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There are few studies in Spain on cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), as well as on the use of topical capsaicin as a treatment. Methods Retrospective study of patients over 14 years of age seen in a hospital emergency department during 2018 and 2019 with a diagnosis of CHS based on the following criteria: compatible clinical picture, cannabis use less than 48h and positive urine cannabis test. Epidemiological and clinical variables, attendance times and treatment (including use of topical capsaicin 0.075%) were collected. Results Fifty-nine attendances were studied, from 29 patients (4.4 cases/10,000 visits, 95% CI 2.8-4.7). Fifty per cent returned for CHS, differing only in more tobacco (P=.01) and cocaine (P=.031) use. Capsaicin was used in 74.6% of visits. The mean time to resolution of vomiting after application was 17.87min. Conclusions Although probably underdiagnosed, CHS has a low incidence in the emergency department in Spain, with high patient recurrence. The use of capsaicin ointment is efficient and safe.

We present results from Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) observations of CS from the nearby galaxy NGC 1068 ($\sim14$ Mpc). This Seyfert 2 barred galaxy possesses a circumnuclear disc (CND, $r\sim200$ pc) and a starburst ring (SB ring, $r\sim1.3$ kpc). These high-resolution maps ($\sim0.5$", $\sim35$ pc) allow us to analyse specific sub-regions in the galaxy and investigate differences in line intensity ratios and physical conditions, particularly those between the CND and SB ring. Local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) analysis of the gas is used to calculate CS densities in each sub-region, followed by non-LTE analysis conducted using the radiative transfer code RADEX to fit observations and constrain gas temperature, CS column density and hydrogen density. Finally, the chemical code UCLCHEM is used to reconstruct the gas, allowing an insight into its origin and chemical history. The density of hydrogen in the CND is found to be $\geq10^5$ cm$^{-2}$, although exact values vary, reaching $10^6$ cm$^{-2}$ at the AGN. The conditions in the two arms of the SB ring appear similar to one another, though the density found ($\sim10^4$ cm$^{-2}$) is lower than in the CND. The temperature in the CND increases from east to west, and is also overall greater than found in the SB ring. These modelling methods indicate the requirement for multi-phase gas components in order to fit the observed emission over the galaxy. A larger number of high resolution transitions across the SLED may allow for further constraining of the conditions, particularly in the SB ring., 32 pages, 19 figures, 6 tables, accepted for publication in MNRAS

Groundwater samples from eight deep drinking water wells that cover three aquifers in Chihuahua City, northern Mexico, were fully characterized. Water is naturally contaminated with arsenic, fluoride, and uranium, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and local standards. The results from the Geochemist’s Workbench (GWB) program revealed that the minerals in equilibrium with the groundwater were calcite and dolomite, while others, such as fluoride, schoepite, rutherfordite and K(UO2)(AsO4), were also dissolved. The hydrogeochemical characterization of water samples indicates that they were sodium bicarbonate-type water samples at neutral to slightly alkaline pH (7.6–8.3). A batch equilibrium sorption procedure was implemented using natural groundwater, a synthesized chitosan network (net-CS) and a chitosan binary network grafted with N-vinylcaprolactam/N-N-dimethylacrylamide (net-CS)-g-NVCL/DMAAm hydrogels. Isotherms and kinetics sorption tests were evaluated. The adsorption capacity of net-CS hydrogels for As ions was 0.0022 mg/g and F ions 0.15 mg/g after 50 h. Scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) was used to investigate the hydrogel surface before and after the sorption process, and TGA was used to evaluate the stability of the adsorbents. Freundlich adsorption isotherm constants for As and F ions indicate heterogeneous sorption and the mechanism of retention by physisorption.

In this study, we carried out the synthesis of a thermo- and pH-sensitive binary graft, based on N-vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) and pH sensitive acrylic acid (AAc) monomers, onto chitosan gels (net-CS) by ionizing radiation. Pre-oxidative irradiation and direct methods were examined, and materials obtained were characterized by FTIR-ATR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and swelling tests (equilibrium swelling time, critical pH, and temperature). The best synthesis radiation method was the direct method, which resulted in the maximum grafting percentages (~40%) at low doses (10–12 kGy). The main goal of this study was the comparison of the swelling behavior and physicochemical properties of net-CS with those of the binary system (net-CS)-g-NVCL/AAc with the optimum grafting percentage (~30%). This produced a material that showed an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) of 33.5 °C and a critical pH value of 3.8, indicating the system is more hydrophilic at higher temperatures and low pH values. Load and release studies were carried out using diclofenac. The grafted system (32%) was able to load 19.3 mg g−1 of diclofenac and release about 95% within 200 min, in comparison to net-CS, which only released 80% during the same period. When the grafted system was protonated before diclofenac loading, it loaded 27.6 mg g−1. However, the drug was strongly retained in the material by electrostatic interactions and only released about 20%.

This work is part of the doctoral thesis of Lida Yaneth Maldonado-Mateus conducted within the context of the "Program of Nutrition and Food Sciences" at the University of Granada. This work was supported by the "Plan propio de Investigacion y Transferencia" of the University of Granada under both programs "Intensificacion de la Investigacion, modalidad B" granted to Jose A. Rufian-Henares and the postdoctoral program "Perfeccionamiento de Doctores" in the case of Sergio Perez-Burillo, and by the European Research Commission (Research Executive Agency) under the research project Stance4Health under a grant (Contract No. 816303) to Jose A. Rufian-Henares., Cocoa is a highly consumed food with beneficial effects on human health. Cocoa roasting has an important influence on its sensory and nutritional characteristics; therefore, roasting could also play a role in cocoa bioactivity. Thus, the aim of this paper is to unravel the effect of cocoa roasting conditions on its antioxidant capacity and modifications of gut microbiota after in vitro digestion-fermentation. HMF and furfural, chemical markers of non-enzymatic browning, were analyzed in unroasted and roasted cocoa powder at different temperatures, as well as different chocolates. The antioxidant capacity decreased with roasting, most probably due to the loss of phenolic compounds during heating. In the case of the evaluated chocolates, the antioxidant capacity was 2–3 times higher in the fermented fraction. On the other hand, HMF and furfural content increased during roasting due to increasing temperatures. Moreover, unroasted and roasted cocoa powder have different effects on gut microbial communities. Roasted cocoa favored butyrate production, whereas unroasted cocoa favored acetate and propionate production in a significant manner. In addition, unroasted and roasted cocoa produced significantly different gut microbial communities in terms of composition. Although many bacteria were affected, Veillonella and Faecalibacterium were some of the most discriminant ones; whereas the former is a propionate producer, the latter is a butyrate producer that has also been linked to positive effects on the inflammatory health of the gut and the immune system. Therefore, unroasted and roasted cocoa (regardless of the roasting temperature) promote different bacteria and a different SCFA production., "Plan propio de Investigacion y Transferencia" of the University of Granada, European Research Commission (Research Executive Agency) under the research project Stance4Health 816303

This work was supported by the European Research Commission (Research Executive Agency) under de research project Stance4Health (Grant contract N degrees 816303) and by the Plan propio de Investigacion y Transferencia of the University of Granada under the program "Intensificacion de la Investigacion, modalidad B". This manuscript was also supported by the posdoctoral fellowship granted to S.P.B. under the University of Granada program "Perfeccionamiento de Doctores"., Green tea can influence the gut microbiota by either stimulating the growth of specific species or by hindering the development of detrimental ones. At the same time, gut bacteria can metabolize green tea compounds and produce smaller bioactive molecules. Accordingly, green tea benefits could be due to beneficial bacteria or to microbial bioactive metabolites. Therefore, the gut microbiota is likely to act as middle man for, at least, some of the green tea benefits on health. Many health promoting effects of green tea seems to be related to the inter-relation between green tea and gut microbiota. Green tea has proven to be able to correct the microbial dysbiosis that appears during several conditions such as obesity or cancer. On the other hand, tea compounds influence the growth of bacterial species involved in inflammatory processes such as the release of LPS or the modulation of IL production; thus, influencing the development of different chronic diseases. There are many studies trying to link either green tea or green tea phenolic compounds to health benefits via gut microbiota. In this review, we tried to summarize the most recent research in the area., European Research Commission (Research Executive Agency) under de research project Stance4Health 816303, Plan propio de Investigacion y Transferencia of the University of Granada under the program "Intensificacion de la Investigacion, modalidad B", University of Granada program "Perfeccionamiento de Doctores"

A 60Co source generating gamma radiations was used to graft polyethylene (PE) films with acryloyl chloride (AC). Different doses of radiations (2, 4, 6 and 8 kGy) were employed in order to obtain polymers with different amount of grafted ramifications. Furthermore, the desired photoluminescent polymers (PE-g-AC-CumTEG) were obtained after esterification reaction of the precursor grafted PE films (PE-g-AC) with a 7-hydroxycoumarin derivative functionalized with tetraethylene glycol as a flexible side chain (CumTEG). The incorporated amounts of CumTEG in the resulting films were 1.2%, 6.3%, 10.2% and 15.8% for the polymers irradiated with doses of 2, 4, 6 and 8 kGy, respectively. TGA as well as DSC analysis were conducted in order to evaluate the thermal stability of the obtained grafted PE films. Moreover absorption as well as fluorescence emission spectra were recorded to study the optical properties of the incorporated coumarin chromophore. The UV-vis spectra of PE-g-AC-CumTEG polymers, obtained with doses of 4 and 8 kGy, exhibit two shoulders at 290 and 340 nm, which can be explained through the presence of H and J-type aggregates, respectively. Finally, AFM experiments revealed remarkable differences in morphology for these photoluminescent polymers.

Development of biomaterials with primary amine surfaces is very important for the study of some cells of the immune systemuch as macrophages. Currently, the modification can be carried out by physical or chemical methods with several disadvantages due to the presence of additives or subproducts in the system. To overcome this problem, modified polypropylene (PP) films were synthesized by gamma radiation. In this work, radiation grafting of acryloyl chloride onto PP has been employed to form an acyl chloride. Then, the radiation-grafted films were reacted with ethylenediamine in several solvents to obtain the different concentration of the primary amine. The surface amine concentration was determined by derivatization with 4-trifluoromethyl benzaldehyde and characterized by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (N/C ratios), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflection, contact angle, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and elementary analysis. The stability of the amines was measured up to 90 days, without the occurrence of aging as was found by plasma modification.

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages and has been linked to health in different studies. However, green and roasted coffees have different chemical composition and therefore their health properties might differ as well. Here, we study the effect of in vitro digestion-fermentation on the antioxidant capacity, phenolic profile, production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and gut microbiota community structure of green and roasted coffee brews. Roasted coffees showed higher antioxidant capacity than green coffees, with the highest level achieved in fermented samples. Polyphenol profile was similar between green and roasted coffees in regular coffee brews and the digested fraction, but very different after fermentation. Production of SCFAs was higher after fermentation of green coffee brews. Fermentation of coffee brews by human gut microbiota led to different community structure between green and roasted coffees. All these data suggest that green and roasted coffees behave as different types of food.

Dry-fermented sausages are an important and abundant component of the diet of many people. Improving their composition and thus their potential health effects is therefore important. Here we quantified the antioxidant capacity, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production, and gut microbiota structure of different salami formulations after in vitro digestion and subsequent fermentation with human gut microbiota. The addition of different types of fiber (citrus fiber, arabinogalactan, and inulin), a probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and an herbal extract to the salami formulation was tested. Incorporating any dietary fiber into salami formulation increased sausage antioxidant capacity and the amount of SCFAs produced during microbiota fermentation. These effects were highest for salami with citrus fiber and citrus fiber with herbal extract. Presence of fiber in salami also led to an altered gut microbiota structure. Citrus fiber and arabinogalactan but not inulin promoted an increase in the abundance of several known polysaccharide degrading genera and resulted in a reduction in the abundance of Escherichia, a bacterial genus known to contain many human intestinal pathogens. Overall, the addition of dietary fiber to salami formulation prior to curing improved beneficial health markers of this food product.

One of the most consumed beverages around the world is tea, but little is known about how tea quality can be monitored during storage and processing. Thus, the objective of this research was to study the usefulness of furosine and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) content -two Maillard reaction markers-as quantitative parameters that control tea processing and storage. Two different experiments were carried out: one using green and black teas (processed at laboratory scale) and another one using commercial green, white, black and red teas that were under storage for one year (shelf life) and under accelerated conditions (55 °C at 40% of humidity for 3 months). The samples were analyzed for the content of furosine, HMF, and free and total lysine. The combination of HMF and furosine was useful as an indicator to control tea processing and storage regardless the type of tea. HMF and furosine are useful chemical indicators (when combined) to monitor tea quality during processing and storage. Furosine analysis is especially sensitive to control the first drying steps, while HMF reflects those changes occurred in the last tea processing steps.

Allylamine (AA)-functionalized surfaces for cell adhesion and tissue engineering generated by plasma reactions present several disadvantages, such as amine degradation after 1 week of storage in air and difficulty in achieving a highly specific surface functionalization. In this work, polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) films were functionalized with AA by γ irradiation to enhance adhesion and compatibility without changing intrinsic bulk properties, thus avoiding the disadvantages of plasma synthesis. Irradiation grafting was realized by a direct and pre-irradiation oxidation method. The effect of different parameters studied were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle measurements.

New polymers were prepared by grafting of low density polyethylene films (PE). Firstly, PE was reacted with acryloyl chloride in the presence of gamma radiation to give the precursor grafted polymers (PE-g-AC). These polymers were further esterified with a new pyrene derivative having a tetra (ethylene glycol) side chain, [2-(2-(2-(2-(pyren-1-yloxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethoxy)ethan-1-ol] (PyTEG), leading to the obtainment of a series of luminescent polymers bearing pyrene units (PE-g-AC-PyTEG). The influence of the irradiation dose on the structure and the percentage of grafting of the produced polymers has been studied in detail. These materials have been characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, and their thermal properties have been determined by TGA and DSC. The optical properties of the grafted polymers have been studied by UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Supplementary information The online version contains supplementary material available at https://doi.org/10.1038/s41596-021-00537-x., This study was supported by the EU project Stance4Health (contract no. 816303) and by the Plan propio de Investigación y Transferencia of the University of Granada under the program ‘Intensificación de la Investigación, modalidad B’ to J.A.R.-H., Knowledge of the effect of foods on gut microbiota composition and functionality is expanding. To isolate the effect of single foods and/or single nutrients (i.e., fiber, polyphenols), this protocol describes an in vitro batch fermentation procedure to be carried out after an in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Therefore, this is an extension of the previous protocol described by Brodkorb et al. (2019) for studying in vitro digestion. The current protocol uses an oligotrophic fermentation medium with peptone and a high concentration of fecal inoculum from human fecal samples both to provide the microbiota and as the main source of nutrients for the bacteria. This protocol is recommended for screening work to be performed when many food samples are to be studied. It has been used successfully to study gut microbiota fermentation of different foodstuffs, giving insights into their functionality, community structure or ability to degrade particular substances, which can contribute to the development of personalized nutrition strategies. The procedure does not require a specific level of expertise. The protocol takes 4–6 h for preparation of fermentation tubes and 20 h for incubation., EU project Stance4Health (contract no. 816303), Plan propio de Investigación y Transferencia of the University of Granada under the program ‘Intensificación de la Investigación, modalidad B

To evaluate the effects of squalene, the main unsaponifiable component of virgin olive oil, on lipid metabolism, two groups of male New Zealand rabbits were fed a 1% sunflower oil-enriched regular diet or the same diet containing 0.5% squalene for 4 weeks. Plasma triglycerides, total- and HDL-cholesterol and their lipoproteins were assayed. Analyses of hepatic lipid droplets, triglycerides, total- and non-esterified cholesterol, squalene, protein and gene expression, and cholesterol precursors were carried out. In the jejunum, the squalene content and mRNA and protein APOB expressions were measured. Finally, we studied the effect of cholesterol precursors in AML12 cells. Squalene administration significantly increased plasma total cholesterol, mainly carried as non-esterified cholesterol in IDL and large LDL, and corresponded to an increased number of APOB100-containing particles without accumulation of triglycerides and decreased reactive oxygen species. Despite no significant changes in the APOB content in the jejunum, the latter displayed increased APOB mRNA and squalene levels. Increases in the amounts of non-esterified cholesterol, squalene, lanosterol, dihydrolanosterol, lathosterol, cholestanol, zymostenol, desmosterol and caspase 1 were also observed in the liver. Incubation of AML12 cells in the presence of lanosterol increased caspase 1. In conclusion, squalene administration in rabbits increases the number of modified APOB-containing lipoproteins, and hepatic cholesterol biosynthesis is linked to caspase 1 probably through lanosterol. © The Royal Society of Chemistry.

Spent coffee grounds are a byproduct with a large production all over the world. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of a simulated digestion-fermentation treatment on hydrolyzed spent coffee grounds (HSCG) and to investigate the antioxidant properties of the digestion and fermentation products in the human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cell line. The potentially bioaccessible (soluble) fractions exhibited high chemoprotective activity in HepG2 cells against oxidative stress. Structural analysis of both the indigestible (insoluble) and soluble material revealed partial hydrolysis and release of the lignin components in the potentially bioaccessible fraction following simulated digestion-fermentation. A high prebiotic activity as determined from the increase in Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) following microbial fermentation of HSCG was also observed. These results pave the way toward the use of HSCG as a food supplement., This work was supported by the Project AGL2014-53895-R from the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and the European Fund of Regional Development (FEDER).

Objectives Information on the recently COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis (CAPA) entity is scarce. We describe eight CAPA patients, compare them to colonised ICU patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), and review the published literature from Western countries. Methods Prospective study (March to May, 2020) that included all COVID‐19 patients admitted to a tertiary hospital. Modified AspICU and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer/Mycoses Study Group (EORTC/MSG) criteria were used. Results COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis was diagnosed in eight patients (3.3% of 239 ICU patients), mostly affected non‐immunocompromised patients (75%) with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) receiving corticosteroids. Diagnosis was established after a median of 15 days under mechanical ventilation. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed in two patients with positive Aspergillus fumigatus cultures and galactomannan (GM) index. Serum GM was positive in 4/8 (50%). Thoracic CT scan findings fulfilled EORTC/MSG criteria in one case. Isavuconazole was used in 4/8 cases. CAPA‐related mortality was 100% (8/8). Compared with colonised patients, CAPA subjects were administered tocilizumab more often (100% vs. 40%, p = .04), underwent longer courses of antibacterial therapy (13 vs. 5 days, p = .008), and had a higher all‐cause mortality (100% vs. 40%, p = .04). We reviewed 96 similar cases from recent publications: 59 probable CAPA (also putative according modified AspICU), 56 putative cases and 13 colonisations according AspICU algorithm; according EORTC/MSG six proven and two probable. Overall, mortality in the reviewed series was 56.3%. Conclusions COVID‐19‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis must be considered a serious and potentially life‐threatening complication in patients with severe COVID‐19 receiving immunosuppressive treatment.

The main objective of this work was to evaluate the effect that several plant extracts (currently sold as functional ingredients) have on gut microbiota community structure and functionality. Plant extracts were submitted to an in vitro digestion and fecal fermentation. Overall, plant extracts showed a marked inhibitory activity when compared to basal conditions. However, they also favored the growth of some bacteria such as Coprococcus and Butyricimonas, two butyrate producers. Especially interesting was tea extract which inhibited the growth of the genus Escherichia/Shigella, known to involve species related with gastrointestinal disorders. Additionally, tea extract increased the growth of Faecalibacterium, a known butyrate producer. Regarding short chain fatty acids production, while plant extracts reduced acetate production, butyrate was increased for most samples, especially tea extract. Propionate production was less affected in comparison with basal conditions. Fermentation by gut microbiota also modified the antioxidant capacity (assessed via DPPH, FRAP and Folin-Ciocalteu methods)., Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness AGL2014-53895-R, European Union (EU)

Recent advancements in tissue engineering suggest that biomaterials, such as decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM), could serve to potentiate the localization and efficacy of regenerative therapies in the central nervous system. Still, what factors and which mechanisms are required from these ECM-based biomaterials to exert their effect are not entirely understood. In this study, we use the brain as a novel model to test the effects of particular biochemical and structural properties by evaluating, for the first time, three different sections of the brain (i.e., cortex, cerebellum, and remaining areas) side-by-side and their corresponding decellularized counterparts using mechanical (4-day) and chemical (1-day) decellularization protocols. The three different brain subregions had considerably different initial conditions in terms of cell number and growth factor content, and some of these differences were maintained after decellularization. Decellularized ECM from both protocols was used as a substrate or as soluble factor, in both cases showing good cell attachment and growth capabilities. Interestingly, the 1-day protocol was capable of promoting greater differentiation than the 4-day protocol, probably due to its capacity to remove a similar amount of cell nuclei, while better conserving the biochemical and structural components of the cerebral ECM. Still, some limitations of this study include the need to evaluate the response in other biologically relevant cell types, as well as a more detailed characterization of the components in the decellularized ECM of the different brain subregions. In conclusion, our results show differences in neuronal maturation depending on the region of the brain used to produce the scaffolds. Complex organs such as the brain have subregions with very different initial cellular and biochemical conditions that should be considered for decellularization to minimize exposure to immunogenic components, while retaining bioactive factors conducive to regeneration. IMPACT STATEMENT: The present study offers new knowledge about the production of decellularized extracellular matrix scaffolds from specific regions of the porcine brain, with a direct comparison of their effect on in vitro neuronal maturation. Our results show differences in neuronal maturation depending on the region of the brain used to produce the scaffolds, suggesting that it is necessary to consider the initial cellular content of the source tissue and its bioactive capacity for the production of an effective regenerative therapy for stroke.

Pancreatic β cells are essential in the maintenance of glucose homeostasis during the progression to type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), generating compensatory hyperinsulinemia to counteract insulin resistance. It is well known, that throughout the process there is an increased mTORC1 signaling pathway, with an impairment in different quality control systems including ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy. In addition, under this situation, pancreatic β cells start to accumulate amylin protein (IAPP) in aggregates, and this accumulation contributes to the failure of autophagy, damaging different organelles such as plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and others. Here, we report that IAPP can be incorporated to multivesicular bodies (MVB) and secreted into exosomes, a mechanism responsible for the exportation of these toxic aggregates as vehicles of cell to cell communication. On this regard, we have demonstrated that the exosomes bearing toxic hIAPP released from pancreatic β cells are capable to induce hyperactivation of mTORC1 signaling, a failure in the autophagic cellular quality control, and favor pro-fission status of the mitochondrial dynamics in hippo-campal cells. In summary, our results show that harmful accumulation of hIAPP in pancreatic β cells may be detoxified by the release of exosomes, which may be captured by endocytosis mechanism damaging neuronal hippocampal cells, which suggest an underlying molecular mechanism to the link between type 2 diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease affecting more than 50 million people worldwide. The pathology of this multifactorial disease is primarily characterized by the formation of amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregates; however, other etiological factors including metal dyshomeostasis, specifically copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe), play critical role in disease progression. Because these transition metal ions are important for cellular function, their imbalance can cause oxidative stress that leads to cellular death and eventual cognitive decay. Importantly, these transition metal ions can interact with the amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) and Aβ42 peptide, affecting Aβ aggregation and increasing its neurotoxicity. Considering how metal dyshomeostasis may substantially contribute to AD, this review discusses polyphenols and the underlying chemical principles that may enable them to act as natural chelators. Furthermore, polyphenols have various therapeutic effects, including antioxidant activity, metal chelation, mitochondrial function, and anti-amyloidogenic activity. These combined therapeutic effects of polyphenols make them strong candidates for a moderate chelation-based therapy for AD.

Polysulfone (PSU) film and N-vinylimidazole (VIM) were used to obtain grafted membranes with high hydrophilic capacity. The grafting process was performed by gamma irradiation under two experiments: (1) different irradiation doses (100&ndash, 400 kGy) and VIM 50% solution, (2) different concentration of grafted VIM (30&ndash, 70%) and 300 kGy of irradiation dose. Characteristics of the grafted membranes were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle, swelling degree, desalination test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Both experiments indicated that the absorbed dose 300 kGy and the VIM concentration, at 50% v/v, were effective to obtain PSU grafted membranes with 14.3% of grafting yield. Nevertheless, experimental conditions, 400 kGy, VIM 50% and 300 kGy, VIM 60&ndash, 70% promoted possible membrane degradation and VIM homopolymerization on the membrane surface, which was observed by SEM images, meanwhile, 100&ndash, 200 kGy and VIM 30&ndash, 50% produced minimal grafting (2 &plusmn, 0.5%). Hydrophilic surface of the grafted PSU membranes by 300 kGy and VIM 50% v/v were corroborated by the water contact angle, swelling degree and desalination test, showing a decrease from 90.7&deg, &plusmn, 0.3 (PSU film) to 64.3&deg, 0.5, an increment of swelling degree of 25 &plusmn, 1%, and a rejection-permeation capacity of 75 &plusmn, 2%. In addition, the thermal behavior of grafted PSU membranes registered an increment in the degradation of 20%, due to the presence of VIM. However, the normal temperature of the membrane operation did not affect this result, meanwhile, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the grafted PSU membrane was found at 185.4 &plusmn, 0.5 &deg, C, which indicated an increment of 15 &plusmn, 1%.

21 pags., 16 figs., 7 tabs., 2 apps., Context. Sulphur is one of the most abundant elements in the Universe. Surprisingly, sulphuretted molecules are not as abundant as expected in the interstellar medium and the identity of the main sulphur reservoir is still an open question. Aims. Our goal is to investigate the H2S chemistry in dark clouds, as this stable molecule is a potential sulphur reservoir. Methods. Using millimeter observations of CS, SO, H2S, and their isotopologues, we determine the physical conditions and H2S abundances along the cores TMC 1-C, TMC 1-CP, and Barnard 1b. The gas-grain model NAUTILUS is used to model the sulphur chemistry and explore the impact of photo-desorption and chemical desorption on the H2S abundance. Results. Our modeling shows that chemical desorption is the main source of gas-phase H2S in dark cores. The measured H2S abundance can only be fitted if we assume that the chemical desorption rate decreases by more than a factor of 10 when nH > 2 × 104. This change in the desorption rate is consistent with the formation of thick H2O and CO ice mantles on grain surfaces. The observed SO and H2S abundances are in good agreement with our predictions adopting an undepleted value of the sulphur abundance. However, the CS abundance is overestimated by a factor of 5-10. Along the three cores, atomic S is predicted to be the main sulphur reservoir. Conclusions. The gaseous H2S abundance is well reproduced, assuming undepleted sulphur abundance and chemical desorption as the main source of H2S. The behavior of the observed H2S abundance suggests a changing desorption efficiency, which would probe the snowline in these cold cores. Our model, however, highly overestimates the observed gas-phase CS abundance. Given the uncertainty in the sulphur chemistry, we can only conclude that our data are consistent with a cosmic elemental S abundance with an uncertainty of a factor of 10., We thank the Spanish MINECO for funding support from AYA2016-75066-C2-1/2-P, AYA2017-85111P, and ERC under ERC-2013-SyG, G. A. 610256 NANOCOSMOS. JM acknowledges the support of ERC-2015-STG No. 679852 RADFEEDBACK. S.P.T.M. acknowledge to the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program for funding support given under grant agreement No 639459 (PROMISE).

The aim of this work was to study the evolution of quality parameters, fatty acid composition, antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content of olive oil obtained from two olive varieties (Manzanilla and Picual) with different maturation. Antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content were measured after submitting the olive oil to in vitro digestion and fermentation to mimic physiological conditions. Quality parameters were always within the legal limits to be called "Extra Virgin Olive Oil". Antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, saturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) decreased along maturation, whereas polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased in both varieties. Manzanilla showed higher PUFA content, whereas Picual had higher MUFA concentration, antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content. The fermented fraction of olive oil displayed a higher antioxidant capacity. Finally, the statistical approach demonstrated that the type of variety is more important than collection date regarding fatty acid composition and antioxidant capacity.

A total of 42 different rums currently marketed in Spain were analyzed to study the effect of aging time and manufacturing steps (filtration, addition of additives or spices, solera aging method, use of different types of aging barrels) on several parameters: color, non-enzymatic browning, antioxidant capacity and phenolic profile. Different analytical techniques to obtain a broader descriptions of the samples were employed: absorption and UV-vis spectrophotometry, antioxidant capacity (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS methods), total phenols and HPLC to detect individual phenolic and furanic compounds. Results showed that spectrophotometric techniques could potentially be used to detect adulteration and frauds, as well as to differentiate rums by aging time. Those rums aged longer, especially those aged in oak barrels that had previously contained Bourbon or wine, showed higher phenolic content, antioxidant capacity and concentration of furanic compounds. Filtration results in the loss of antioxidant compounds while adding spices increases their concentration in rums.

We investigate the relation between the detection of the 11.3 μm polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) feature in the nuclear (∼24-230 pc) regions of 22 nearby Seyfert galaxies and the properties of the cold molecular gas. For the former we use ground-based (0.3-0.6″ resolution) mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectroscopy. The cold molecular gas is traced by ALMA and NOEMA high (0.2-1.1″) angular resolution observations of the CO(2-1) transition. Galaxies with a nuclear detection of the 11.3 μm PAH feature contain more cold molecular gas (median 1.6 × 107 MO ) and have higher column densities (N(H2) = 2 × 1023 cm-2) over the regions sampled by the mid-IR slits than those without a detection. This suggests that molecular gas plays a role in shielding the PAH molecules in the harsh environments of Seyfert nuclei. Choosing the PAH molecule naphthalene as an illustration, we compute its half-life in the nuclear regions of our sample when exposed to 2.5 keV hard X-ray photons. We estimate shorter half-lives for naphthalene in nuclei without a 11.3 μm PAH detection than in those with a detection. The Spitzer/IRS PAH ratios on circumnuclear scales (∼4″ ∼ 0.25-1.3 kpc) are in between model predictions for neutral and partly ionized PAHs. However, Seyfert galaxies in our sample with the highest nuclear H2 column densities are not generally closer to the neutral PAH tracks. This is because in the majority of our sample galaxies, the CO(2-1) emission in the inner ∼4″ is not centrally peaked and in some galaxies traces circumnuclear sites of strong star formation activity. Spatially resolved observations with the MIRI medium-resolution spectrograph on the James Webb Space Telescope will be able to distinguish the effects of an active galactic nucleus (AGN) and star formation on the PAH emission in nearby AGN., With funding from the Spanish government through the "María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence" accreditation (MDM-2017-0737)

Polysulfone (Pfu) films were modified by grafting poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by the oxidative pre-irradiation technique. To achieve this modification, some parameters were modified such as the radiation dose, the concentration of PVA, the temperature and the reaction time. It was found that the grafted films with 12% presented a greater grafting percentage (0.86%). The modified films were characterized by means of the contact angle, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques.

We communicate the interference of a compound of the blood collection tube with the accuracy of a validated high-pressure liquid chromatography method with ultraviolet detection for quantifying voriconazole levels, which led to false positive results. This could have serious consequences for patient management. Our advice is to implement external assessment programs.

Amine-containing surfaces are important in cell adhesion; these surfaces are frequently synthesized using plasma reactions, which come with some disadvantages. Gamma radiation can be used to overcome these disadvantages. In this work, poly(tetrafluoroethylene) functional modification with primary amines was obtained in two steps: grafting acryloyl chloride (AC) using the direct gamma radiation method, followed by a reaction between the grafted AC and ethylenediamine. For PTFE-g-AC, the effects of the monomer concentration, absorbed dose, and reaction time were studied. The grafting percentage was gravimetrically determined using an esterification reaction with methanol, and the density of amine groups on the surface was evaluated by chemical derivatization (CD) with 4-trifluoromethylbenzaldehyde (TFBA) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The samples were also characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The maximum grafting of acryloylchloride obtained was 35%, using a concentration of 70% v/v and 20 kGy. The amine-containing surfaces showed an amine concentration of 3.3 at% in films with 26% of graft as determined by CD-XPS.

Chitosan (CS) was modified with 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) by gamma radiation to improve its water absorption ability and use it as a drug delivery system. For this, HEMA was grafted by direct method onto dissolved CS (homogeneous) or powder CS (heterogeneous) using doses less than 20 kGy. The grafting percentage was easily controlled changing the homogeneity of system. Low and medium grafting percentages (20-70%) were obtained with the heterogeneous method, while the homogeneous method yielded higher grafting percentages (~340%). CS-g-HEMA was confirmed using infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, the swelling behaviour, critical pH, and drug absorption, using diclofenac as a model, were also evaluated. Results show that the presence of HEMA had a positive effect on swelling and the drug uptake when low grafting percentages were used; CS-g-HEMA (17%) swelled in water (261%) and loaded better amounts of diclofenac (1.5 mg g-1) than CS (0.97 mg g-1).

The present work focuses on the radiation-modification of chitosan (CS) with N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAAm) presented as three different architectures: comb-type grafting hydrogels (net-CS)-g-DMAAm, interpenetrating networks of CS and DMAAm (net-CS)-inter-(net-DMAAm), and semi-interpenetrating networks (net-DMAAm)-inter-CS. The syntheses of different polymeric architectures were realized by gamma irradiation by a 60Co source. The optimum conditions for the syntheses of the three systems were at a dose of 6 kGy. Only the comb-type system presented a well-defined critical pH. All the hydrogels showed porous and interconnected structures according to scanning electronic microscopy. These different architectures could be used as three-dimensional cell culture scaffolding.

Human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP), or amylin, has the tendency to aggregate into insoluble amyloid fibrils, a typical feature of islets from type 2 diabetes individuals. Thus, we investigated comparatively the impact of hIAPP on key pathways involved in pancreatic beta survival. INS1E-hIAPP cells present a hyperactivation of MTORC1 and an inhibition of autophagy signaling, those cells showing an increase in cell size. Resveratrol, a MTORC1 inhibitor, can reverse TSC2 degradation that occurs in INS1E-hIAPP cells and diminished MTORC1 hyperactivation with concomitant autophagy stimulation. At the same time, a blockade in mitophagy was found in INS1E-hIAPP cells, as compared with control or INS1E-rIAPP cells. Consistently, human amylin overexpression generates a basal induction of nitrotyrosine levels and polyubiquitinated aggregates. Failure of the protein degradation machinery finally results in an accumulation of damaged and fissioned mitochondria, ROS production, and increased susceptibility to endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress-induced apoptosis. Overall, hIAPP overexpression in INS1E cells induced MTORC1 activation and mitophagy inhibition, favoring a pro-fission scenario of damaged mitochondria, these cells turn out to be more susceptible to the ER-stress-induced apoptosis and malfunction.

Tedizolid is a second-generation oxazolidinone with activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA isolates resistant to linezolid. Pivotal clinical trials showed that tedizolid at 200 mg once-daily for 6 days is not inferior to linezolid 600 mg twice daily for 10 days in patients with SSTI. The comparison of adverse events is favorable to tedizolid under the circumstances of the clinical trials. This is a review of recent literature on tedizolid, its use in special populations and potential adverse effects.Findings suggest that tedizolid can be used in SSTI in adolescents, those older than 65 years, obese individuals and patients with diabetic foot infections. Forthcoming research to determine the future uses of this drug in other clinical syndromes requires demonstration of tolerance whenever tedizolid is administered for longer than 6 days.We also speculate on missing data and potential future indications of tedizolid in the highly competitive field of the treatment of severe Gram-positive infections other than SSTI.Tedizolid is a second-generation oxazolidinone, very convenient for treatment of SSTI, in search for other indications including nosocomial pneumonia and bone and joint infections. VIDEO ABSTRACT.

Objective MLL gene is involved in more than 80 known genetic fusions in acute leukemia. To study the relevance of MLL partner gene and selected gene's expression, in this work, we have studied a cohort of 20 MLL-rearranged acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods Twenty MLL-rearranged AML patients along with a control cohort of 138 AML patients are included in this work. By RT-PCR and sequencing, MLL genetic fusion was characterized, and relative gene expression quantification was carried out for EVI1, MEIS1, MLL-3', RUNX1, SETBP1, HOXA5, and FLT3 genes. Risk stratification and association of MLL genetic partner and gene expression to overall survival, in the context of received therapy, were performed. Results MLLr cohort showed to have an OS more similar to intermediate-risk AML. Type of MLL genetic partner showed to be relevant in allo-HSCT response; having MLLT1 and MLLT3, a better benefit from it. Expression of MLL-3' region, EVI1 and FLT3, showed association with OS in patients undergoing allo-HSCT. Conclusion We show that the MLL genetic partner could have implications in allo-HSCT response, and we propose three genes whose expression could be useful for the prognosis of this leukemia in patients undergoing allo-HSCT: 3' region of MLL, EVI1, and FLT3.

The antioxidant capacity of food influences its shelf life and human health. To determine this parameter, the corresponding antioxidant species must first be extracted. Current methods don't adequately address this issue since they rely on extractions with organic solvents or on in vitro digestion without a subsequent fermentation. We present an improved protocol to determine the global antioxidant response of foods (GAR+) including both in vitro digestion and fermentation. All samples should be fermented with the same fresh faecal inoculum in order to decrease variability. In addition, the use of a pool of faeces from healthy donors is strongly recommended to improve repeatability. Although most antioxidant capacity is achieved after digestion, in some foods fermentation plays a role. Thus, the GAR+ method provides reliable values of the antioxidant capacity of foods that are closer to their in vivo activity by including the effects of gut microbiota over non-digested nutrients.

In the current study, the QuEChERS extraction method with slight modifications, followed by liquid and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, was applied for the determination of 399 pesticide residues in 91 raw honey samples from northeastern Spain. The quality control proce-dure established in Document No. SANTE/12682/2019 was successfully followed: the responses in reagent blank and blank honey samples were below 30% of the reporting limit (0.01 mg kg-1) for all analysed compounds, the correlation coefficients (R2) were higher than 0.99 in most calibration curves, the deviation of back-calculated concentration from the true concentration was below ±20% (using the standard of 50 µg L-1 concentration), and the recoveries of spiked samples on matrix were within the range of 70–120% for almost all analytes. Only chlorfenvinphos (2–7.8 ng/g) and coumaphos (8.8–37 ng/g) were detected in 13 samples, and neither were observed to exceed their maximum residue limits (MRLs). Dietary risk assessment for pesticide residues in honey above their lowest calibrated level (LCL) was performed, and two different age groups, adults and infants, were considered as populations at risk. The contribution of honey lay far below the acceptable daily intake (ADI) for both pesticide residues. Therefore, according to our results, honey is unlikely to pose concerns for consumer health in terms of its contribution to dietary long-term exposure. However, to maintain the level of compliance, pesticide residues in honey should be continuously monitored. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.

Green and white teas are some of the most consumed beverages in the world, especially due to their inherent health properties such as prevention of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative pathologies, diabetes, body weight control, among others. Such properties are related with the presence on tea beverage of different bioactive compounds like catechins, caffeine, theophylline or minerals. The extraction of catechins is related with the final antioxidant capacity of the beverages, which in turn correlates with many parameters such us time/temperature of infusion, particle size, number of extractions, storage time, exposition to light, etc.

Contact activation is the surface-induced conversion of factor XII (FXII) zymogen to the serine protease FXIIa. Blood-circulating FXII binds to negatively charged surfaces and this contact to surfaces triggers a conformational change in the zymogen inducing autoactivation. Several surfaces that have the capacity for initiating FXII contact activation have been identified, including misfolded protein aggregates, collagen, nucleic acids, and platelet and microbial polyphosphate. Activated FXII initiates the proinflammatory kallikrein-kinin system and the intrinsic coagulation pathway, leading to formation of bradykinin and thrombin, respectively. FXII contact activation is well characterized in vitro and provides the mechanistic basis for the diagnostic clotting assay, activated partial thromboplastin time. However, only in the past decade has the critical role of FXII contact activation in pathological thrombosis been appreciated. While defective FXII contact activation provides thromboprotection, excess activation underlies the swelling disorder hereditary angioedema type III. This review provides an overview of the molecular basis of FXII contact activation and FXII contact activation–associated disease states.

The aim of this study was to synthesize chitosan hydrogels, in macro- and nano-size, grafted with N-vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) using gamma radiation, and evaluate their potential application as a drug delivery system, using 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) as a model drug. The effect of dose and monomer concentration in the grafting process was studied, and the materials were characterized by FTIR, TGA, DLS, SEM and AFM. Higher grafting percentages were observed for the nanogels system. Although both the grafted macro- and nanogels, (net-CS)-g-NVCL, showed a response to pH (4.75) and temperature (31-33°C), the nanogels showed a better swelling response to both stimuli because of their higher surface area. Both systems were able to load 5-FU in small amounts (2-3.5mgg-1) and the release was sustained for more than 12h, showing that the modified macro and nanogels can be a potential alternative for the administration of drugs.

Energy sensing is indispensable to balance anabolic and catabolic processes for the maintenance of cell viability. Pancreatic β cells are especially relevant because of their involvement in the coordination of insulin secretion when glucose concentration arises in the local milieu. In this work, we uncover the increased susceptibility of pancreatic β cells to cell death in response to different energy stressors. Upon glucose decline, from 25 to 5 mM, caused by stimulation with either 2-deoxyglucose or metformin, only pancreatic β cells showed an increase in cell death. Very interestingly, when we transfected either mouse insulinoma cell or human embryo kidney cells with a phospho-mutant form of B cell lymphoma 2 associated agonist of cell death at serine 155 (BAD S155D), an increase in the pro-survival factor B cell lymphoma 2 was detected in pancreatic β cells and not in human embryonic kidney cells in the presence of the energetic stressors. This data suggests that the protective capacity of this mutant form is only present in cells that present glucokinase. In contrast, upon hyperactivation of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 signaling by knocking-down tuberous sclerosis complex protein, we observed increased susceptibility to cell death in response to energy stress in both pancreatic and non-pancreatic β cells. Therefore, mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 signaling presents a dual effect on cell viability. On the one hand, a chronic inhibition of mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 activity in response to the energy status is deleterious for pancreatic β cells, being attenuated by the overexpression of B cell lymphoma 2 associated agonist of cell death S155D. On the other hand, mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 hyperactivity provokes a susceptibility to energetic stress-induced cell death. Taken together, these results may open potential implications for the use of glucokinase activators or mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 modulators for the maintenance of pancreatic β cells for longer periods of time avoiding its loss in different pathologies such as type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The aim of this study was to develop a chemically stable plant following a pre-domestication process and the valorization of its essential oil for the production of biopesticides. This study was conducted during four growing seasons to give a pre-domesticated population (SAMO-0). The resulting pre-domesticated population increased the hydrodistilled oil yield (average 0.45%) and maintained a stable yield of dry material (44.5%). The plant material was submitted to pilot plant scale steam distillation under three pressures (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 bar) with lower yield (average 0.15 %). The essential oil showed a carvacrol / p-cymene chemotype. The pre-domestication process increased β-myrcene, α- and γ-terpinene, p-cymene, thymol and β-bisabolene; and decreased α-thujene and carvacrol. The steam distillation increased the oil content in α-thujene, α-pinene, α-terpinene, p-cymene and trans-caryophyllene, and decreased borneol, thymoquinone thymol and β-bisabolene. Pressure increased α-terpinene, thymol and carvacrol Additionally, the study of the biocidal effects (against the insect pests Spodoptera littoralis, Myzus persicae and Leptinotarsa decemlineata and the phytopathogenic nematode Meloydogine javanica) of the EOs showed that overall, the most active oils were the hydrodistilled (to all insect species), followed by the steam distilled oils with higher carvacrol and thymol content (pressures of 1.5 and 1.0 bar). Carvacrol and thymol were responsible for the activity of these oils on M persicae, and L. decemlineata but only partially on S littoralis. The steam distilled oils showed strong nematicidal activity against M. javanica that could be partially explained by their content in active carvacrol and thymol.

Coffee is one of the most consumed beverages around the world, and as a consequence, spent coffee grounds are a massively produced residue that is causing environmental problems. Reusing them is a major focus of interest presently. We extracted mannooligosaccharides (MOS) from spent coffee grounds and submitted them to an in vitro fermentation with human feces. Results obtained suggest that MOS are able to exert a prebiotic effect on gut microbiota by stimulating the growth of some beneficial genera, such as Barnesiella, Odoribacter, Coprococcus, Butyricicoccus, Intestinimonas, Pseudoflavonifractor, and Veillonella. Moreover, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) production also increased in a dose-dependent manner. However, we observed that 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural, furfural, and polyphenols (which are either produced or released from the spent coffee grounds matrix during hydrolysis) could have an inhibitory effect on other beneficial genera, such as Faecalibacterium, Ruminococcus, Blautia, Butyricimonas, Dialister, Collinsella, and Anaerostipes, which could negatively affect the prebiotic activity of MOS.

The human body is exposed to oxidative damage to cells and though it has some endogenous antioxidant systems, we still need to take antioxidants from our diet. The main dietary source of antioxidants is vegetables due to their content of different bioactive molecules. However, there are usually other components of the diet, such as foods of animal origin, that are not often linked to antioxidant capacity. Still, these foods are bound to exert some antioxidant capacity thanks to molecules released during gastrointestinal digestion and gut microbial fermentation. In this work, the antioxidant capacity of 11 foods of animal origin has been studied, submitted to different culinary techniques and to an in vitro digestion and gut microbial fermentation. Results have shown how dairy products potentially provide the highest antioxidant capacity, contributing to 60% of the daily antioxidant capacity intake. On the other hand, most of the antioxidant capacity was released during gut microbial fermentation (90–98% of the total antioxidant capacity). Finally, it was found that the antioxidant capacity of the studied foods was much higher than that reported by other authors. A possible explanation is that digestion–fermentation pretreatment allows for a higher extraction of antioxidant compounds and their transformation by the gut microbiota. Therefore, although foods of animal origin cannot be compared to vegetables in the concentration of antioxidant molecules, the processes of digestion and fermentation can provide some, giving animal origin food some qualities that could have been previously unappreciated., European Research Commission (Research Executive Agency) - Research project Stance4Health (Grant contract Nº 816303), Plan propio de Investigación y Transferencia of the University of Granada under the program “Intensificación de la Investigación, modalidad B”.

Mine residue and leachate were sampled from an acid mine drainage site near Arroyo San Pedro, which is one of the oldest abandoned mine districts in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, and characterized by X-ray diffraction and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy, confirming the presence of Fe, As, and SO4 2−. To address this problem, chitosan network (net-CS) and chitosan network-N-vinylcaprolactam/N–N-dimethylacrylamide (net-CS)-g-NVCL/DMAAm hydrogels were synthesized and used as adsorbents of the different ions present in the aforementioned leachate by batch equilibrium procedure. Kinetics, isotherms, and ions dissolved in leachate were evaluated. The gels showed the highest adsorption capacity for As and Fe ions. The adsorption capacity of the net-CS hydrogels for As (V) and Fe(III) was 0.786 and 76.85 mg/g, respectively, attained after 50 h. The surface of the hydrogels was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, before and after the adsorption process, where the presence of a bond between the hydrogels and heavy metals ions, which is commonly observed in organic groups, was observed. In addition, Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms constants were determined for the As and Fe ions, and it was found that the Freundlich isotherm, with a first-order pseudo model, better fitted the adsorption process, indicating heterogeneous sorption, and the retention process occurred by chemisorption. The results from the Geochemist´s Workbench (GWB) software program revealed that arsenates, such as H3AsO4, H2AsO4 −, as well as Fe++, FeSO4(aq) and FeOH+ were the common aqueous species found in the leachate at pH = 2.9.

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) urinary catheters were modified with either a single or binary graft of acrylic acid (AAc) and/or poly(ethylene glycol) methacrylate (PEGMA) using gamma-radiation from 60Co to obtain PVC-g-AAc, PVC-g-PEGMA, [PVC-g-AAc]-g-PEGMA, and [PVC-g-PEGMA]-g-AAc copolymers. The outer and inner surfaces of the modified catheters were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser microscopy (CLM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The XPS analyses, by examining the correlation between the variation of the C1s and O1s content at the catheter’s surface, revealed that the catheter’s surfaces were successfully grafted with the chosen compounds, with those that were binary grafted showing a slightly more covered surface as was evidenced by the disappearance of PVC’s Cl peak. The SEM and CLM analyses revealed that catheters that had been grafted with PEGMA had a rougher outer surface as compared to those that had only been grafted with AAc. In addition, these imaging techniques showed that the inner surface of the singly grafted catheters, whether they had been grafted with AAc or PEGMA, retained some smoothness at the analyzed grafting percentages, while the binary grafted catheters showed many protuberances and greater roughness on both outer and inner surfaces.

For the first time, conventional and controlled miniemulsion polymerization of vinyl acetate (VAc) was performed using gamma radiation as alternative source of initiation. Reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer/macromolecular design via interchange of xanthates (RAFT/MADIX) technique was applied to control the polymerization process. For this purpose, S-2-cyano-2-propyl-O-ethyl xanthate ( C TA) was used as chain transfer agent. To illustrate the advantages of using gamma radiation instead of other initiation sources, we compared gamma radiation and the 2,2′-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) as initiators in the polymerization mediated by RAFT/MADIX technique. Compared with conventional miniemulsion polymerization, the controlled polymerization process allowed obtaining monomodal molecular weight distribution s and a significant control over the molecular weight distribution. The miniemulsions showed colloidal stability during polymerization and stable latices were obtained in a short reaction time with high conversion. Gamma radiation demonstrated to be a better initiator than AIBN for the miniemulsion polymerization of VAc, mediated by RAFT/MADIX.