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Understanding cell migration is a key step in unraveling many physiological phenomena and predicting several pathologies, such as cancer metastasis. In particular, confinement has been proven to be a key factor in the cellular migration strategy choice. As our insight in the field improves, new tools are needed in order to empower biologists’ analysis capabilities. In this framework, microfluidic devices have been used to engineer the mechanical and spatial stimuli and to investigate cellular migration response in a more controlled way. In this work, we will review the existing technologies employed in the realization of microfluidic cellular migration assays, namely the soft lithography of PDMS and hydrogels and femtosecond laser micromachining. We will give an overview of the state of the art of these devices, focusing on the different geometrical configurations that have been exploited to study specific aspects of cellular migration. Our scope is to highlight the advantages and possibilities given by each approach and to envisage the future developments in in vitro migration studies under spatial confinement in microfluidic devices.

A considerable amount of discarded building materials are produced each year worldwide, resulting in ecosystem degradation. Self-compacting concrete (SCC) has 60–70% coarse and fine particles in its composition, so replacing this material with another waste material, such as recycled aggregate (RA), reduces the cost of SCC. This study compares novel Artificial Neural Network algorithm techniques—Levenberg–Marquardt (LM), Bayesian regularization (BR), and Scaled Conjugate Gradient Backpropagation (SCGB)—to estimate the 28-day compressive strength (f’c) of SCC with RA. A total of 515 samples were collected from various published papers, randomly splitting into training, validation, and testing with percentages of 70, 10 and 20. Two statistical indicators, correlation coefficient (R) and mean squared error (MSE), were used to assess the models; the greater the R and lower the MSE, the more accurate the algorithm. The findings demonstrate the higher accuracy of the three models. The best result is achieved by BR (R = 0.91 and MSE = 43.755), while the accuracy of LM is nearly the same (R = 0.90 and MSE = 48.14). LM processes the network in a much shorter time than BR. As a result, LM and BR are the best models in forecasting the 28 days f’c of SCC having RA. The sensitivity analysis showed that cement (28.39%) and water (23.47%) are the most critical variables for predicting the 28-day compressive strength of SCC with RA, while coarse aggregate contributes the least (9.23%).

Land use/cover change (LUCC) and climate change (CC) affect water resource availability as they alter important hydrological processes. Mentioned factors modify the magnitude of surface runoff, groundwater recharge, and river flow among other parameters. In the present work, changes that occurred in the recent decades at the Quino and Muco river watersheds in the south-central zone of Chile were evaluated to predict future cover/use changes considering a forest expansion scenario according to Chilean regulations. In this way an expansion by 42.3 km2 and 52.7 km2 at Quino and Muco watersheds, respectively, was predicted, reaching a watersheds’ occupation of 35.4% and 22.3% in 2051. Additionally, the local climatic model RegCM4-MPI-ESM-MR was used considering periods from 2020–2049 and 2050–2079, under the RCP 8.5 scenario. Finally, the SWAT model was applied to assess the hydrological response of both watersheds facing the considered forcing factors. Five scenarios were determined to evaluate the LUCC and CC individual and combined effects. The results depict a higher sensitivity of the watersheds to CC impacts, where an increase of evapotranspiration, with a lessening of percolation, surface flow, lateral flow, and groundwater flow, triggered a water yield (WYLD) decrease in all predicted scenarios. However, when both global changes act synergistically, the WYLD decreases considerably with reductions of 109.8 mm and 123.3 mm at the Quino and Muco watersheds, respectively, in the most extreme simulated scenario. This water scarcity context highlights the necessity to promote land use management strategies to counteract the imminent effects of CC in the watersheds.

Several types of research currently use machine learning (ML) methods to estimate the mechanical characteristics of concrete. This study aimed to compare the capacities of four ML methods: eXtreme gradient boosting (XG Boost), gradient boosting (GB), Cat boosting (CB), and extra trees regressor (ETR), to predict the splitting tensile strength of 28-day-old self-compacting concrete (SCC) made from recycled aggregates (RA), using data obtained from the literature. A database of 381 samples from literature published in scientific journals was used to develop the models. The samples were randomly divided into three sets: training, validation, and test, with each having 267 (70%), 57 (15%), and 57 (15%) samples, respectively. The coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE) metrics were used to evaluate the models. For the training data set, the results showed that all four models could predict the splitting tensile strength of SCC made with RA because the R2 values for each model had significance higher than 0.75. XG Boost was the model with the best performance, showing the highest R2 value of R2 = 0.8423, as well as the lowest values of RMSE (=0.0581) and MAE (=0.0443), when compared with the GB, CB, and ETR models. Therefore, XG Boost was considered the best model for predicting the splitting tensile strength of 28-day-old SCC made with RA. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the variable contributing the most to the split tensile strength of this material after 28 days was cement.

The composition of self-compacting concrete (SCC) contains 60–70% coarse and fine aggregates, which are replaced by construction waste, such as recycled aggregates (RA). However, the complexity of its structure requires a time-consuming mixed design. Currently, many researchers are studying the prediction of concrete properties using soft computing techniques, which will eventually reduce environmental degradation and other material waste. There have been very limited and contradicting studies regarding prediction using different ANN algorithms. This paper aimed to predict the 28-day splitting tensile strength of SCC with RA using the artificial neural network technique by comparing the following algorithms: Levenberg–Marquardt (LM), Bayesian regularization (BR), and Scaled Conjugate Gradient Backpropagation (SCGB). There have been very limited and contradicting studies regarding prediction by using and comparing different ANN algorithms, so a total of 381 samples were collected from various published journals. The input variables were cement, admixture, water, fine and coarse aggregates, and superplasticizer; the data were randomly divided into three sets—training (60%), validation (10%), and testing (30%)—with 10 neurons in the hidden layer. The models were evaluated by the mean squared error (MSE) and correlation coefficient (R). The results indicated that all three models have optimal accuracy; still, BR gave the best performance (R = 0.91 and MSE = 0.2087) compared with LM and SCG. BR was the best model for predicting TS at 28 days for SCC with RA. The sensitivity analysis indicated that cement (30.07%) was the variable that contributed the most to the prediction of TS at 28 days for SCC with RA, and water (2.39%) contributed the least.

Substrate reduction therapies (SRT) are a promising therapeutic approach for monogenic inherited metabolic diseases. Here the authors evaluate the therapeutic potential of an in vivo CRISPR/Cas9-mediated SRT to treat primary hyperoxaluria type I and demonstrate its safety and efficacy.

La preocupación por la apatía, desafección y escepticismo hacia la política convencional por parte de la sociedad en general y de los jóvenes en particular, junto con la percepción de las preferencias de estos últimos por los medios digitales, han llevado a los académicos a investigar en qué medida las oportunidades de participación que ofrecen los medios sociales pueden influir en el compromiso y comportamiento cívico y político. Este artículo examina las investigaciones publicadas sobre el tema en este siglo con el objetivo de identificar los elementos claves del debate en torno al papel de los medios sociales en el desarrollo de la llamada ciudadanía digital.

The study of cellular migration dynamics and strategies plays a relevant role in the understanding of both physiological and pathological processes. An important example could be the link between cancer cell motility and tumor evolution into metastatic stage. These strategies can be strongly influenced by the extracellular environment and the consequent mechanical constrains. In this framework, the possibility to study the behavior of single cells when subject to specific topological constraints could be an important tool in the hands of biologists. Two-photon polymerization is a sub-micrometric additive manufacturing technique that allows the fabrication of 3D structures in biocompatible resins, enabling the realization of ad hoc biochips for cell motility analyses, providing different types of mechanical stimuli. In our work, we present a new strategy for the realization of multilayer microfluidic lab-on-a-chip constructs for the study of cell motility which guarantees complete optical accessibility and the possibility to freely shape the migration area, to tailor it to the requirements of the specific cell type or experiment. The device includes a series of micro-constrictions that induce different types of mechanical stress on the cells during their migration. We show the realization of different possible geometries, in order to prove the versatility of the technique. As a proof of concept, we present the use of one of these devices for the study of the motility of murine neuronal cancer cells under high physical confinement, highlighting their peculiar migration mechanisms.

The by-product of the foundry industry is waste foundry sand (WFS). The use of WFS in building materials will safeguard the ecosystem and environmental assets while also durable construction. The use of industrial waste in concrete offsets a shortage of environmental sources, solves the waste dumping trouble and provides another method of protecting the environment. Several researchers have investigated the suitability of WFS in concrete production instead of natural river sand in the last few decades to discover a way out of the trouble of WFS in the foundry region and accomplish its recycling in concrete production. However, a lack of knowledge about the progress of WFS in concrete production is observed and compressive review is required. The current paper examines several properties, such as the physical and chemical composition of WFS, fresh properties, mechanical and durability performance of concrete with partially substituting WFS. The findings from various studies show that replacing WFS up to 30% enhanced the durability and mechanical strength of concrete to some extent, but at the same time reduced the workability of fresh concrete as the replacement level of WFS increased. In addition, this review recommended pozzolanic material or fibre reinforcement in combination with WFS for future research.

El objetivo de esta investigación es conocer cuáles son las percepciones y usos que las ONG españolas analizadas hacen de las redes sociales. Se realiza una investigación cuantitativa con cuestionarios y otra cualitativa con dos grupos focales para valorar los aspectos positivos y negativos que afectan al uso de las redes sociales. Se analiza el papel de estas en la planificación de la comunicación y se adelantan expectativas de futuro de mejora de la creatividad e innovación de los mensajes y de perfeccionamiento en la medición de eficacia de la comunicación en las redes sociales.

. La Economía Política de la Comunicación y la Cultura (EPCC) y la teoría crítica feminista han transitado tradicionalmente de manera paralela, con escasos intentos por fortalecer el diálogo entre ambas. Los intentos realizados se han centrado en tres líneas de investigación: el análisis de la situación de las mujeres como trabajadoras de las empresas mediáticas; la crítica de la mercantilización de la audiencia-mujeres; y la denuncia de la representación de la mujer, especialmente en la publicidad. En este trabajo sostenemos la conveniencia de construir una agenda convergente partiendo del potencial de la EPCC para enmarcar desde una perspectiva histórica y materialista la investigación sobre mujeres y comunicación. No obstante, se argumenta la necesidad de que la EPCC renueve y actualice sus planteamientos con los aportes de la más reciente teoría feminista para sofisticar el análisis de las relaciones entre género, poder y comunicación, incorporando decididamente la cuestión central de la reproducción social y los cuidados.

Introducción: el yodo es un elemento esencial para la síntesis de las hormonas tiroideas y el desarrollo cerebral normal. Objetivo: llamar la atención sobre las consecuencias de la carencia de yodo, la necesidad de programas de prevención del hipotiroidismo subclínico y velar por su cumplimiento. Metodología: se realiza revisión temática selectiva sobre la biología del yodo, los mecanismos implicados en el desarrollo cerebral y las opciones preventivas. Se seleccionan publicaciones significativas para sustentar los objetivos. Resultados: la biología del yodo, la prevalencia de déficit de yodo y las consecuencias obstétricas están definidas desde hace años. Se presentan los principales aspectos de la fisiopatología del hipotiroidismo subclínico. Las causas más frecuentes de hipotiroidismo gestacional son la enfermedad tiroidea autoinmune o tiroiditis de Hashimoto, el insuficiente tratamiento de reemplazo tras la extirpación tiroidea y la baja ingesta de yodo. Estudios epidemiológicos demuestran una correlación entre la insuficiencia tiroidea materna y un bajo desarrollo intelectual infantil. La gravedad de las lesiones guarda relación con la intensidad del déficit durante las primeras 12 a 14 semanas de la vida intrauterina, etapa de pleno desarrollo cerebral. A pesar de la información concluyente de las ventajas de la suplementación yodada, la mitad de la población mundial tiene riesgo de gestar niños con lesiones cerebrales permanentes. La Organización Mundial de la Salud recomienda la suplementación de las gestantes y madres lactantes con 250 μg diarios. Conclusión: los programas de salud pública deben atender al problema creciente del déficit de yodo entre las mujeres en edad reproductiva tanto en los países subdesarrollados como en los industrializados. Rev.Cienc.biomed. 2013;4(1): 108- 115

Cytokinesis, which enables the physical separation of daughter cells once mitosis has been completed, is executed in fungal and animal cells by a contractile actin- and myosin-based ring (CAR). In the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, the formin For3 nucleates actin cables and also co-operates for CAR assembly during cytokinesis. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) regulate essential adaptive responses in eukaryotic organisms to environmental changes. We show that the stress-activated protein kinase pathway (SAPK) and its effector, MAPK Sty1, downregulates CAR assembly in S. pombe when its integrity becomes compromised during cytoskeletal damage and stress by reducing For3 levels. Accurate control of For3 levels by the SAPK pathway may thus represent a novel regulatory mechanism of cytokinesis outcome in response to environmental cues. Conversely, SAPK signaling favors CAR assembly and integrity in its close relative Schizosaccharomyces japonicus, revealing a remarkable evolutionary divergence of this response within the fission yeast clade.

Introducción: La normotermia perioperatoria tiene un papel fundamental en la recuperación y la disminución de las complicaciones en pacientes que van a ser sometidos a intervenciones quirúrgicas. Mediante esta investigación se han estudiado cuales son los pacientes sometidos a cirugía de colon y recto más susceptibles de padecer hipotermia inadvertida en función del tipo de técnica quirúrgica (laparoscopia o cirugía abierta), sexo, edad e índice de masa corporal. Metodología: Se ha realizado un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal incluyendo cirugía de colon y recto con un tiempo de intervención mayor a una hora. Se estudió la asociación entre la temperatura central en la segunda hora de cirugía en relación con el resto de variables: técnica, sexo, edad e índice de masa corporal mediante prueba t Student. Resultados: Se analizaron los datos de 107 pacientes durante un año, intervenidos de forma consecutiva en una Unidad de Coloproctología de un hospital de tercer nivel. Los pacientes operados mediante laparoscopia tuvieron menos tendencia a la hipotermia en la segunda hora de intervención que los intervenidos por vía abierta. Las mujeres tuvieron más riesgo de hipotermia que los varones. En cambio, la edad y el índice de masa corporal no mostraron una diferencia estadísticamente significativa. Discusión: Este estudio no solo nos ha permitido identificar qué pacientes son más susceptibles de hipotermia, sino que ha mostrado cómo aplicando unas condiciones de mantenimiento de la temperatura adecuadas, harán que el paciente mantenga mejor la normotermia. Abstract: Introduction. Perioperative normothermia has a main role in the recovery and reduction of the complications of the patients who are going to undergo a surgical intervention. This research aimed to study who were the patients undergoing a colon and rectum surgery more likely to have unnoticed hypothermia according to the kind of surgical technique (laparoscopy or open surgery), sex, age and body mass index. Methodology: An observational transversal descriptive study was performed including colon and rectum surgery with a surgery time over an hour. The association among the central temperature and the rest of variables: technique, sex, age, and body mass index was explored by applying the t Student test. Results: Data from 107 patients were analysed during a year, who consecutively undergone a surgery in the Coloproctology Unit in a third level hospital. Patients who had been operated by using a laparoscopy techinique were less likely to have hypothermia in the second hour of the surgery than those who have undergone an open surgery. Women had a higher risk of hypothermia than men. Nevertheless, age and body mass index showed no significant difference. Discussion. This study was able to identify what patients are more likely to have hypothermia as well as have shown how, applying some temperature maintaining care, the patient will keep normothermia.

We report on the study of ultrafast laser-induced plasma expansion dynamics in a gas microjet. To this purpose, we focused femtosecond laser pulses on a nitrogen jet produced through a homemade De Laval micronozzle. The laser excitation led to plasma generation with a characteristic spectral line emission at 391 nm. By following the emitted signal with a detection system based on an intensified charge-coupled device (ICCD) we captured the two-dimensional spatial evolution of the photo-excited nitrogen ions with a temporal resolution on the nanosecond time scale. We fabricated the micronozzle on a fused silica substrate by femtosecond laser micromachining. This technique enabled high accuracy and three-dimensional capabilities, thus, providing an ideal platform for developing glass-based microfluidic structures for application to plasma physics and ultrafast spectroscopy.

Plain concrete’s major two drawbacks are its low tensile strength and high carbon footprint. Joint adding of fibers and recycled/waste materials in concrete might assist to resolve these problems. In the present study, a novel technique is planned to improve the recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) mechanical behavior and durability performance by joint incorporation of silica fume (SF) and nylon fibers (NF). In this research paper, different properties of concrete samples are examined for example flexural strength, compressive strength, split tensile strength, penetration of chloride ions, acid resistance, and water absorption. It was noted that adding nylon fibers as individual components enhances the recycled aggregate concrete mechanical characteristics and resistance to acid exposure. The inclusion of nylon fibers improved the behavior of the recycled aggregate concrete; however, it also increased the chloride penetration and water absorption by only 18% and 8% respectively. Up to 26% of mechanical strength of concrete was improved when silica fume was added in comparison to reference concrete, silica fume also assisted in controlling the loss of durability because of adding recycled aggregate concrete and nylon fibers. Silica fume improved the bond between binder matrix and nylon fibers. The study revealed that the combination of 50% RCA, 0.5% nylon fibers and 20% silica fume are optimum for the joint incorporation into concrete that can assist in developing sustainable, durable, and ductile recycled aggregate fiber reinforced concrete.

The current practice of concrete is thought to be unsuitable because it consumes large amounts of cement, sand, and aggregate, which causes depletion of natural resources. In this study, a step towards sustainable concrete was made by utilizing recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) as a coarse aggregate. However, researchers show that RCA causes a decrease in the performance of concrete due to porous nature. In this study, waste glass (WG) was used as a filler material that filled the voids between RCA to offset its negative impact on concrete performance. The substitution ratio of WG was 10, 20, or 30% by weight of cement, and RCA was 20, 40, and 60% by weight of coarse aggregate. The slump cone test was used to assess the fresh property, while compressive, split tensile, and punching strength were used to assess the mechanical performance. Test results indicated that the workability of concrete decreased with substitution of WG and RCA while mechanical performance improved up to a certain limit and then decreased due to lack of workability. Furthermore, a statical tool response surface methodology was used to predict various strength properties and optimization of RCA and WG.

The aquaculture sector has experienced rapid and important growth with the subsequent increase of feeding and nutritional issues for sustaining this activity, mainly related to the use of high quality, safe and environmentally friendly feed ingredients. The use of additives in aquafeeds has proven to be a suitable option to improve different productive indicators in farmed fish. In the present study, the effect of adding the GHRP-6 peptide, a ghrelin analog, to a commercial diet of gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata) was studied at two proportions (100 or 500 μg/kg of feed). Both experimental diets show an increase in growth performance, as well as in feed efficiency after 97 days of experiment. The lower inclusion of GHRP-6 (100 μg/kg) results in a better aerobic metabolism, while the higher inclusion significantly increased plasma GH levels in agreement with the GH secretagogue effects of ghrelin. Similar growth outcome and differences between GHRP-6 levels in aerobic metabolism and GH stimulation suggest that improvements in culture performance by this peptide may occur through different mechanisms. Taken together, this compound can be considered as a viable dietary supplement for increasing production efficiency of sea bream aquaculture, although a better understanding of its dose-specific effects is still required.

Femtosecond laser micromachining is becoming an established fabrication technique for transparent material processing in three dimensions [...]

Abstract:: Primary Hyperoxaluria Type I (PH1) is a rare autosomal recessive metabolic disorder characterized by defects in enzymes involved in glyoxylate metabolism. PH1 is a life-threatening disease caused by the absence, deficiency or mistargeting of the hepatic alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase (AGT) enzyme. A human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) line was generated from dermal fibroblasts of a PH1 patient being compound heterozygous for the most common mutation c.508G>A (G170R), a mistargeting mutation, and c.364C>T (R122*), a previously reported nonsense mutation in AGTX. This iPSC line offers a useful resource to study the disease pathophysiology and a cell-based model for drug development.

Recycled aggregate is a good option to be used in concrete production as a coarse aggregate that results in environmental benefits as well as sustainable development. However, recycled aggregate causes a reduction in the mechanical and durability performance of concrete. On the other hand, the removal of industrial waste would be considerably decreased if it could be incorporated into concrete production. One of these possibilities is the substitution of the cement by slag, which enhances the concrete poor properties of recycled aggregate concrete as well as provides a decrease in cement consumption, reducing carbon dioxide production, while resolving a waste management challenge. Furthermore, steel fiber was also added to enhance the tensile capacity of recycled aggregate concrete. The main goal of this study was to investigate the characteristics of concrete using ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS) as a binding material on recycled aggregate fibers reinforced concrete (RAFRC). Mechanical performance was assessed through compressive strength and split tensile strength, while durability aspects were studied through water absorption, acid resistance, and dry shrinkage. The results detected from the different experiments depict that, at an optimum dose (40% RCA, 20%GGBS, and 2.0%), compressive and split tensile strength were 39% and 120% more than the reference concrete, respectively. Furthermore, acid resistance at the optimum dose was 36% more than the reference concrete. Furthermore, decreased water absorption and dry shrinkage cracks were observed with the substitution of GGBS into RAFRC.

The linear economy paradigm in place to date has to be seriously challenged to give way to a new school of thought known as the circular economy. In this research work, precast kerbs and paving blocks made with recycled concrete (RACC-mixture) bearing 50 wt% mixed recycled aggregate (masonry content of 33%) and an eco-efficient cementitious material as 25 wt% conventional binder replacement were evaluated to assess their intrinsic potential to replace traditional raw materials, in keeping with circular economy criteria. Therefore, precast products were subjected to mechanical strength, durability and microstructure tests and were compared to conventional concrete units (CC-mixture and commercially available precast elements). Although a class demotion was observed for water absorption and some decreases in flexural strength (26%), splitting tensile strength (12.8%) and electrical resistivity (45%) and a lower class water absorption were registered, and the recycled mixture also exhibited a greater performance in terms of compressive strength (6%), a better abrasion resistance classification and a comparable porosity and microstructure, which ensures a good concrete durability. In any case, the results showed that precast pieces were European standard-compliant, thus supporting the viability of the mixed recycled aggregates and eco-efficient cementitious replacement in footways.

Industrial effluents from chromium-based products lead to chromium pollution in the environment. Several technologies have been employed for the removal of chromium (Cr) from the environment, including adsorption, ion-exchange, bioremediation, etc. In this study, we isolated a Cr (VI)-resistant fungus, Purpureocillium lilacinum, from contaminated soil, which could reduce chromium. We also characterized a reductant activity of dichromate found in the cellular fraction of the fungus: optimal pH and temperature, effect of enzymatic inhibitors and enhancers, metal ions, use of electron donors, and initial Cr (VI) and protein concentration. This study also shows possible mechanisms that could be involved in the elimination of this metal. We observed an increase in the reduction of Cr (VI) activity in the presence of NADH followed by that of formate and acetate, as electron donor. This reduction was highly inhibited by EDTA followed by NaN3 and KCN, and this activity showed the highest activity at an optimal pH of 7.0 at 37 °C with a protein concentration of 3.62 µg/mL.

The establishment of gut microbiota has been proven to be impacted by several factors during pregnancy, delivery, and neonate periods. The body of evidence describing C-section delivery (CSD) as one of the most disruptive events during early life has expanded in recent years, concluding that CSD results in a drastic change in microbiota establishment patterns. When comparing the gut microbiota composition of CSD babies with vaginally delivered (VD) babies, the former show a microbiome that closely resembles that found in the environment and the mother’s skin, while VD babies show a microbiome more similar to the vaginal microbiome. Although these alterations of normal gut microbiota establishment tend to disappear during the first months of life, they still affect host health in the mid–long term since CSD has been correlated with a higher risk of early life infections and non-transmissible diseases, such as inflammatory diseases, allergies, and metabolic diseases. In recent years, this phenomenon has also been studied in other mammals, shedding light on the mechanisms involved in the effects of a CSD on host health. In addition, strategies to revert the disruptions in gut microbiomes caused by a CSD are currently in the process of development and evaluation. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in CSD research, from the alteration of gut microbiota establishment to the possible effects on host health during early life and development.

One of the prime objectives of this review is to understand the role of design parameters on the mechanical properties (Compressive and split tensile strength) of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) with recycled aggregates (Recycled Coarse Aggregates (RCA) and Recycled Fine Aggregates (RFA)). The design parameters considered for review are Water to Cement (W/C) ratio, Water to Binder (W/B) ratio, Total Aggregates to Cement (TA/C) ratio, Fine Aggregate to Coarse Aggregate (FA/CA) ratio, Water to Solid (W/S) ratio in percentage, superplasticizer (SP) content (kg/cu.m), replacement percentage of RCA, and replacement percentage of RFA. It is observed that with respect to different grades of SCC, designed parameters affect the mechanical properties of SCC with recycled aggregates.

Most concrete studies are concentrated on mechanical properties especially strength properties either directly or indirectly (fresh and durability properties). Hence, the ratio of split tensile strength to compressive strength plays a vital role in defining the concrete properties. In this review, the impact of design parameters on the strength ratio of various grades of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) with recycled aggregate is assessed. The design parameters considered for the study are Water to Cement (W/C) ratio, Water to Binder (W/B) ratio, Total Aggregates to Cement (TA/C) ratio, Fine Aggregate to Coarse Aggregate (FA/CA) ratio, Water to Solid (W/S) ratio in percentage, superplasticizer (SP) content (kg/cu.m), replacement percentage of recycled coarse aggregates (RCA), replacement percentage of recycled fine aggregates (RFA), fresh density and loading area of the specimen. It is observed that the strength ratio of SCC with recycled aggregates is affected by design parameters.

La re-invención de la radio y su adopción a nuevos formatos digitales con el propósito de fidelizar y aumentar audiencias, no ha sido suficiente para que la generalidad de los jóvenes se sienta fuertemente atraída por este medio. Unos contenidos repetitivos y que no están adaptados a sus intereses son algunos de los argumentos expuestos por este sector de población que les lleva a reemplazar la radio por otras formas y vías de comunicación. Esta investigación exploratoria plantea conocer si esta tendencia es también mayoritaria entre un grupo de jóvenes en particular: los universitarios de Periodismo y Comunicación Audiovisual. Para alcanzar dicho objetivo se realiza una encuesta a estudiantes de los mencionados grados. Se concluye que no hay apenas diferencias con los otros sectores juveniles, a pesar de que los encuestados formarán parte y estarán directamente implicados en el desarrollo y futuros cambios de la radio y del resto de medios.

Abstract The final step in post-translational processing of Ras and Rho GTPases involves methylation of the prenylated cysteine residue by an isoprenylcysteine-O-carboxyl methyltransferase (ICMT). ICMT activity is essential for cell growth and development in higher eukaryotes, and inhibition of GTPase methylation has become an attractive target in cancer therapy to inactivate prenylated oncoproteins. However, the specificity and dynamics of the GTPase methylation process remain to be fully clarified. Notably, cells lacking Mam4, the ICMT ortholog in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe, are viable. We have exploited this feature to analyze the role of methylation on GTPase localization and function. We show that methylation differentially affects GTPase membrane localization, being particularly relevant for plasma membrane tethering and downstream signaling of palmitoylated and farnesylated GTPases Ras1 and Rho2 lacking C-terminal polybasic motifs. Indeed, Ras1 and Rho2 cysteine methylation is required for proper regulation of differentiation elicited by MAPK Spk1 and for stress-dependent activation of the cell integrity pathway (CIP) and its main effector MAPK Pmk1. Further, Mam4 negatively regulates TORC2 signaling by a cross-inhibitory mechanism relying on Rho GTPase methylation. These results highlight the requirement for a tight control of GTPase methylation in vivo to allow adequate GTPase function.

Abstract The aim of this review is to summarize the effect in host energy metabolism of the production of B group vitamins and short chain fatty acids (SCFA) by commensal, food-grade and probiotic bacteria, which are also actors of the mammalian nutrition. The mechanisms of how these microbial end products, produced by these bacterial strains, act on energy metabolism will be discussed. We will show that these vitamins and SCFA producing bacteria could be used as tools to recover energy intakes by either optimizing ATP production from foods or by the fermentation of certain fibers in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Original data are also presented in this work where SCFA (acetate, butyrate and propionate) and B group vitamins (riboflavin, folate and thiamine) production was determined for selected probiotic bacteria.

La obra que se reseña, de Elena Ayuso, recoge en su breve formato un homenaje a Cervantes. Y es, al mismo tiempo, un homenaje al medio radiofónico; especialmente a aquella radio cultivada a mediados del siglo xx y que brillaba en las ondas gracias a las producciones de ficción.

Introdução: Na atenção primária à saúde, o Ministério da Saúde recomenda que pacientes hipertensos que estiverem com a pressão arterial descontrolada, mas que estejam cumprindo os tratamentos recomendados, deverão realizar consulta médica mensal para reavaliação, até atingirem a meta pressórica estabelecida. Baseado nisso, o projeto aplicativo aconteceu em uma comunidade com 8000 usuários, onde há uma elevada taxa de hipertensão entre a população, associada à falta de informação, baixa condição socioeconômica e falta de adesão às consultas e ao HiperDiA. A partir desse cenário, foram realizadas ações que implicassem na conscientização e prevenção das complicações da hipertensão e na redução do número de novos hipertensos na área. Objetivo: Melhorar a adesão ao tratamento e acompanhamento dos hipertensos cadastrados na USF Francisco Marcelo Dias, em Paulista-PE. Métodos: Estudo descritivo do tipo relato de projeto aplicativo. Utilizou-se a metodologia da problematização, baseado no Arco de Maguerez para identificação do problema base da área, teorização, criação de hipóteses de solução e um plano de ação. Resultado: As ações prezaram a prevenção e conscientização para uma melhor qualidade de vida, evitando assim tanto o desenvolvimento da hipertensão como também a evolução da doença. Para isso, as atividades realizadas na USF foram aferição da pressão arterial e rodas de conversa sobre a importância da alimentação saudável e o uso contínuo dos medicamentos. Essas ações tiveram um bom impacto ao modo que aumentaram o número de pacientes nas consultas e no HiperDia, aumentaram a quantidade de adeptos ao tratamento, e através do incentivo à mudança nos hábitos de vida, espera-se que a longo prazo haja uma diminuição no número de novos hipertensos na área. Conclusão: A promoção de saúde adequada para os pacientes hipertensos da comunidade, assim como a intervenção para a prevenção e tratamento da hipertensão arterial apresentou implicações clínicas importantes, uma vez que foi capaz aumentar a adesão ao tratamento e a mudança nos hábitos de vida, prevenindo futuros pacientes hipertensos e melhorando a qualidade de vida dos hipertensos já diagnosticados da área.

Introdução: Entre os medicamentos mais prescritos mundialmente encontram-se os inibidores da bomba de prótons (IBP), que apresentam bastante utilidade no tratamento de doenças gástricas e eficácia pela sua baixa toxicidade e bloqueio da secreção gástrica. Apesar da sua utilidade durante o tratamento, o uso prolongado destes medicamentos pode causar sérias complicações e prejuízos para o paciente que faz uso contínuo desses fármacos. Com o intuito de diminuir a dose ou interromper o uso de medicamentos que possam trazer danos, tem-se investido muito na desprescrição de IBP, que deve ser realizada de modo a considerar os benefícios, a finalidade do tratamento, a comodidade, a idade e também a cooperação do paciente. Realizar uma revisão de literatura a respeito dos efeitos negativos Objetivo: e positivos da desprescrição dos inibidores de bomba de prótons. Métodos: Revisão narrativa a respeito da desprescrição do IBP realizada na Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS) e nos bancos de dados SCIELO, LILACS, usando os descritores: desprescrição, toxicidade, ácido gástrico e esofagite. Foram selecionados 15 artigos publicados nos últimos 12 anos que envolviam os três núcleos temáticos: Ação dos inibidores de bomba de protóns sob a secreção gástrica, complicações pelo uso prolongado de IBP e a importância da desprescrição dos IBPs. Resultados: Sabe-se que vários pacientes acabam automedicando-se ou dando continuidade a tratamentos anteriores sem o conhecimento médico; além disso, o uso de muitos fármacos juntos sem uma análise prévia para a patologia pode ocasionar várias complicações. Desse modo, a desprescrição desses medicamentos, especialmente dos IBPs, é uma das maneiras de impedir efeitos indesejados,doenças no pacientee até mesmo complicações de doenças pré-existentes. A importância da desprescrição é evitar que IBPs sejam prescritos por tempo indeterminado e também garantir a segurança do paciente evitando sua exposição a riscos inerentes de reações adversas, erros de medicação, interações medicamentosas e internações em decorrência de complicações para o mesmo. Conclusão: Nesse sentido, embora sejam potentes para as doenças gástricas, os IBPs são desnecessários para algumas doenças digestivas, daí a importância de uma equipe multidisciplinar para tratar o paciente e reduzir a prescrição destes IBPs. Concluímos que para realizar a desprescrição é preciso, então, escolher o tratamento que tenha uma abordagem geral e que traga menos prejuízo à saúde e à vida do paciente.

Los patrones de uso y consumo de información mediática de los adolescentes experimentan cambios frecuentes debido a la constante evolución tecnológica. Este trabajo, fruto del proyecto REDCON, trata de conocer el uso y consumo de internet, redes sociales y servicios de mensajería de los adolescentes en la Comunidad de Madrid, así como su percepción de los riesgos, el control parental y el acceso a las noticias. A través de cuatro grupos de discusión, con menores de entre 13 y 17 años, se ha constatado un uso multitarea de internet, las redes sociales y los servicios de mensajería, en periodos cortos de consulta repartidos durante el día, con control parental al inicio de la adolescencia que se diluye cuando crecen. Destaca un consumo incidental de noticias, unido a una baja valoración de la credibilidad mediática y una falta de autorregulación de los jóvenes en el uso de internet y dispositivos móviles.

Synaptophysins 1 and 2 and synaptogyrins 1 and 3 constitute a major family of synaptic vesicle membrane proteins. Unlike other widely expressed synaptic vesicle proteins such as vSNAREs and synaptotagmins, the primary function has not been resolved. Here, we report robust elevation in the probability of release of readily releasable vesicles with both high and low release probabilities at a variety of synapse types from knockout mice missing all four family members. Neither the number of readily releasable vesicles, nor the timing of recruitment to the readily releasable pool was affected. The results suggest that family members serve as negative regulators of neurotransmission, acting directly at the level of exocytosis to dampen connection strength selectively when presynaptic action potentials fire at low frequency. The widespread expression suggests that chemical synapses may play a frequency filtering role in biological computation that is more elemental than presently envisioned.Editorial note: This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that all the issues have been addressed (see decision letter).

Agave species are a source of diverse products for human use, such as food, fiber, and beverages, which include mezcal, a distilled beverage produced by spontaneous fermentation. Agave is an excellent source of high amounts of sugars, minerals, and phenolic compounds, which favor the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast communities. In this work, 20 promising LAB strains with probiotic characteristics were isolated from the agave fermentation stage in mezcal production. The strains belonged to Lactobacillus plantarum (15), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (2), Enterococcus faecium (2), and Lactococcus lactis (1). These isolates were characterized for their resistance under gastrointestinal conditions, such as lysozyme, acid pH, and bile salts. In addition, the adherence of these LABs to human intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2 and HT-29 cells) was tested in vitro and their antioxidant and immunomodulatory profile was determined using cellular models. Lactobacillus rhamnosus LM07 and Lactobacillus plantarum LM17 and LM19 strains were selected for their antioxidant properties, and their capacities in an oxidative stress model in intestinal epithelial cells IECs (Caco-2 and HT-29 cells) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide were evaluated. Interestingly, Lactobacillus rhamnosus LM07 and Lactobacillus plantarum LM17 and LM19 strains showed anti-inflammatory properties in TNF-α-stimulated HT-29 cells. Subsequently, bacterial strains exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were tested in vivo in a mouse model with dinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (DNBS)-induced chronic colitis. Weight loss, intestinal permeability, and cytokine profiles were measured in mice as indicators of inflammation. One of the selected strains, Lactobacillus plantarum LM17, improved the health of the mice, as observed by reduced weight loss, and significantly decreased intestinal permeability. Altogether, our results demonstrate the potential of LAB (and lactobacilli in particular) isolated from the agave fermentation stage in mezcal production. Lactobacillus rhamnosus LM07 and Lactobacillus plantarum LM17 strains represent potential candidates for developing new probiotic supplements to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

In this study, the SWAT (Soil Water Assessment Tool) hydrological model is implemented to determine the effect of climate change on various hydrological components in two basins located in the foothills of the Andes: the Quino and Muco river basins. The water cycle is analyzed by comparing the model results to climatic data observed in the past (1982–2016) to understand its trend behaviors. Then, the variations and geographical distribution of the components of the hydrological cycle were analyzed using the Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP)8.5 climate scenario to model two periods considering the immediate future (2020–2049) and intermediate future (2050–2079). In this way, in the study area, it is predicted that yearly average temperatures will increase up to 1.7 °C and that annual average precipitation will decrease up to 210 mm for the intermediate future. Obtained results show that the analyzed parameters presented the same trend behavior for both periods of time; however, a greater impact can be expected in the intermediate future. According to the spatial distribution, the impact worsens for all the parameters as the elevation increases in both basins. The model depicted that yearly average evapotranspiration would increase around 5.26% and 5.81% for Quino and Muco basins, respectively, due to the large increase in temperature. This may cause, when combined with the precipitation lessening, a decrease around 9.52% and 9.73% of percolation, 2.38% and 1.76% of surface flow, and 7.44% and 8.14% of groundwater for Quino and Muco basins, respectively, with a consequent decrease of the water yield in 5.25% and 4.98% in the aforementioned watersheds, respectively.

Femtosecond laser micromachining (FLM) of fused silica allows for the realization of three-dimensional embedded optical elements and microchannels with micrometric feature size. The performances of these components are strongly affected by the machined surface quality and residual roughness. The polishing of 3D buried structures in glass was demonstrated using different thermal annealing processes, but precise control of the residual roughness obtained with this technique is still missing. In this work, we investigate how the FLM irradiation parameters affect surface roughness and we characterize the improvement of surface quality after thermal annealing. As a result, we achieved a strong roughness reduction, from an average value of 49 nm down to 19 nm. As a proof of concept, we studied the imaging performances of embedded mirrors before and after thermal polishing, showing the capacity to preserve a minimum feature size of the reflected image lower than μ5μm. These results allow for us to push forward the capabilities of this enabling fabrication technology, and they can be used as a starting point to improve the performances of more complex optical elements, such as hollow waveguides or micro-lenses.

During the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, the intracellular cytoskeleton undergoes severe reorganization which allows epithelial cells to transition into a motile mesenchymal phenotype. Among the different cytoskeletal elements, the intermediate filaments keratin (in epithelial cells) and vimentin (in mesenchymal cells) have been demonstrated to be useful and reliable histological markers. In this study, we assess the potential invasiveness of six human breast carcinoma cell lines and two mouse fibroblasts cells lines through single cell migration assays in confinement. We find that the keratin and vimentin networks behave mechanically the same when cells crawl through narrow channels and that vimentin protein expression does not strongly correlate to single cells invasiveness. Instead, we find that what determines successful migration through confining spaces is the ability of cells to mechanically switch from a substrate-dependent stress fibers based contractility to a substrate-independent cortical contractility, which is not linked to their tumor phenotype.

This article presents an overview of the bibliographic picture of the design parameter’s influence on the mix proportion of self-compacting concrete with recycled aggregate. Design parameters like water-cement ratio, water to paste ratio, and percentage of superplasticizers are considered in this review. Standardization and recent research on the usage of recycled aggregates in self-compacting concrete (SCC) exploit its significance in the construction sector. The usage of recycled aggregate not only resolves the negative impacts on the environment but also prevents the usage of natural resources. Furthermore, it is necessary to understand the recycled aggregate property’s role in a mixed design and SCC properties. Design parameters are not only influenced by a mix design but also play a key role in SCC’s fresh properties. Hence, in this overview, properties of SCC ingredients, calculation of design parameters in mix design, the effect of design parameters on fresh concrete properties, and the evolution of fresh concrete properties are studied.

Age-inappropriate expression of juvenile NMDA receptors (NMDARs) containing GluN3A subunits has been linked to synapse loss and death of spiny projection neurons of the striatum (SPNs) in Huntington's disease (HD). Here we show that suppressing GluN3A expression prevents a multivariate synaptic transmission phenotype that precedes morphological signs at early prodromal stages. We start by confirming that afferent fiber stimulation elicits larger synaptic responses mediated by both AMPA receptors and NMDARs in SPNs in the YAC128 mouse model of HD. We then show that the enhancement mediated by both is fully prevented by suppressing GluN3A expression. Strong fiber-stimulation unexpectedly elicited robust NMDAR-mediated electrogenic events (termed “upstates” or “NMDA spikes”), and the effective threshold for induction was more than 2-fold lower in YAC128 SPNs because of the enhanced synaptic transmission. The threshold could be restored to control levels by suppressing GluN3A expression or by applying the weak NMDAR blocker memantine. However, the threshold was not affected by preventing glutamate spillover from synaptic clefts. Instead, long-lasting NMDAR responses interpreted previously as activation of extrasynaptic receptors by spilled-over glutamate were caused by NMDA spikes occurring in voltage clamp mode as escape potentials. Together, the results implicate GluN3A reactivation in a broad spectrum of early-stage synaptic transmission deficits in YAC128 mice; question the current concept that NMDAR mislocalization is the pathological trigger in HD; and introduce NMDA spikes as a new candidate mechanism for coupling NMDARs to neurodegeneration.

Background: Growth hormone secretagogues (GHS), among other factors, regulate the release of GH. The biological activity of the secretagogue peptide A233 as a promoter of growth and innate immunity in teleost fish has previously been demonstrated, but its role in the immune system of mammals is not well understood. Methods: The effect of the peptide was investigated in J774A.2 macrophage cells using a comparative proteomics approach after 6 and 12 h of peptide stimulation. Results: The functional analysis of differentially modulated proteins showed that A233 peptide treatment appears to promote activation and ROS-dependent cytotoxic functions in macrophages and enhanced expression of antiviral protein complexes such as MAVS. In accordance with this hypothesis, we found that A233 treatment enhanced superoxide anion production and the IFN-γ level in J774A.2 cells and mouse splenocytes, respectively, and reduced viral load in a dengue virus mouse model of infection. Conclusions: The growth hormone secretagogue A233 peptide promotes activation of ROS-dependent cytotoxic functions and exerts immunomodulatory effects that enable an antiviral state in a dengue virus mouse model. General Significance: The increase of IFN-γ level and the differential modulation of antiviral proteins by the A233 peptide suggest that the molecule could activate an innate immune response with a possible further impact in the treatment of acute and chronic diseases.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) dominate human vaginal microbiota and inhibit pathogen proliferation. In other mammals, LAB do not dominate vaginal microbiota, however shifts of dominant microorganisms occur during ovarian cycle. The study objectives were to characterize equine vaginal microbiota in mares by culture-dependent and independent methods and to describe its variation in estrus and diestrus. Vaginal swabs from 8 healthy adult Arabian mares were obtained in estrus and diestrus. For culture-dependent processing, bacteria were isolated on Columbia blood agar (BA) and Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) agar. LAB comprised only 2% of total bacterial isolates and were not related to ovarian phases. For culture-independent processing, V3/V4 variable regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene were amplified and sequenced using Illumina Miseq. The diversity and composition of the vaginal microbiota did not change during the estrous cycle. Core equine vaginal microbiome consisted of Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria at the phylum level. At the genus level it was defined by Porphyromonas, Campylobacter, Arcanobacterium, Corynebacterium, Streptococcus, Fusobacterium, uncultured Kiritimatiaellae and Akkermansia. Lactobacillus comprised only 0.18% of the taxonomic composition in estrus and 0.37% in diestrus. No differences in the relative abundance of the most abundant phylum or genera were observed between estrus and diestrus samples.

Bifidobacteria are among the first colonisers of the gastrointestinal tract of breast-fed newborns due to, among other things, their ability to metabolise oligosaccharides naturally occurring in human milk. The presence of bifidobacteria in the infant gut has been shown to promote intestinal health and homeostasis as well as to preserve a functional gut barrier, thus positively influencing host health and well-being. Among human-associated gut commensals, Bifidobacterium bifidum has been described as the only species capable of the extracellular degradation of both mucin-type glycans and HMOs, thereby giving this species a special role as a commensal gut forager of both host and diet-derived glycans. In the present study, we assess the possible beneficial properties and probiotic potential of B. bifidum strain CNCM I-4319. In silico genome analysis and growth experiments confirmed the expected ability of this strain to consume HMOs and mucin. By employing various animal models, we were also able to assess the ability of B. bifidum CNCM I-4319 to preserve gut integrity and functionality from stress-induced and inflammatory damage, thereby enforcing its potential as an effective probiotic strain.

Sheep estrous synchronization is mainly based on progestagen-impregnated sponges which could cause vaginitis. Several species of Lactobacillus used as probiotics are commonly used in the treatment or prevention of urogenital infections in humans. However, no studies have been performed to analyze the potential use of probiotics to prevent urogenital infections in sheep. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted with 21 one-year-old ewes to develop a model of probiotic infusion in vaginal sponges in order to study their influence in ewe’s vaginal microbiota, general health status, fertility and prolificity. Synchronization of estrus was based on intravaginal sponges for 14 days. Bacterial communities (Enterobacteriaceae and lactic acid bacteria) were highly fluctuating over time and between animals. The safety of probiotic infusion (mix of Lactobacillus spp. 60% L. crispatus, 20% L. brevis and 20% L. gasseri) in the vagina of healthy ewes was firstly confirmed. Neutrophils were observed in 80% (8/10) of the control ewes compared to 36% (4/11) of the ewes in the probiotic group 2 days after sponge removal (p = 0.056). Fertility in the control and probiotic groups was 60% (6/10) and 91% (10/11), respectively p = 0.097. These results suggest that Lactobacillus spp. infusion in the ewe’s vagina does not affect general health status or fertility.

We report on the application of femtosecond laser micromachining to the fabrication of complex glass microdevices, for high-order harmonic generation in gas. The three-dimensional capabilities and extreme flexibility of femtosecond laser micromachining allow us to achieve accurate control of gas density inside the micrometer interaction channel. This device gives a considerable increase in harmonics’ generation efficiency if compared with traditional harmonic generation in gas jets. We propose different chip geometries that allow the control of the gas density and driving field intensity inside the interaction channel to achieve quasi phase-matching conditions in the harmonic generation process. We believe that these glass micro-devices will pave the way to future downscaling of high-order harmonic generation beamlines.

The use of construction and demolition wastes (C&DW) is a trending future option for the sustainability of construction. In this context, a number of works deal with the use of recycled concrete aggregates to produce concrete for structural and non-structural purposes. Nowadays, an important number of C&DW management plants in the European Union (EU) and other countries have developed robust protocols to obtain high-quality coarse recycled aggregates that comply with different European standards in order to be used to produce new concrete. The development of self-compacting concrete (SCC) is another way to boost the sustainability of construction, due to the important reduction of energy employed. Using recycled aggregates is a relatively recent scientific area, however, studies on this material in the manufacture of self-compacting concrete have proven the feasibility thereof for conventional structural elements as well as high-performance and complex structural elements, densely reinforced structures, difficult-to-access formwork and difficult-to-vibrate elements. This paper presents an original study on the use of coarse recycled concrete aggregate (CRA) to obtain self-compacting concrete. Concrete with substitution ratios of 20%, 50% and 100% are compared with a control concrete. The purpose of this comparison is to check the influence of CRA on fresh SCC as well as its physical and mechanical properties. The parameters studied are material characterization, self-compactability, compressive strength, and tensile and flexural strength of the resulting concrete. The results conclude that it is feasible to use CRA for SCC production with minimal losses in the characteristics.