Progression in healthy ageing: frailty, cognitive decline and gender in the European Innovation Partnership for Active and Healthy Ageing

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives: Lifespan is getting longer at a global level. More people, therefore, live past 65 years of age. Ageing favors frailty, a condition that makes the body more susceptible to diseases. We present updated information of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA), and particularly, the Cognitive Decline (CD) group in Action Group 3 (A3), focused in the prevention of frailty and functional decline. Moreover, details of one of the commitments in CD, which deals with the specificities of women in frailty and ageing (Chronic Ailment Reduction after Menopause, CARMEN), will be presented as well. Objectives of EIPAHA are to increase life expectancy of European citizens in two years by 2020 and to improve their quality of life. Methods: We revised literature and the web of the European Commission in what refers to EIP on AHA, A3 action group, and CD. Furthermore, we have summarized the main aspects of the CARMEN commitment. Results: We have sketched the main traits of the selected targets. A series of measures has been taken for favoring prevention of frailty and for health promotion of elderly people; this will help to increase the Europeans average healthy lifespan by two years under conditions of improved quality of life. Conclusions: A new awareness of the need for prevention of frailty and cognitive decline is extending. Early diagnosis of frailty and functional decline are considered as effective measures against age-related comorbidities

Stochastic pumping of ions based on colored noise in bacterial channels under acidic stress

Fluctuation-driven ion transport can be obtained in bacterial channels with the aid of different types of colored noise including the biologically relevant Lorentzian one. Using the electrochemical rectification of the channel current as a ratchet mechanism we observe transport of ions up to their concentration gradient under conditions similar to that met in vivo, namely moderate pH gradients and asymmetrically charged lipid membranes. We find that depending on the direction of the concentration gradient the channel can pump either cations or anions from the diluted side to the concentrated one. We discuss the possible relevance of this phenomenon for the pH homeostasis of bacterial cellsFinancial support from Generalitat Valenciana (project PROMETEO/GV/0069), the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness of Spain (project no. FIS2013-40473-P), and Universitat Jaume I (project no. P1.1B2015-28) is acknowledged

Excess white noise to probe transport mechanisms in a membrane channel

Current fluctuation analysis has been successfully used over the years to investigate the physical properties of different systems. Here, we perform single-channel time-resolved current experiments in a protein channel to evaluate the different transport mechanisms governing the channel function. Using different salts of monovalent and divalent cations in a wide range of concentrations and applied potentials, we analyze current fluctuations focusing on the voltage dependence of the additional white noise that appears in the low-frequency range of the spectra. We demonstrate that the channel displays two characteristic transport regimes: at low salt concentrations (10 mM to 1 M) ion permeation is controlled by the protein fixed charges that induce accumulation or exclusion of ions to preserve local electroneutrality. At high salt concentrations (>1 M) adsorption processes associated to the binding of cations to the channel charges regulate the transport properties.Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) FIS2013-40473-P Fundacio Caixa Castello-Bancaixa P1-1B2012-0

Mid-Term Effects of Forest Thinning on N Mineralization in a Semi-Arid Aleppo Pine Forest

[EN] In order to assess the sustainability of silvicultural treatments in semiarid forests, it is necessary to know how they affect the nutrient dynamics in the forest. The objective of this paper is to study the effects of silvicultural treatments on the net N mineralization and the available mineral N content in the soil after 13 years following forest clearings. The treatments were carried out following a randomized block design, with four treatments and two blocks. The distance between the two blocks was less than 3 km; they were located in Chelva (CH) and Tuéjar (TU) in Valencia, Spain. Within each block, four experimental clearing treatments were carried out in 1998: T0 control; and T60, T75 and T100 where 60%, 75% and 100 of basal area was eliminated, respectively. Nitrogen dynamics were measured using the resin tube technique, with disturbed samples due to the high stoniness of the plots. Thirteen years after the experimental clearings, T100, T75 and T60 treatments showed a twofold increase in the net mineralization and nitrification rates with respect to T0 in both blocks (TU and CH). Within the plots, the highest mineralization was found in sites with no plant cover followed by those covered by undergrowth. These results can be explained in terms of the different litterfall qualities, which in turn are the result of the proportion of material originating from Pinus halepensis Mill. vs. more decomposable undergrowth residuesThis work has been supported by a fellowship from the Generalitat Valenciana, Consellería de Educación, Formación y Empleo awarded to L. Lado-Monserrat (BFPI/2008/041). Silvicultural treatments were carried out by the Mediterranean Centre for Environmental Studies (CEAM) through programme ¿I+D en relación con la restauración de la cubierta vegetal y otros aspectos de investi-gación forestal¿ (R&D in relation to the restoration of vegetation cover and other aspects of forestry research). Dataloggers and probes were provided by the Generalitat Valenciana through Project ¿Efecto de diferentes sistemas de aclareo de masa forestal sobre la disponibilidad de agua, nutrientes y la regeneración de la masa arbórea y arbustiva en parcelas de pinar¿ (Effect of different forest thinning systems on the availability of water, nutrients and trees and understory regeneration in pine forest plots) (GV06/126)Bautista, I.; Lado-Monserrat, L.; Lull, C.; Lidón, A. (2021). Mid-Term Effects of Forest Thinning on N Mineralization in a Semi-Arid Aleppo Pine Forest. Forests. 12(11):1-16. https://doi.org/10.3390/f12111470S116121

Efficient photovoltaic and electroluminescent perovskite devices

Planar diode structures employing hybrid organic-inorganic methylammonium lead iodide perovskites lead to multifunctional devices exhibiting both a high photovoltaic efficiency and good electroluminescence. The electroluminescence strongly improves at higher current density applied using a pulsed driving method

Increasing environmental sciences students' awareness of the link between soil and Sustainable Development Goals

[EN] Education must prepare students to find solutions for the global and local challenges of today and the future, by conferring students the knowledge, skills and attitudes to address them, including environmental degradation. Soils perform a number of key environmental, social and economic functions (e.g. production of food and biomass, nutrient cycling, water filter, climate control). Various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are connected with soil. Sustainable soil use is crucial for many SDGs. Target 2.4 of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) mentions the implementation of resilient agricultural practices to improve land and soil quality. Target 3.9 of the SDG 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing) indicates that the number of deaths and illnesses from soil pollution and contamination must be substantially reduced. Target 12.4 of SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) mentions reducing the release of chemicals to soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. Target 15.3 of SDG 15 (Life on Land) includes the restoration of degraded soil. Although soil is not mentioned in other SDG targets, it is related to other SDGs. We present the results of the analysis of the activity performed by the students related to soil and SDGs and the transversal competence ¿knowledge of contemporary problems¿. In the activity, the students were asked to write down with reasons the SDGs that soil is related to. Afterward, they were asked to write down soil degradation processes and their consequences for people lives and the environment. Next the students worked in groups on the link between soil functions and soil degradation processes using communication material designed by the Food and Agriculture Organization. Finally, they answered a questionnaire, and five open questions to explain the link between soil and the SDGs 2, 3, 6, 13 and 15. The students gave a value of 9.1 out of 10 to the importance of knowledge toward an integrated approach to the environment. The students rated the importance of studying Soil Science to increase their ability to perceive and realize the existence and uniqueness of soils with 8.7 out of 10. The need to raise awareness about soils among people who are not in direct contact with soils was rated with 9.2 out of 10. The students who knew that the SDGs have 169 targets were 85%. The students related the statement ¿Women remain a minority in soil science¿ to SDGs 5 (Gender Equality) and 10 (Reduced inequalities). Ninety-five percent of the students stated that "zero hunger" is not only a question of crop production, but it is also related to the quality of education, malnutrition, etc. All the students stated that there is now scientific evidence that healthy soils support nutritious and healthy food and, therefore, contribute to people's health. When students were asked about the origin of toxicity in the soil that can affect human health, 50% named heavy metals, 35% radioactive elements, 35% organic chemicals, and 15% diseases due to exposure to soil organisms. The students were asked if they knew that zinc deficiency is the fifth leading cause of death and disease in the developing world; only 52% said that they did. Soil science has important links to several SDGs and students must know them to advance in their achievement.Lull, C.; Llinares Palacios, JV.; Bautista, I.; Lidón, A. (2022). Increasing environmental sciences students' awareness of the link between soil and Sustainable Development Goals. IATED. 5708-5717. https://doi.org/10.21125/edulearn.2022.1344S5708571

Análisis de la nueva ley valenciana de custodia compartida: Ley 5/2011 de Relaciones familiares de los hijos e hijas cuyos progenitores no conviven; desde un enfoque psicológico

Los procesos de separación y divorcio suponen un cambio importante en la dinámica familiar que puede desencadenar una diferencia significativa en cuanto al tiempo de cohabitación del menor con cada uno de los progenitores. Hasta ahora la legislación que venía rigiendo, también tenía en cuenta varios factores como: no separar a los hermanos, las necesidades afectivas y emocionales de los menores, la cercanía con la familia extensa o la dedicación de cada progenitor hacia el menor a la hora de establecer el régimen de convivencia de los menores con los progenitores. Sin embargo la regla general otorgaba la guarda y custodia en un 94 % de los casos a las mujeres (según datos aportados por el INEGI (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía), años 2003 y 2004). En este trabajo se abordará la aplicación de la nueva ley valenciana de custodia compartida; Ley 5/2011, de Relaciones familiares de los hijos e hijas cuyos progenitores no conviven. Para ello se analizarán dos casos del Juzgado de Familia de Castellón de la Plana posteriores a la puesta en vigor de esta ley, a través de los cuales se estudiarán los factores determinantes para otorgar esta modalidad de custodia y el impacto social, emocional y afectivo que tiene en las familias.The processes of separation and divorced assume an important change in the family dynamic that can trigger a significant difference in how much time the minor cohabitates witch each parent. Until now, the governing legislation also has considered factors like: not separating siblings, affection and emotional needs of the minor, closeness with their extended family or the dedication of each parent towards the minor at the time of establishing the minor´s residence. However, the general rule is to award guardianship and custody to the women as seen in 94 % of cases (according to data from 2003 and 2004 contributed by the INEGI (National Institute of Statistic and Geography). This work tackles the application of the new Valencian law of shared custody, law 5/2011 of family relations of sons and daughters whose parents do not life together. It will analyze two cases from the family court in Castellón de la Plana from before the application of these law, through wich we will study the determinin factors for awarding these model of custody and the social, emotional and affective impact that it has on the famílies

Rice Straw Mulch Installation in a Vineyard Improves Weed Control and Modifies Soil Characteristics

[EN] After harvesting rice paddy fields, rice straw is a significant problem due to uncontrolled CO2 emissions when the straw is burned. One solution to this problem is to use this rice by-product for mulching planting lines of fruit trees or vineyards with the purpose of controlling weeds and improving soil characteristics. A 3-year experiment was conducted at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (Spain) demonstration vineyard, where rice-straw mulch was installed at three rates in 2021, 24.0, 43.1, and 63.1 t ha¿1, and in 2022, 25.0, 37.5, and 50.0 t ha¿1. Weeds were mainly controlled with the highest treatment rate (50.0¿63.1 t ha¿1), as the time of the year for mulch installation is decisive for achieving different weed control rates. On average, mulch decreased soil bulk density (5.4%), and increased the soil organic carbon (24.3%) and water-soluble organic carbon (24.3%) compared to bare soil. Soil temperature changes were observed due to the mulch treatment, with soil temperature lower in bare soil than in mulched soil during the cold season, and higher during the warm season. This effect was highly dependent on the mulch application rate. Soil moisture content was also higher under the mulch treatment, showing a mulch-rate response during the four seasons of the year. The changes in the physical and biological soil properties induced a higher soil respiration rate when mulched soil was compared to bare soil. This study concludes that the use of rice straw as a mulch had positive effects on weed control and soil properties, although three factors concerning mulch management were paramount: rate, the timing of installation, and replacement rate.This research was funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades and the Agencia Estatal de Investigación, grant number RTC-2017-6249-2 titled ¿Desarrollo de un nuevo insumo para la agricultura sostenible: mulch de paja de arroz con incorporación de bacterias promotoras del crecimiento de las plantas (PGPB) y mecanización integral de procesos (SMART MULCH)¿.Gómez De Barreda, D.; Bautista, I.; Castell-Zeising, V.; Lidón, A. (2023). Rice Straw Mulch Installation in a Vineyard Improves Weed Control and Modifies Soil Characteristics. Agronomy. 13(12):1-12. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy13123068112131

Fluctuation-Driven Transport in Biological Nanopores. A 3D Poisson–Nernst–Planck Study

Living systems display a variety of situations in which non-equilibrium fluctuations couple to certain protein functions yielding astonishing results. Here we study the bacterial channel OmpF under conditions similar to those met in vivo, where acidic resistance mechanisms are known to yield oscillations in the electric potential across the cell membrane. We use a three-dimensional structure-based theoretical approach to assess the possibility of obtaining fluctuation-driven transport. Our calculations show that remarkably high voltages would be necessary to observe the actual transport of ions against their concentration gradient. The reasons behind this are the mild selectivity of this bacterial pore and the relatively low efficiencies of the oscillating signals characteristic of membrane cells (random telegraph noise and thermal noise)