMat.ES es una pauta de observación de las prácticas de enseñanza de profesores de matemáticas de Educación Secundaria grabadas en vídeo. Este instrumento permite recoger información sobre las acciones de los profesores de matemáticas en el aula desde 3 dimensiones diferentes, organizadas a su vez en 17 subdimensiones. Cada subdimensión se puede valorar en cuatro niveles de desempeño que describen características concretas de las acciones realizadas por el profesor observadas en un fragmento de vídeo. POEMat.ES ha sido desarrollada con el objetivo inicial de ofrecer una visión equilibrada y multidimensional de la enseñanza de las matemáticas en Educación Secundaria en el contexto español