Search

Producto de la crisis sociosanitaria del Covid-19, los museos tuvieron un alza significativa en su comunicación digital y –entre otras acciones– intentaron dar respuesta a las necesidades de recursos por parte del profesorado y las familias, ampliando su repertorio de propuestas y actividades, muchas de las cuales suponían mayores niveles de participación e interacción, como retos, actividades y talleres. Lo anterior, a nuestro entender, puede ser interpretado como una estrategia que contribuye a la sostenibilidad cultural, en tanto democratiza el acceso a estos recursos y proporciona agencia a las personas en un proceso de aprendizaje activo en torno a la cultura y el patrimonio propios. A partir de una encuesta realizada a los museos de Cataluña, el artículo pretende comprender el tipo de participación que se propició con esta diversificación digital en el ámbito educativo y su eventual impacto una vez que los museos retornaron a la normalidad. Del análisis de resultados vemos que, aunque algunos de estos recursos digitales se mantuvieron, los museos mayoritariamente optaron por retomar sus estrategias educativas prepandemia sin explorar las posibilidades que ofrece la comunicación digital en contextos educativos como un complemento a la presencialidad para contribuir con la sostenibilidad cultural de sus comunidades.

The genus Acanthamoeba comprises facultative pathogens, causing Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE). In both diseases, treatment options are limited, and drug development is challenging. This study aimed to investigate the role of the large thioredoxin reductase selenoprotein of Acanthamoeba (AcTrxR-L) as a potential drug target assessing the effects of the thioredoxin reductase inhibitors auranofin, TRi-1, and TRi-2 on AcTrxR-L activity and on the viability of Acanthamoeba trophozoites. Recombinant expression and purification of AcTrxR-L as a selenoprotein allowed assessments of its enzymatic activity, with reduction of various substrates, including different thioredoxin isoforms. Auranofin demonstrated potent inhibition towards AcTrxR-L, followed by TRi-1, and TRi-2 exhibiting lower effectiveness. The inhibitors showed variable activity against trophozoites in culture, with TRi-1 and TRi-2 resulting in strongly impaired trophozoite viability. Cytotoxicity tests with human corneal epithelial cells revealed lower susceptibility to all compounds compared to Acanthamoeba trophozoites, underscoring their potential as future amoebicidal agents. Altogether, this study highlights the druggability of AcTrxR-L and suggests it to be a promising drug target for the treatment of Acanthamoeba infections. Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of AcTrxR-L in Acanthamoeba pathogenesis and to develop effective therapeutic strategies targeting this redox enzyme.

Quais as principais ações estratégicas do atual governo do estado de São Paulo para a educação básica? Partindo desta questão, o objetivo do presente artigo é apresentar uma avaliação do primeiro ano do governo de Tarcísio de Freitas e das principais tendências para a educação básica verificadas nos discursos e ações efetuadas pelo executivo, em especial no que diz respeito ao avanço da racionalidade neoliberal na educação, às mudanças realizadas no ensino médio, às tecnologias na escola, ao financiamento e à gestão da educação. O tema foi abordado considerando um breve panorama do pensamento neoliberal e do seu projeto político educacional e as correspondentes ações de gestão escolar do governo estadual paulista. Os procedimentos de investigação foram a pesquisa bibliográfica e a documental, com análise do plano de governo para o Estado de São Paulo, do Mapa Estratégico da Secretaria de Estado da Educação e de portarias emitidas. A principal conclusão é a de que se encontra em curso um generalizado processo de consolidação da educação ligada aos princípios e valores privados e gerenciais no âmbito da educação pública no estado de São Paulo.

Abstract Background Proteases produced by Acanthamoeba spp. play an important role in their virulence and may be the key to understanding Acanthamoeba pathogenesis; thus, increasing attention has been directed towards these proteins. The present study aimed to investigate the lytic factors produced by Acanthamoeba castellanii during the first hours of in vitro co-culture with human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs). Methods We used one old and one recent Acanthamoeba isolate, both from patients with severe keratitis, and subsets of these strains with enhanced pathogenic potential induced by sequential passaging over HCEC monolayers. The proteolytic profiles of all strains and substrains were examined using 1D in-gel zymography. Results We observed the activity of additional proteases (ranging from 33 to 50 kDa) during the early interaction phase between amoebae and HCECs, which were only expressed for a short time. Based on their susceptibilities to protease inhibitors, these proteases were characterized as serine proteases. Protease activities showed a sharp decline after 4 h of co-incubation. Interestingly, the expression of Acanthamoeba mannose-binding protein did not differ between amoebae in monoculture and those in co-culture. Moreover, we observed the activation of matrix metalloproteinases in HCECs after contact with Acanthamoeba. Conclusions This study revealed the involvement of two novel serine proteases in Acanthamoeba pathogenesis and suggests a pivotal role of serine proteases during Acanthamoeba-host cell interaction, contributing to cell adhesion and lysis. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Homecare client services are often distributed across several interdependent healthcare providers, making proper care coordination essential. However, as studies exploring care coordination in the homecare setting are scarce, serious knowledge gaps exist regarding how various factors influence coordination in this care sector. To fill such gaps, this study’s central aim was to explore how external factors (i.e., financial and regulatory mechanisms) and homecare agency characteristics (i.e., work environment, workforce, and client characteristics) are related to care coordination in homecare. Methods This analysis was part of a national multicentre, cross-sectional study in the Swiss homecare setting that included a stratified random sample of 88 Swiss homecare agencies. Data were collected between January and September 2021 through agency and employee questionnaires. Using our newly developed care coordination framework, COORA, we modelled our variables to assess the relevant components of care coordination on the structural, process, and outcome levels. We conducted both descriptive and multilevel regression analyses—with the latter adjusting for dependencies within agencies—to explore which key factors are associated with coordination. Results The final sample size consisted of 1450 employees of 71 homecare agencies. We found that one explicit coordination mechanism (“communication and information exchange” (beta = 0.10, p

Casa Fantikorena en la localidad de Arteta (Navarra) acoge el Museo Etnográfico del Reino de Pamplona, una instalación artística por sí misma, que destaca por su gran colección de objetos históricos. Su objetivo es conservar la memoria del pasado a partir de los relatos de cada uno de los objetos recopilados por Joxe Ulibarrena Arellano a lo largo de toda una vida. Este patrimonio objetual, y esta forma de entender la cultura material, son el eje vertebrador de la propuesta pedagógica Museo Itinerante: 100 objetos para hacer Historia, una actividad que viaja a la escuela y que fomenta la interrogación y análisis de objetos cotidianos para reconstruir de forma significativa la historia reciente y conectarla a la sociedad a través de la Red.

Summary: Small intestine (SI) maturation during early life is pivotal in preventing the onset of gut diseases. In this study we interrogated the milestones of SI development by gene expression profiling and ingenuity pathway analyses. We identified a set of cytokines as main regulators of changes observed across different developmental stages. Upon cytokines stimulation, with IFNγ as the most contributing factor, human fetal organoids (HFOs) increase brush border gene expression and enzyme activity as well as trans-epithelial electrical resistance. Electron microscopy revealed developed brush border and loss of fetal cell characteristics in HFOs upon cytokine stimulation. We identified T cells as major source of IFNγ production in the fetal SI lamina propria. Co-culture of HFOs with T cells recapitulated the major effects of cytokine stimulation. Our findings underline pro-inflammatory cytokines derived from T cells as pivotal factors inducing functional SI maturation in vivo and capable of modulating the barrier maturation of HFOs in vitro.

Abstract Background Lung metastasis is the most adverse clinical factor and remains the leading cause of osteosarcoma-related death. Deciphering the mechanisms driving metastatic spread is crucial for finding open therapeutic windows for successful organ-specific interventions that may halt or prevent lung metastasis. Methods We employed a mouse premetastatic lung-based multi-omics integrative approach combined with clinical features to uncover the specific changes that precede lung metastasis formation and identify novel molecular targets and biomarker of clinical utility that enable the design of novel therapeutic strategies. Results We found that osteosarcoma-bearing mice or those preconditioned with the osteosarcoma cell secretome harbour profound lung structural alterations with airway damage, inflammation, neutrophil infiltration, and extracellular matrix remodelling with increased deposition of fibronectin and collagens by resident stromal activated fibroblasts, favouring the adhesion of disseminated tumour cells. Systemic-induced microenvironmental changes, supported by transcriptomic and histological data, promoted and accelerated lung metastasis formation. Comparative proteome profiling of the cell secretome and mouse plasma identified a large number of proteins involved in extracellular-matrix organization, cell-matrix adhesion, neutrophil degranulation, and cytokine-mediated signalling, consistent with the observed lung microenvironmental changes. Moreover, we identified EFEMP1, an extracellular matrix glycoprotein exclusively secreted by metastatic cells, in the plasma of mice bearing a primary tumour and in biopsy specimens from osteosarcoma patients with poorer overall survival. Depletion of EFEMP1 from the secretome prevents the formation of lung metastasis. Conclusions Integration of our data uncovers neutrophil infiltration and the functional contribution of stromal-activated fibroblasts in ECM remodelling for tumour cell attachment as early pro-metastatic events, which may hold therapeutic potential in preventing or slowing the metastatic spread. Moreover, we identified EFEMP1, a secreted glycoprotein, as a metastatic driver and a potential candidate prognostic biomarker for lung metastasis in osteosarcoma patients. Graphical abstract Osteosarcoma-derived secreted factors systemically reprogrammed the lung microenvironment and fostered a growth-permissive niche for incoming disseminated cells to survive and outgrow into overt metastasis. Daily administration of osteosarcoma cell secretome mimics the systemic release of tumour-secreted factors of a growing tumour in mice during PMN formation; Transcriptomic and histological analysis of premetastatic lungs revealed inflammatory-induced stromal fibroblast activation, neutrophil infiltration, and ECM remodelling as early onset pro-metastatic events; Proteome profiling identified EFEMP1, an extracellular secreted glycoprotein, as a potential predictive biomarker for lung metastasis and poor prognosis in osteosarcoma patients. Osteosarcoma patients with EFEMP1 expressing biopsies have a poorer overall survival.

During the harvesting of the broccoli plant, the leaves are discarded, being considered a by-product that may be up to 47% of total broccoli biomass, representing a large amount of wasted material. The use of broccoli leaves is of great interest in the sense that this wasted material is rich in health promoter compounds, such as isothiocyanates. In this study, C57BL/6J mice ingested 790 mg/kg broccoli leaf flour, and the presence of glucosinolates and isothiocyanates in the plasma, liver, kidney, adipose tissue, faeces and urine was analysed at 1, 2, 4, 8, 12 and 24 h post-ingestion. In plasma, only glucoerucin (GE), glucobrassicin (GB), sulforaphane (SFN) and indol-3-carbinol (I3C) were detected, and all four compounds peaked between 4 and 8 h after ingestion. The compounds SFN, SFN-glutathione (SFN-GSH), SFN–cysteine (SFN-CYS) and SFN-N-acetyl-cysteine (SFN-NAC) were excreted in faeces at high levels, while glucoraphanin (GR), the precursor of SFN, was not detected in any biological samples other than urine. In the liver, the compounds GE, SFN-CYS, SFN-NAC and I3C were detected, while in the kidney, only GE, GB and SFN-GSH were present. None of the glucosinolates and isothiocyanates analysed were detected in fat tissue. These results demonstrate that glucosinolates and their derivatives were absorbed into the bloodstream and were bioavailable after ingestion of powdered broccoli leaves.

The global rise in obesity and its co-morbidities raises worldwide health, social and economic concerns, especially in developed countries. Compounds derived from natural sources are now in the focus of pharmacological therapies. In recent years, sulforaphane (SFN) has been the subject of studies due to its anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and potential anti-obesity effects. Lately, some studies have also reported the anti-obesogenic potential of chlorophyll. In this study, we evaluated the anti-obesity effects of SFN and chlorophyll a (Chlo.a) in C57BL/6J mice fed with a Western diet, rich in sugar and fat. The study lasted 14 weeks, and for the last 4 weeks SFN (0.25 or 0.5 mg/kg/day) or Chlo.a (0.2 or 0.5 mg/kg/day) was administered orally. The results showed that supplementation with SFN or Chlo.a resulted in an increase in body temperature and a reduction in the size of adipocytes. However, the administration of SFN or Chlo.a for 4 weeks did not decrease the body weight gain or hepatic steatosis, and increased hepatic ROS counterbalancing with an increase in SOD activity. In conclusion, in the animal model used, treatment with SFN or Chlo.a did not show strong anti-obesity effects; however, slight improvements were observed with the supplementation of these compounds.

Abstract Naegleria gruberi is a free-living amoeboflagellate commonly found in freshwater and in soils around the world. It is a non-pathogenic relative of Naegleria fowleri, which is the etiologic agent of Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM). PAM occurs world-wide and it is considered a rare disease, but its fatality rate is high (96%) mainly because of delay in initiation of treatment due to misdiagnosis and lack of a specific treatment. The analysis of gene expression by quantitative real-time PCR in N. gruberi could be a highly efficient means to understand the pathogenicity of N. fowleri and also to find drug targets. Accurate RT-qPCR analysis requires correct normalization of gene expression data using reference genes (RG), whose expression should be constant under different experimental conditions. In this study, six genes, representing the most frequently used housekeeping genes, were selected for evaluation as reference genes in N. gruberi. The expression and stability of these genes was evaluated employing four algorithms (geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper and RefFinder). This work shows significant variations of the stability of RGs depending on the algorithms employed and on the experimental conditions (i.e. logarithmic, stationary, heat-shock and oxidative stress). The geNorm, NormFinder and RefFinder analysis of all the experimental conditions in combination revealed that ACT and G6PD were the most stable RGs. While BestKeeper analysis showed that 18S and TBP were the most stable RGs. Moreover, normalization of HSP90 gene expression with the most stable RGs resulted in an upregulation whereas when the normalization was done with the unstable RGs, the gene expression was not reliable. Hence, the implications of this study are relevant to gene expression studies in N. gruberi.

Macrofungi have been previously studied for their nutritional value and medicinal properties. However, despite wild mushrooms being a great source of beneficial bioactive compounds, the literature exploring their biotechnological application as nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals and nutricosmetics is scarce. In this work, the species Butyriboletus regius, Ganoderma lucidum, Inonotus hispidus, Lanmaoa fragrans, Pisolithus tinctorius, Suillellus luridus, Suillellus mendax and Xerocomus subtomentosus were characterized according to their phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity and cosmeceutical potential. For that purpose, dried and ground mushrooms were extracted with ethanol (40% v/v) using ultrasound-assisted extraction. Of the eight mushrooms analyzed, I. hispidus and P. tinctorius stood out for their high content of phenolic compounds, high antioxidant capacity and anti-hyaluronidase activity. Regarding antimicrobial activity, both mushrooms showed good inhibition of bacterial growth and bactericidal activity, especially on Gram-positive bacteria; however, L. fragans obtained the best results. Cream formulations with I. hispidus and P. tinctorius extracts in their composition improved their antioxidant activity. These results indicate that I. hispidus and P. tinctorius can be proposed as a new potential source of natural compounds with application in the cosmetic industry.

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is caused by insufficient secretion or limited activity of pancreatic enzymes, especially lipase. Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is the most common EPI disease. CP patients suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and decreased uptake of nutrients as a consequence of inadequate food digestion. To improve their nutritional status, pancreatic enzyme supplements can be orally administered, known as pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). PERT is commonly based on oral porcine preparations, despite their pH sensitivity which results in a limited timeframe for optimal activity. Instead, fungal enzymes could be used to prolong enzyme activity duration, since they are active over a wide pH range. The performance of fungal enzymes was compared to porcine enzymes by measuring total fatty acids under severe pancreatic insufficiency conditions in the tiny-TIMsg dynamic in vitro gastrointestinal model. Administration of 14.000 fungal lipase units (Nortase) led to similar lipid digestion compared to 20.000 porcine lipase units (Kreon and Pangrol). Additionally, opening the Nortase capsules had no negative effect on fungal lipase activity. This work demonstrates that fungal lipases, administered as capsules or powder, can be used as an alternative treatment for EPI patients.

Classically associated with gap junction-mediated intercellular communication, connexin43 (Cx43) is increasingly recognized to possess non-canonical biological functions, including gene expression regulation. However, the mechanisms governing the localization and role played by Cx43 in the nucleus, namely in transcription modulation, remain unknown. Using comprehensive and complementary approaches encompassing biochemical assays, super-resolution and immunogold transmission electron microscopy, we demonstrate that Cx43 localizes to the nuclear envelope of different cell types and in cardiac tissue. We show that translocation of Cx43 to the nucleus relies on Importin-β, and that Cx43 significantly impacts the cellular transcriptome, likely by interacting with transcriptional regulators. In vitro patch-clamp recordings from HEK293 and adult primary cardiomyocytes demonstrate that Cx43 forms active channels at the nuclear envelope, providing evidence that Cx43 can participate in nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of small molecules. The accumulation of nuclear Cx43 during myogenic differentiation of cardiomyoblasts is suggested to modulate expression of genes implicated in this process. Altogether, our study provides new evidence for further defining the biological roles of nuclear Cx43, namely in cardiac pathophysiology.

Herein, we report the preparation of a panel of Schiff bases analogues as antiprotozoal agents by modification of the stereoelectronic effects of the substituents on N-1 and N-4 and the nature of the chalcogen atom (S, Se). These compounds were evaluated towards Trypanosoma cruzi and Trichomonas vaginalis. Thiosemicarbazide 31 showed the best trypanocidal profile (epimastigotes), similar to benznidazole (BZ): IC50 (31)=28.72 μM (CL-B5 strain) and 33.65 μM (Y strain), IC50 (BZ)=25.31 μM (CL-B5) and 22.73 μM (Y); it lacked toxicity over mammalian cells (CC50 > 256 µM). Thiosemicarbazones 49, 51 and 63 showed remarkable trichomonacidal effects (IC50 =16.39, 14.84 and 14.89 µM) and no unspecific cytotoxicity towards Vero cells (CC50 ≥ 275 µM). Selenoisosters 74 and 75 presented a slightly enhanced activity (IC50=11.10 and 11.02 µM, respectively). Hydrogenosome membrane potential and structural changes were analysed to get more insight into the trichomonacidal mechanism.

Obesity is a disease whose incidence has increased over the last few decades. Despite being a multifactorial disease, obesity results essentially from excessive intake of high-calorie foods associated with low physical activity. The demand for a pharmacological therapy using natural compounds as an alternative to synthetic drugs has increased. Natural compounds may have few adverse effects and high economic impact, as most of them can be extracted from underexploited plant species and food by-products. To test the potential anti-obesogenic effects of new natural substances, the use of preclinical animal models of obesity has been an important tool, among which rat and mouse models are the most used. Some animal models are monogenic, such as the db/db mice, ob/ob mice, Zucker fatty rat and Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima fatty rat. There are also available chemical models using the neurotoxin monosodium glutamate that induces lesions in the ventromedial hypothalamus nucleus, resulting in the development of obesity. However, the most widely used are the obesity models induced by high-fat diets. The aim of this review was to compile detail studies on the anti-obesity effects of natural compounds or their derivatives on rodent models of obesity as well as a critical analysis of the data.

Obesity, classified as an epidemic by the WHO, is a disease that continues to grow worldwide. Obesity results from abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat and usually leads to the development of other associated diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, among others. In vitro and in vivo models have been crucial for studying the underlying mechanisms of obesity, discovering new therapeutic targets, and developing and validating new pharmacological therapies against obesity. Preclinical animal models of obesity comprise a variety of species: invertebrates, fishes, and mammals. However, small rodents are the most widely used due to their cost-effectiveness, physiology, and easy genetic manipulation. The induction of obesity in rats or mice can be achieved by the occurrence of spontaneous single-gene mutations or polygenic mutations, by genetic modifications, by surgical or chemical induction, and by ingestion of hypercaloric diets. In this review, we describe some of the most commonly used murine models in obesity research.

BackgroundIn vitro models for studying interactions between Acanthamoeba and host cells are crucial for understanding the pathomechanism of Acanthamoeba and assessing differences between strains and cell types. The virulence of Acanthamoeba strains is usually assessed and monitored by using cell cytotoxicity assays. The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the most widely used cytotoxicity assays for their suitability to assess Acanthamoeba cytopathogenicity.MethodsThe viability of human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) after co-culture with Acanthamoeba was evaluated in phase contrast microscopy.ResultsIt was shown that Acanthamoeba is unable to considerably reduce the tetrazolium salt and the NanoLuc® Luciferase prosubstrate to formazan and the luciferase substrate, respectively. This incapacity helped to generate a cell density-dependent signal allowing to accurately quantify Acanthamoeba cytotoxicity. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay led to an underestimation of the cytotoxic effect of Acanthamoeba on HCECs since their co-incubation negatively affected the lactate dehydrogenase activity.DiscussionOur findings demonstrate that cell-based assays using the aqueous soluble tetrazolium-formazan, and the NanoLuc® Luciferase prosubstrate products, in contrast to LDH, are excellent markers to monitor the interaction of Acanthamoeba with human cell lines and to determine and quantify effectively the cytotoxic effect induced by the amoebae. Furthermore, our data indicate that protease activity may have an impact on the outcome and thus the reliability of these tests.

Enquadramento: A avaliação da satisfação dos utentes permite obter indicadores importantes para implementar estratégias promotoras de cuidados de saúde, e como tal, de satisfação. Objetivo: Identificar a perceção de satisfação dos utentes relativamente aos cuidados de enfermagem e, avaliar a sua relação com as variáveis sociodemográficas e profissionais. Metodologia: Estudo transversal analítico, exploratório, de cariz quantitativo, a partir da aplicação da Escala de Satisfação do Cidadão face aos Cuidados de Enfermagem (ESCCE), numa amostra de 100 utentes, numa urgência médico-cirúrgica. Resultados: Obteve-se uma pontuação média de perceção de satisfação de 217 ± 57,8. Constatou-se ainda que 41,8% da amostra, apresentou uma perceção elevada de satisfação, 23,2% moderada e 35,3% de baixa satisfação. Verificou-se uma relação estatística significativa com a variável habilitações literárias: os respondentes com menor nível de habilitação, apresentaram uma perceção de satisfação mais elevada (239 ± 60,8). Conclusão: Os resultados sugerem a pertinência em formação de competências técnica, relacional e comunicacional, como estratégias promotoras dos cuidados, e de satisfação, ao nível individual e institucional relativamente aos cuidados de enfermagem.

La digitalización de la sociedad en los últimos años ha hecho de las redes sociales una herramienta de comunicación de primer nivel, desbancando a medios analógicos como la televisión, la radio o incluso el papel. Esto supone un reajuste en la forma de trabajar para proporcionar información que, a priori, servirá para configurar el imaginario colectivo. Sin embargo, algo que no ha cambiado con el paso de los años es el medio de comunicación que utilizan los flujos migratorios internacionales para nutrirse de información con la que decidir su estrategia migratoria y destino. El estudio de caso de la Comunidad Autónoma de Euskadi CAE, basado en el análisis de la Encuesta de Población Inmigrante Extranjera (EPIE) concluyó que, para el caso concreto de la CAE, será el mecanismo boca-oreja el que siga prevaleciendo sobre los demás, ayudando a perfilar la migración que se asienta en el territorio: mujer de habla castellana que atiende al trabajo de los cuidados.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the major cause of mortality and disability worldwide, having contributed to 19 [...]

Chlorophylls play a crucial role in photosynthesis and are abundantly found in green fruits and vegetables that form an integral part of our diet. Although limited, existing studies suggest that these photosynthetic pigments and their derivatives possess therapeutic properties. These bioactive molecules exhibit a wide range of beneficial effects, including antioxidant, antimutagenic, antigenotoxic, anti-cancer, and anti-obesogenic activities. However, it is unfortunate that leafy materials and fruit peels often go to waste in the food supply chain, contributing to the prevailing issue of food waste in modern societies. Nevertheless, these overlooked materials contain valuable bioactive compounds, including chlorophylls, which offer significant health benefits. Consequently, exploring the potential of these discarded resources, such as utilizing them as functional food ingredients, aligns with the principles of a circular economy and presents exciting opportunities for exploitation.

Waste generated in mushroom cultivation represents a valuable raw material with health benefits, the use of which contributes to a reduction in food waste and to the circular economy. Hydroethanolic extracts obtained by ultrasound-assisted extraction of four edible mushroom species (Agaricus bisporus var. Portobello, Boletus edulis, Lentinula edodes, and Pleurotus ostreatus) were characterized according to their antioxidant, antibacterial, and cosmeceutical potential. The extract with the best properties was incorporated into a cosmetic cream. Concerning the phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity, the extracts of A. bisporus and B. edulis stood out from the other two due to their higher levels. The compounds p-hydroxybenzoic and gallic acids were present in all mushrooms in the ranges of 0.010 to 2.554 µg/g DW and 0.032 to 0.112 µg/g DW, respectively. The extract of B. edulis inhibited all the bacterial isolates, with minimum inhibitory concentration values ranging from 5 to 20 mg/mL for Gram-positive and 10–20 mg/mL for Gram-negative strains. In the anti-hyaluronidase assay, A. bisporus extract (10 mg/mL) was the most effective, with 74.4 ± 7.5% enzyme inhibition, and was selected for incorporation into the cosmetic cream. The cream with A. bisporus extract showed significantly higher phenolic contents and antioxidant capacity than the cream without the extract. Overall, our results support the high value of mushroom reuse as a source of natural antioxidants in the cosmetic industry.

In the following paper, we present some general results of an innovative teaching experience carried out by the University of La Laguna (ULL) and the University of Barcelona (UB). The project took place during a 6-week period by applying for cooperative work among early childhood (n = 109) and primary (n = 86) education trainee teachers in a selected virtual environment (ULL). One of the key aspects was the inter-university student’s grouping among both bachelor programs (early childhood and primary). The project had two main aims, which are as follows: (1) to familiarize students with heritage itineraries as key tools for the teaching of Social Sciences and (2) to develop professional competencies related to the coordination of teachers among educational levels, teaching, and learning strategies when using historical heritage and improving digital competencies. To achieve these aims, a three-phase intervention was designed (planning, design, and evaluation), all including active learning and the use of local environments as a teaching resource. To investigate the outcomes of the project, two sources of data were analyzed, namely, the results of a rubric and an opinion questionnaire (Cronbach’s α = 0.693), applied pre- (n = 185), and post- (n = 152) intervention. The descriptive statistical analysis was carried out with the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS; v. 22) showing the positive learning outcomes of the participants. The rubric’s results showed that collaborative work and skills development scored higher, while contents of Social Sciences and the handling of heritage itineraries as teaching strategies were correct but lower than the other parameters analyzed. The questionnaire showed a positive perception of working together in consecutive educational levels and of the uses of digital technology for collaborative work but also indicated some difficulties regarding group organization, especially in the first weeks. The main results of the project highlight several aspects. (1) The need to apply pedagogical, technological, and educational resources to promote active and meaningful learning in future teachers. (2) The need to use virtual environments as learning and communication spaces in inter-university contexts, and (3) the importance of using local environments as scenarios for teaching Social Sciences.

The use of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds has been increasing because it is a good alternative to the conventional extraction methods. UAE was used to maximize total polyphenol content (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of the mushroom Inonotus hispidus using response surface methodology (RSM). Firstly, the effect of 40% (v/v) ethanol and 80% (v/v) methanol on the TPC, DPPH scavenging capacity, and FRAP was evaluated. The ethanolic extracts showed a significantly higher (p < 0.0001) TPC, DPPH scavenging capacity, and FRAP than the methanolic extracts. The best condition to produce an extract with the higher TPC and antioxidant activity was achieved when using 40% (v/v) ethanol, a ratio of 75 mL/g, and an extraction time of 20 min. The chromatographic profile of the extract obtained in the optimized condition revealed that hispidin is the main polyphenol present in the extracts of I. hispidus, representing, together with hispidin-like compounds, the majority of the phenolic compounds (159.56 µg/g DW out of 219.01 µg/g DW). The model allowed us to optimize the conditions to maximize the extraction of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity from I. hispidus, demonstrating its potential as a source of antioxidant compounds, with possible industrial, pharmaceutical, and food applications.

Aerosolized anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) spores are of extreme health concern and can remain airborne for hours and contaminate all kinds of surfaces, constituting reservoirs from which resuspension is easily produced. The assessment of decontamination techniques must therefore consider both air and surfaces. In the present study, several kinds of disinfecting fogs were experimentally tested against Bacillus thuringiensis spores, which served as a surrogate for Bacillus anthracis, both as aerosols released into the air and spread on porous and non-porous surfaces with different positions and orientations. This technology removed Bacillus thuringiensis spores from the air in 20 min with just a 1 min application of fog. The dynamics and characteristics of the fog, related to aerosol and surface interactions, proved to be critical for optimal performance and decontamination. An optimal configuration could provide effective disinfection even on indirectly reached surfaces. In all cases, 8% hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) provided a higher disinfection rate than 2% glutaraldehyde.

The ubiquity of digital technologies for teaching at large is a reality that can be observed at diverse educational stages and in numerous fields, including the teaching of foreign languages, which is the field of study of this research. In view of this situation, this work is intended to determine the role of ICT in foreign language teaching that follows a CLIL method. It was decided to conduct a systematic review based on PRISMA model and adding information obtained from the analysis of fugitive literature. The literature review was carried out on a total of 22 articles. The main inclusion criteria were a temporal selection from January 2017 to February 2022, the inclusion of the terms CLIL/AICLE and ICT/TIC in the title, abstract or keywords of the articles, and the focus on primary and secondary education. The main results show an increasing tendency of this topic, notably in English research. Most relevant conclusions of the systematic review evidence a positive relationship between ICT and CLIL to improve the learning of a foreign language, although some negative aspects are also highlighted as there is still a lack of resources and teacher training.

Radiation therapy is widely used as the primary treatment option for several cancer types. However, radiation therapy is a nonspecific method and associated with significant challenges such as radioresistance and non-targeted effects. The radiation-induced non-targeted effects on nonirradiated cells nearby are known as bystander effects, while effects far from the ionising radiation-exposed cells are known as abscopal effects. These effects are presented as a consequence of intercellular communications. Therefore, a better understanding of the involved intercellular signals may bring promising new strategies for radiation risk assessment and potential targets for developing novel radiotherapy strategies. Recent studies indicate that radiation-derived extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes, play a vital role in intercellular communications and may result in radioresistance and non-targeted effects. This review describes exosome biology, intercellular interactions, and response to different environmental stressors and diseases, and focuses on their role as functional mediators in inducing radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE).

This paper aims to map and analyze the scientific production of social innovation, resulting in a contribution to the literature review and guidelines for future research. A bibliometric analysis was conducted to explore the trends on the topic. The primary objectives are (1) to identify how the literature defines the concept of social innovation and to track its evolution; (2) to measure productivity and identify key authors and scientific journals with the highest impact in the field and the association networks between their respective institutions and countries of origin; (3) to analyze and map citations, co-citations, and research topics to pinpoint the topics and dimensions related to social innovation in order to propose future research. Our paper clarifies the concept of social innovation, reports the progresses achieved within this research field, and measures the productivity on this specific topic.

Genetic studies in rare species are important to determine their patterns of genetic diversity among populations and implement conservation plans aimed to reduce extinction risks. Pachyphytum caesium is an endemic species with extremely small populations in central Mexico. This work analyzes the diversity and genetic structure of Pachyphytum cesium (Crassulaceae) to change the conservation status and propose conservation strategies. Twelve dominant ISSR markers were used to describe the genetic diversity of all known populations. Additionally, we carried out two simulations to explore how the loss of individuals or the local populations extinction affect the genetics parameters of the species. The average results indicated moderate levels of genetic diversity (number of alleles = 89.7 ± 3.9, expected heterozygosity = 0.212 ± 0.0, and percentage of polymorphic loci = 56.1 ± 3.9), parameters that decreased significantly when simulations were performed in P. caesium. Additionally, a genetic structure of the populations was found with low gene flow (Nm = 0.92). Genetic parameters are negatively affected by the loss of individuals and the local extinction of populations. Based on our results, we propose to reclassify the conservation status of the species in danger of extinction, hence a series of conservation strategies are provided to prevent its disappearance.

Brassica by-products are a source of natural bioactive molecules such as glucosinolates and isothiocyanates, with potential applications in the nutraceutical and functional food industries. However, the effects of oral sub-chronic exposure to broccoli by-product flour (BF) have not yet been evaluated. The objective of this pilot study was to analyse the effects of BF intake in the physiological parameters of FVB/N mice fed a 6.7% BF-supplemented diet for 21 days. Glucosinolates and their derivatives were also quantified in plasma and urine. BF supplementation significantly decreased (p < 0.05) the accumulation of perirenal adipose tissue. Furthermore, mice supplemented with BF showed significantly lower (p < 0.01) microhematocrit values than control animals, but no impact on the general genotoxicological status nor relevant toxic effects on the liver and kidney were observed. Concerning hepatic and renal antioxidant response, BF supplementation induced a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the liver glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels. In BF-supplemented mice, plasma analysis revealed the presence of the glucosinolates glucobrassicin and glucoerucin, and the isothiocyanates sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. Overall, these results show that daily intake of a high dose of BF during three weeks is safe, and enables the bioavailability of beneficial glucosinolates and isothiocyanates. These results allow further testing of the benefits of this BF in animal models of disease, knowing that exposure of up to 6.7% BF does not present relevant toxicity.