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We utilize 3D seismic data and robust rock-physics models, combined with a well dataset, to investigate the subsurface of the Mundaú sub-basin, Brazil. Seismic attributes analysis and unsupervised machine-learning approaches were able to produce high-resolution images to allow the mapping of the 3D geometry of ancient geomorphological features across stratigraphic levels, from the Albian to the Turonian interval. Significant deep-water elements were identified using seismic attributes and machine-learning techniques (i.e. channel complex, point bars, feeder channels, faults, depocentres, dendritic lobes, smaller channels and distributaries). In addition, the petrophysical analysis enhanced the subsurface characterization by employing a deep convolutional network that allowed S-wave modelling and synthetic seismic generation. The well-log data analysis validated interpretation of sand-prone deposits; in addition, the rock-physics modelling provided insight into the deposited lithologies. After the petrophysical analysis, seismic facies classification was performed using machine-learning techniques, including self-organizing maps and independent component analysis, which provided valuable insights into the geomorphology of this under-researched basin. The enhancement of seismic and petrophysical data with machine learning proves to be a useful technique for better characterizing this basin. This approach may be used on similar frontier hydrocarbon basins to help de-risk petroleum exploration.

Electrospinning has been considered a straightforward way of producing nanofibers. In this work we are analyzing non-conventional approaches of the electrospinning process to better understand and explore the effect of electrostatic interactions. The processes we are investigating include the insertion of polymer inside the electric field keeping the capillary for polymer injection at a floating potential. Also, we are investigating different electrode configurations including: same as electrospinning (with and without polarization of the capillary for polymer injection), parallel macro electrodes and, microelectrodes (with tip to tip alignment). Image analysis reveals the occurrence of instabilities/oscillations of the polymer flow (caused by redistribution of charges). Improvement of polymer flow directionality and fiber diameter reduction are observed in comparison with conventional electrospinning. Fiber orientation can be obtained using parallel macro electrodes and micro electrodes.

In this work, we analyzed the advantages of using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized with natural extracts in ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) protective cream. The photodegradation properties of the new UV-Vis protective milk show an increase in its absorption band compared to AgNP-free cream. Previous to the study of the AgNPs mixed within the body milk, we studied the optical UV-Vis properties of extracts at different collection times, as they can influence the spectral range of UV-Vis absorption of the hybrid compound (AgNPs + natural extract). Shape and size of the AgNPs differs from the type of reducing agent as well as the concentration of silver nitrate used. We also compared the cytotoxicity in cell lines and the antibacterial effect of the AgNPs without and with organic coating. All these studies showed that we obtained hybrid sun-protective body milk with a high degree of solar protection and with low cytotoxicity at a cellular level, thus improving its protective properties. The synthetized hybrid compound could be a possible cost-affordable alternative for the market.

Digital health literacy influences decision-making in health. There are no validated instruments to evaluate the digital literacy about COVID-19 in Spanish-speaking countries. This study aimed to validate the Digital Health Literacy Instrument (DHLI) about COVID-19 adapted to Spanish (COVID-DHLI-Spanish) in university students and to describe its most important results. A cross-sectional study was developed with 2318 university students from Spain, Puerto Rico, and Ecuador. Internal consistency was measured with Cronbach’s alpha and principal component analysis. Construct validity was analyzed using Spearman’s correlations and the Kruskal–Wallis test. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was good for the global scale (Cronbach’s alpha 0.69, 95% CI 0.67) as well as for its dimensions. A total of 51.1% (n = 946) of students had sufficient digital literacy, 40.1% (n = 742) had problematic digital literacy, and 8.8% (n = 162) had inadequate digital literacy. The DHLI was directly and significantly correlated with age, subjective social perception, sense of coherence, and well-being (p < 0.001). The average digital literacy was higher in men than in women, in students older than 22 years, and in those with greater satisfaction with online information (p < 0.001). The COVID-DHLI-Spanish is useful for measuring the digital literacy about COVID-19 in Spanish-speaking countries. This study suggests gaps by gender and socioeconomic perception.

Few studies have evaluated and contrasted the lifestyles and quality of life of university students by academic discipline. We compared university students&rsquo, lifestyle and quality of life, and schools&rsquo, compliance with health promotion guidelines. Then, needs were ranked and prioritized. This was a cross-sectional study carried out in a public university in Northeastern Mexico. Higher education students with no visual or hearing impairment from six different academic disciplines were included (N = 5443). A self-administered and anonymous questionnaire was applied that included the HPLP (Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile) and SF-12 scales. A check list was employed for measuring 26 on-site schools&rsquo, compliance with health promotion guidelines, and needs were ranked using Z-scores. The mean lifestyle was 53.9 &plusmn, 14.8 and the mean quality of life was 69.7 &plusmn, 5. Men had healthier lifestyles with more exercise and better stress management. The mean compliance with health promotion guidelines was 58.7%. Agricultural Sciences students had the highest need for improving both lifestyle and quality of life. Arts, Education, and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, and Social and Administrative Sciences schools ranked first in need for health promotion actions. The methodology used allowed hierarchization of areas requiring planning and implementation of specific actions, and the results indicated that healthy lifestyles and quality of life should be a priority.

This study focuses on the development of a new hybrid biological material to be applied in the production of electrical energy. These organo-metallic cells are constituted by cyanobacteria (Fischerella muscicola) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). AgNPs were obtained by green synthesis using the extract of the fruit of theBerberis halliiplant as reducing agent with two different concentrations of silver nitrate (AgNO3), 1 and 10 mM. The morphology, physicochemical and electrical properties of the cyanobacteria with and without AgNPs were evaluated. To verify the efficacy of this new material, and the effect of the medium used, Nitrofoska or BG-11, the growth kinetics was evaluated by UV-vis up tot= 63 d with and without renewal of the culture medium and O2/CO2exchange. Through morphological characterizations ofFischerella muscicolait was possible to identify the presence of an associated bacterium identified using molecular techniques asPseudomona guguanensithat could act as a supporting organism in the growth of this cyanobacteria. The studies carried out did not shown cell toxicity for the cultures that have AgNPs and on the other hand, it was observed that the hybrid cells (Cy-AgNPs) are electron carriers recording an increase of up to 57% and 18% in their electrical potential with BG-11 and Nitrofoska culture media, respectively and an increase in the anodic current peak of 6.5% of Cy-AgNPs respect to onlyF. musicola.

Comment in Protecting fetal development. [Science. 2019]; International audience; Elevated levels of type I interferon (IFN) during pregnancy are associated with intrauterine growth retardation, preterm birth, and fetal demise through mechanisms that are not well understood. A critical step of placental development is the fusion of trophoblast cells into a multinucleated syncytiotrophoblast (ST) layer. Fusion is mediated by syncytins, proteins deriving from ancestral endogenous retroviral envelopes. Using cultures of human trophoblasts or mouse cells, we show that IFN-induced transmembrane proteins (IFITMs), a family of restriction factors blocking the entry step of many viruses, impair ST formation and inhibit syncytin-mediated fusion. Moreover, the IFN inducer polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid promotes fetal resorption and placental abnormalities in wild-type but not in Ifitm-deleted mice. Thus, excessive levels of IFITMs may mediate the pregnancy complications observed during congenital infections and other IFN-induced pathologies.

INTRODUCTION: For more than a decade, after the ECTRIMS Congress, Spain has hosted the Post-ECTRIMS meeting, where neurologists with expertise in multiple sclerosis (MS) meet to review the new developments presented at the ECTRIMS. AIM: This article, published in two parts, summarises the presentations of the post-ECTRIMS meeting, held online on 16 and 17 October 2020. DEVELOPMENT: This second part highlights the importance of gender and age in understanding the pathology of the disease and optimising its management. The advances made in paediatric MS, from a neuropsychological and neuroimaging point of view, are presented. In turn, special attention is paid to the findings that contribute to a more personalised approach to therapy and to choosing the best treatment strategy (pharmacological and non-pharmacological) for each patient. Similarly, results related to possible strategies to promote remyelination are addressed. Although there are no major advances in the treatment of progressive forms, some quantitative methods for the classification of these patients are highlighted. In addition, the study also includes results on potential tools for assessment and treatment of cognitive deficits, and some relevant aspects observed in the spectrum of neuromyelitis optica disorders. Finally, the results of the papers considered as breaking news at the ECTRIMS-ACTRIMS are detailed. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the advances presented were related to the knowledge of paediatric MS, remyelination strategies and cognitive assessment in MS.

Maternal pregestational obesity is a well-known risk factor for offspring obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The mechanisms by which maternal obesity can induce alterations in fetal and later neonatal metabolism are not fully elucidated due to its complexity and multifactorial causes. Two adipokines, leptin and adiponectin, are involved in fetal and postnatal growth trajectories, and both are altered in women with pregestational obesity. The placenta synthesizes leptin, which goes mainly to the maternal circulation and in lesser amount to the developing fetus. Maternal pregestational obesity and hyperleptinemia are associated with placental dysfunction and changes in nutrient transporters which directly affect fetal growth and development. By the other side, the embryo can produce its own leptin from early in development, which is associated to fetal weight and adiposity. Adiponectin, an insulin-sensitizing adipokine, is downregulated in maternal obesity. High molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin is the most abundant form and with most biological actions. In maternal obesity lower total and HMW adiponectin levels have been described in the mother, paralleled with high levels in the umbilical cord. Several studies have found that cord blood adiponectin levels are related with postnatal growth trajectories, and it has been suggested that low adiponectin levels in women with pregestational obesity enhance placental insulin sensitivity and activation of placental amino acid transport systems, supporting fetal overgrowth. The possible mechanisms by which maternal pregestational obesity, focusing in the actions of leptin and adiponectin, affects the fetal development and postnatal growth trajectories in their offspring are discussed.

The connection of the University with the community to which it belongs is one of the basic principles on which the former is based. A community will be healthy as long as there are many connections between the individuals and sub-groups that form it. Working on health promotion, talking about participation and participatory models implies the assumption that people and communities have the right to self-manage. Implementing participation will involve opening up possibilities for co-management, autonomy, understanding of dynamic realities, the formalization of alliances, the transformation of contexts, and forms of relationship. It will involve understanding health as a right. Networking is fundamental in an interconnected and global world. Since its inception, the Project of Health Promoting Universities has been built with the participation of the university community towards improving the conditions for health, quality of life and well-being of all members of the community. Universities are ideal scenarios to implement strategies to improve the lifestyles of their members that also transcend to the university spaces and positively affect the lives of people on and off campus. The networks of Health Promoting Universities in Latin America were institutionalized in 2003, and took the form of the Ibero-American Network of Health Promoting Universities in 2007 within the framework of the third Conference on Health Promoting Universities held in the city of Juarez, Mexico. In 2008, the Spanish Network of Healthy Universities was created in Spain, in order to enhance the role of universities as environments that promote the health and well-being of their students, their staff and society, leading and supporting processes of social change.

Resumen: La vinculación de la universidad con la comunidad a la que pertenece es uno de los principios básicos en los que esta institución se sustenta. Una comunidad será saludable en la medida en que existan múltiples conexiones entre los individuos y las subagrupaciones que la integran. Al trabajar en promoción de la salud, hablar de participación y de modelos participativos implica asumir que personas y comunidades tienen el derecho de autogestionarse. Viabilizar la participación implicará abrir posibilidades para la cogestión, la autonomía, la comprensión de realidades dinámicas, la formalización de alianzas y la transformación de contextos y formas de relación. Implicará entender la salud como un derecho. El trabajo en red es fundamental en un mundo interconectado y global. El Proyecto de Universidades Promotoras de Salud se construye desde sus inicios con la participación de la comunidad universitaria con el objetivo de mejorar las condiciones para la salud, la calidad de vida y el bienestar de todos los miembros de la comunidad. Las universidades son escenarios idóneos para implementar estrategias de mejora de los estilos de vida de sus miembros, que además trasciendan a los espacios universitarios y afecten positivamente a la vida de las personas dentro y fuera de los campus. Las redes de Universidades Promotoras de la Salud en América Latina se institucionalizaron en el año 2003, y tomaron forma de Red Iberoamericana de Universidades Promotoras de la Salud en 2007, en el marco del III Congreso de Universidades Promotoras de la Salud desarrollado en Ciudad Juárez, México. En España se creó en 2008 la Red Española de Universidades Saludables con el objetivo de reforzar el papel de las universidades como entornos promotores de la salud y el bienestar tanto de sus estudiantes como de su personal y de la sociedad, liderando y apoyando procesos de cambio social. Abstract: The connection of the University with the community to which it belongs is one of the basic principles on which the former is based. A community will be healthy as long as there are many connections between the individuals and sub-groups that form it. Working on health promotion, talking about participation and participatory models implies the assumption that people and communities have the right to self-manage. Implementing participation will involve opening up possibilities for co-management, autonomy, understanding of dynamic realities, the formalization of alliances, the transformation of contexts, and forms of relationship. It will involve understanding health as a right. Networking is fundamental in an interconnected and global world. Since its inception, the Project of Health Promoting Universities has been built with the participation of the university community towards improving the conditions for health, quality of life and well-being of all members of the community. Universities are ideal scenarios to implement strategies to improve the lifestyles of their members that also transcend to the university spaces and positively affect the lives of people on and off campus. The networks of Health Promoting Universities in Latin America were institutionalized in 2003, and took the form of the Ibero-American Network of Health Promoting Universities in 2007 within the framework of the third Conference on Health Promoting Universities held in the city of Juarez, Mexico. In 2008, the Spanish Network of Healthy Universities was created in Spain, in order to enhance the role of universities as environments that promote the health and well-being of their students, their staff and society, leading and supporting processes of social change. Palabras clave: Universidad, Promoción de la salud, Participación comunitaria, Redes, Entorno, Comunidad, Keywords: University, Health promotion, Community participation, Networks, Environment, Community

Las universidades de Iberoamérica han desarrollado importantes acciones para el fortalecimiento de la promoción de la salud en la región. Las acciones universitarias incluyen: la capacitación profesional especializada, el desarrollo de actividades de investigación, el desarrollo de publicaciones, el apoyo a las redes académicas-profesionales, el desarrollo de eventos científicos y profesionales, la incorporación en las universidades de los Centros Colaboradores de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) y Organización Panamericana de la Salud (OPS), vinculados a la promoción de la salud y el desarrollo de las cátedras de promoción de la salud, entre otras actividades. El Movimiento de Universidades Promotoras de la Salud surge a partir del año 2003 en América Latina con alcance Iberoamericano. El Movimiento de Universidades Promotoras de la Salud ha demostrado, en sus 10 años de implantación en Iberoamérica, que es una iniciativa idónea para fortalecer la salud mediante el ideario y la praxis de la promoción de la salud.

Background & Aims Increased activity of the vascular Akt/eNOS signaling pathway is involved in the hemodynamic and renal complications developed by patients and rats with cirrhosis and ascites. This occurs in the setting of impaired Akt/eNOS activity within the cirrhotic liver. Here we assessed the feasibility of selectively inhibiting vascular eNOS without further impairing the intrahepatic activity of this enzyme. Ultimately, we sought to determine whether endothelial transduction of a constitutively inactive mutant of Akt (AA-Akt) improves circulatory function and sodium excretion in cirrhotic rats with ascites. Methods First, we administered recombinant adenoviruses that encode the β-galactosidase gene (β-gal) to 5 control rats and 5 cirrhotic rats with ascites and analyzed their tissue distribution by chemiluminescence. Next, urine samples were obtained from 18 cirrhotic rats with ascites and then the animal randomly received saline or adenoviruses containing the β-gal or the AA-Akt genes. Following a 24-h urine collection period, hemodynamic studies were performed and tissue samples were obtained to analyze Akt and eNOS expressions. Results No β-gal activity was detected in the liver of cirrhotic rats compared to that of controls. This was paralleled by increased β-gal activity in other territories such as the thoracic aorta. AA-Akt transduction improved systemic hemodynamics, splanchnic perfusion pressure and renal excretory function in comparison with cirrhotic rats transduced with β-gal adenoviruses or receiving saline. Moreover, the AA-Akt transgene did not modify portal pressure. Conclusions Inactivation of extrahepatic vascular Akt and the concomitant decrease in nitric oxide expression ameliorate systemic hemodynamics and renal excretory function in experimental cirrhosis.

The outcome of patients with cirrhosis and chronic kidney disease treated with combined liver-kidney transplantation (CLKT) is not well known because most series of patients treated with CLKT include not only patients with cirrhosis but also patients with inherited diseases without cirrhosis. To evaluate to what extent the combined kidney transplantation impairs posttransplantation outcome compared to liver transplantation (LT) alone, the outcome of patients with cirrhosis and chronic kidney disease treated with CLKT (n = 20) was compared to that of a group of patients with cirrhosis without chronic kidney disease treated with LT alone matched by age, sex, year of transplantation and severity of cirrhosis (n = 60). The primary end point of the study was survival, and secondary end points were outcome of renal function and complications within 6 months of transplantation. Patients with CLKT had a higher incidence of bacterial infections and transfusion requirements compared to LT patients. The incidence of acute renal failure during the first 6 months was similar, yet the severity of renal failure was greater in patients with CLKT. Hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stays were longer in the CLKT group. One- and three-year survival probabilities in patients treated with CLKT were 80 and 75% compared to 97 and 88%, respectively, in patients treated with LT. In conclusion, CLKT for patients with cirrhosis and chronic kidney disease is associated with a relatively high frequency of postoperative complications that moderately impairs short-term survival. However, 3-year survival of patients with cirrhosis treated with CLKT is excellent.

Electrospinning has been considered a straightforward way of producing nano and micro fibers. In this work we are analyzing variations of the conventional electrospinning process to better understand and explore the effect of electrostatic interactions. The variations we are investigating include the insertion of polymer inside the electric field keeping the capillary for polymer injection at a floating potential. In this way we are exploring different mechanisms of charge induction. Also, we are using different setup configurations including: same as electrospinning, parallel macro and micro electrodes. Image analysis reveals the occurrence of instabilities/oscillations of the polymer flow (caused by redistribution of charges) leading to the deposition of fibers and improving polymer flow directionality. Fiber orientation on the substrate can be obtained using parallel macro and micro electrodes.

Portal hypertension is a clinical syndrome defined by a portal venous pressure gradient exceeding 5 mm Hg. 1 Cirrhosis is the most common cause of portal hypertension in the Western world.' The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the current understanding of the pathophysiology and treatment of portal hypertension.

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a complex syndrome. In addition to severe reduction of renal function due to renal vasoconstriction, there is impairment in systemic haemodynamics, activation of the renin-angiotensin and sympathetic nervous systems and antidiuretic hormone, vasoconstriction of the brain, muscle and skin, and dilutional hyponatraemia. Treatment in patients with type 2 HRS, the most frequent form of HRS, is directed towards managing refractory ascites. Paracentesis is the treatment of choice. TIPS is also effective but is more expensive, is associated with higher incidence of hepatic encephalopathy, and does not increase survival. Although a rapidly progressive renal failure is the most characteristic manifestation of type 1 HRS, there is failure in other organs such as the liver and the brain. A decrease in cardiac output develops in these patients, associated with a decrease in cardiopulmonary pressures. Since type 1 HRS mainly occurs in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and massive release of cytokines within the peritoneal cavity, it may be considered as a special form of multiorgan failure of circulatory origin. Not surprisingly, the treatment of choice in type 1 HRS is the combination of vasoconstrictors to reduce arterial vasodilation and plasma volume expansion with albumin to increase cardiac preload. TIPS is also effective in these patients and the combination of pharmacological treatment followed by TIPS may be the most effective approach.

Renal function abnormalities and ascites in cirrhosis are the final consequence of a circulatory dysfunction characterized by marked splanchnic arterial vasodilation. This causes a reduction in effective arterial blood volume and the homoeostatic activation of vasoconstrictor and sodium-retaining systems. Albumin is very effective in preventing renal failure associated with large-volume paracentesis and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, conditions that are known to cause an impairment of circulatory function in patients with cirrhosis and ascites. Moreover, albumin administration improves survival in patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. In patients with hepatorenal syndrome the administration of vasoconstrictor drugs in combination with albumin improves circulatory and renal function markedly and survival slightly. By contrast, the administration of albumin without vasoconstrictors has marginal or no effects on renal function in this setting.

Albumin was introduced initially in the treatment of patients with cirrhosis and ascites to increase serum albumin concentration due to its oncotic effect. Although its administration declined some years later, at present it constitutes an essential treatment in clinical hepatology. Several studies have clearly demonstrated its efficacy in the prevention and treatment of circulatory dysfunction and hepatorenal syndrome in patients with cirrhosis. These effects can be due not only to its properties as a plasma expander but also to its capacity to bind numerous substances such as bile acids, nitric oxide and cytokines. Based on this capacity an albumin dialysis system (MARS) has recently been developed. The usefulness of this system in the management of patients with acute and chronic liver failure is, at present, under evaluation.