Facultad de Ciencias
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- Air lime renders with microencapsulated phase change materials: assessment of microstructural and thermal properties(Elsevier, 2024-11-22) Alvarez-Galindo, J.I. (José Ignacio); Rubio-Aguinaga, A. (Andrea); Navarro-Blasco, I. (Iñigo); Fernandez-Alvarez, J.M. (José María)Microencapsulated phase change materials (PCMs) have been successfully integrated into air lime-based rendering mortars to enhance thermal properties, aiming to boost the thermal efficiency of the buildings in which are applied. Two microencapsulated PCMs, with melting points at 18℃ and 24℃, were seamlessly introduced into fresh rendering mortars in varying proportions (5%, 10%, and 20% by weight of lime), in formulations that include different chemical additives, such as a superplasticizer (polycarboxylate ether) and an adhesion enhancer (starch-based additive). In some mixes, metakaolin (MK) was also added as a mineral admixture. Starch addition was seen to promote the formation of aragonite and vaterite (calcium carbonate polymorphs), facilitating the smooth integration of microcapsules within the lime matrix. Hotbox simulations with tested materials containing as low as 0.01 - 0.04 g of PCM per gram of dry mortar, yielded outstanding energy efficiency values (822.4 and 732.8 kJ/m2, respectively, for PCMs with melting points at 18℃ and 24℃). Temperature attenuations of up to 6.1°C during the heating stage and up to 3.9°C during the cooling stages were observed. This outcome not only emphasizes the potential for enhancing thermal efficiency through PCM incorporation into air lime renders but also hints at a remarkable future for energy-efficient construction materials.
- The role of the adenylate kinase 5 gene in various diseases and cancer(Cambridge University Press, 2024) Sarim-Siddiqui, M. (M.); Saez-Castresana, J. (Javier); Shahi, M.H. (Mehdi Hayat)Adenylate kinases (AKs) are important enzymes involved in cellular energy metabolism. Among AKs, AK5 (adenylate kinase 5), a cytosolic protein, is emerging as a significant contributor to various diseases and cellular processes. This comprehensive review integrates findings from various research groups on AK5 since its discovery, shedding light on its multifaceted roles in nucleotide metabolism, energy regulation, and cellular differentiation. We investigate its implications in a spectrum of diseases, including autoimmune encephalitis, epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, diabetes, lower extremity arterial disease, celiac disease, and various cancers. Notably, AK5’s expression levels and methylation status have been associated with cancer progression and patient outcomes, indicating its potential as a prognostic indicator. Furthermore, AK5 is implicated in regulating cellular processes in breast cancer, gastric cancer, colorectal carcinoma, prostate cancer, and colon adenocarcinoma, suggesting its relevance across different cancer types. However, a limitation lies in the need for more robust clinical validation and a deeper understanding of AK5’s precise mechanisms in disease pathogenesis, despite its association with various pathophysiological conditions. Nonetheless, AK5 holds promise as a therapeutic target, with emerging evidence suggesting its potential in therapy development.
- Granular internal dynamics in a silo discharged with a conveyor belt(Cambridge University Press, 2021) Zuriguel-Ballaz, I. (Iker); Maza-Ozcoidi, D. (Diego); Gella, D. (Diego)The dynamics of granular media within a silo in which the grain velocities are controlled by a conveyor belt has been experimentally investigated. To this end, the building of coarse-grained field maps of different magnitudes has allowed a deep analysis of the flow properties as a function of two parameters: the orifice size and the belt velocity. First, the internal dynamics of the particles within the silo has been fully characterized by the solid fraction, the velocity of the particles and the kinetic stress. Then, the analysis of the vertical profiles of the same magnitude (plus the acceleration) has allowed connection of the internal dynamics with the flow rate. In particular, we show that the gamma parameter – which accounts for the integration of the normalized acceleration along the vertical direction – can successfully discriminate the kind of flow established within the silo (from the quasistatic regime to the free discharge) depending on the outlet size and belt velocity.
- Interactions between struvite and humic acid and consequences on fertilizer efficiency in a nonacidic soil(American Chemical Society, 2024) Seminario, I. (Iñigo); García-Mina, J.M. (José María); Erro, J. (Javier)The effect of humic acid extracted from peat (AHt) on improving the struvite (STR) fertilizing efficiency is explored. To this end, a soil incubation study is correlated to plant assays comparing STR, STR-AHt, and superphosphate (SSP). Characterization techniques confirm the incorporation of the AHt into the STR. The P-pool distribution of STR and SSP is similar in the soil incubation, with STR-AHt presenting a higher labile P at 90 days passing from 10 to 15% P from SSP and STR to 25% P with STR-AHt. However, when applied to barley and tomato, STR yields more shoot P content, aboveground biomass, and residual P in soil than SSP. STR-AHt does not improve the STR results. The poor correlation observed between soil incubation and plant trials highlights the role of the rhizosphere in testing the fertilizer efficiency of STR. Mechanistic assays indicate the key role of rhizosphere pH. Finally, molecular modeling reveals a higher stabilization of STR with AHt, which could reduce P release decreasing the fertilizing potential of STR-AHt, as observed in the pot trials.
- Elevated CO2 alleviates the exacerbation of evapotranspiration rates of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) under elevated temperature(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Kozikova, D. (Daria); Pascual, I. (Inmaculada); Martinez-Lüscher, J.D. (Johann David); Goicoechea, N. (Nieves)Climate change is increasing crop water consumption while reducing precipitations in most places where grapevines are grown. This study aimed to quantify whole-plant water consumption of grapevines under climate change factors to determine what are the biggest contributors to changes in evapotranspiration under climate change conditions. Two experiments were carried out: i) Cabernet Sauvignon grafted onto 110 R grown in the temperature gradient greenhouses (TGG) exposed to elevated CO2 (700 μmol mol− 1) and/or elevated temperature (+4 ◦C) and ii) Tempranillo vegetative cuttings grown in the controlled environment greenhouses (CEG) exposed to ambient CO2 and standard temperatures (i.e CA24◦C) or elevated CO2 combined with elevated temperature (i.e CE28◦C) under cyclic water deficit conditions. In the overall, the combination of elevated CO2 and elevated temperature did not increase pot evapotranspiration, and in the only case this happened, it was mediated by a greater leaf area per plant. There was an interaction in which CO2 compensated for the increase in evapotranspiration induced by elevated temperature. Plants under elevated CO2 and elevated temperature (CETE) had lower stomatal conductance which resulted in similar transpiration rates to plants under ambient CO2 and ambient temperature conditions (CATA) despites the 4 ◦C increase. Net assimilation was greater under elevated CO2, and thus, instantaneous water use efficiency (WUE). Pot evapotranspiration was correlated to parameters such as leaf area per plant, gas exchange transpiration rates, reference evapotranspiration and plant available water content in the substrate. Pot lysimeters are a good compromise to study whole-plant water consumption rates under controlled conditions. Climate change conditions will likely continue to threat the sustainability of crops due to water shortages, however, our results point out that the interaction between elevated temperature and CO2 should be considered. The sensitivity of plant responses to elevated CO2 could be exploited as a key trait for the adaptation of crops to climate change.
- Tiebas Castle’ tuiles vernissées: Characterization, raw clay provenance, and manufacturing technology(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Durán, A. (Adrián); Lasheras, E. (Esther); Ruiz-Ardanaz, I. (Iván); Úriz-Asiain, O. (Orreaga)Tiebas Castle was built between 1254 and 1264 as a royal residence of the kings of Navarre. The Castle was decorated with architectural luxuries imported from the French court. Some decorative elements of this French style are the polychrome roof tiles, called tuiles verniss ́ees; and the glazed floor tiles, called carreaux de pavement. Both are the unique that have been found in the Iberian Peninsula. Elemental and mineralogical analysis allowed us to distinguish two different types of pastes that were used for both tuiles verniss ́ees and carreaux de pavement: yellowish and reddish. The reddish paste was composed mainly of quartz, and to a lesser extent of haematite and illite. The yellow pastes were very rich in calcite and other calcium-bearing minerals (gehlenite, anorthite, diopside or wollastonite) and poorer in quartz and haematite. The different colour tones of the yellow paste samples allowed them to be classified into five subgroups (YP-1, YP-2, YP-3, YP-4, and YP-5). This classification turned out to coincide with a somewhat different mineral composition. The study of the mineral phases newly formed (gehlenite, anorthite, diopside and wollastonite) or destroyed (illite) during firing allowed us to estimate the maximum firing temperature of each of the subgroups. The temperature ranges for each subgroup were as follows: 750–800 ◦C (YP-5), 850–900 ◦C (YP-4), 900–925 ◦C (YP-3), 925–950 ◦C (YP-2), and 950–1000 ◦C (YP- 1). The study of its possible raw materials allowed us to identify that the yellow pastes from tuiles vernissées and carreaux de pavement were prepared from a mixture of two clays. One of them was the decalcification clay (A15 clay) with which they also made the reddish pastes. The other component of the mixture was the marl from Castle hill. The proportion that the artisans used of both raw materials was 1:2 (twice as much marl as decalcification clay).
- Impact of a longitudinal course on medical professionalism on the empathy of medical students(Elsevier, 2024) García-del-Barrio, L. (Loreto); Rodriguez-Diez, M.C. (María Cristina); Arbea, L. (Leire); Diez-Goñi, N. (Nieves); Gea, A. (Alfredo); Pereira, J. (José)Objective: Medical education should enhance empathy. We examined, using self-assessment instruments and standardized patients (SPs), the impact on empathy, of a multi-year intervention (years 4–6 of medical training) that uses reflective learning approaches. Methods: 241 final-year medical students participated; 110 from the 2018 graduation class (non-intervention group) and 131 from the 2019 graduation class (intervention group). Participants completed two self-reported empathy questionnaires – the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Students (JSE-S) and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) – and a personality questionnaire, the NEO Five-Factor Inventory. Additionally, SPs in a simulated station assessed participants’ empathy with two patient-reported instruments: the Consultation and Relational Empathy (CARE) scale and the Jefferson Scale of Patient Perceptions of Physician Empathy (JSPPPE). Results: Empathy scores were significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the non-intervention group when assessed by the SP (p < 0.001). No differences were found in self-reported questionnaires between the two groups. Conclusion: A longitudinal, multi-year reflection-based intervention enhanced empathy amongst medical students as assessed by SPs, but not when assessed by student self-reported measures. Practice Implications: Multi-year reflective learning interventions during clinical training nurture empathy in medical students. Assessments completed by SPs or patients may enhance the evaluation of empathy.
- Protein biomarkers in lung cancer screening: technical considerations and feasibility assessment(Elsevier, 2024) Seijo, L. (Luis); Calle-Arroyo, C. (Carlos) de la; Pineda-Lucena, A. (Antonio); Detterbeck, F. (Frank); Bernasconi-Bisio, F. (Franco); Johansson, M. (Mattias); Montuenga-Badia, L.M. (Luis M.); Orive-Mauleón, D. (Daniel); Hung, J.R. (Rayjean); Valencia, K. (Karmele); Echepare, M. (Mirari); Robbins, H.A. (Hilary); Fernandez-Sanmamed, M. (Miguel)Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, mainly due to late diagnosis and the presence of metastases. Several countries around the world have adopted nation-wide LDCT-based lung cancer screening that will benefit patients, shifting the stage at diagnosis to earlier stages with more therapeutic options. Biomarkers can help to optimize the screening process, as well as refine the TNM stratification of lung cancer patients, providing information regarding prognostics and recommending management strategies. Moreover, novel adjuvant strategies will clearly benefit from previous knowledge of the potential aggressiveness and biological traits of a given early-stage surgically resected tumor. This review focuses on proteins as promising biomarkers in the context of lung cancer screening. Despite great efforts, there are still no successful examples of biomarkers in lung cancer that have reached the clinics to be used in early detection and early management. Thus, the field of biomarkers in early lung cancer remains an evident unmet need. A more specific objective of this review is to present an up-to-date technical assessment of the potential use of protein biomarkers in early lung cancer detection and management. We provide an overview regarding the benefits, challenges, pitfalls and constraints in the development process of protein-based biomarkers. Additionally, we examine how a number of emerging protein analytical technologies may contribute to the optimization of novel robust biomarkers for screening and effective management of lung cancer.
- European water frame directive ecoregions do not adequately represent freshwater fish biogeography(Elsevier B.V., 2024) Miranda, R. (Rafael); Miqueleiz-Legaz, I. (Imanol); Cancellario, T. (Tommaso)The quest to understand species’ distribution patterns and delineate their limits has led to the establishment of the world’s ecoregions, large units of land containing a distinct assemblage of species, both for terrestrial and marine ecosystems. However, freshwaters constitute their own special case within terrestrial ecosystems, and have only recently been divided into freshwater ecoregions, primarily based on watershed limits. Freshwater ecoregions used by the European Water Frame Directive (WFD), which guides freshwater management policies in the European Union, have been criticized for not adequately representing freshwater fish biogeography. This study compares the geographic agreement between WFD ecoregions and freshwater fish distribution at the European scale. Using IUCN Red List distribution maps, we determined the composition of freshwater fish communities in major European basins. Then, we calculated a similarity matrix in order to cluster freshwater basins with more related fish assemblages. We compare our findings with WFD ecoregions and global ecoregions from the Freshwater Ecoregions of the World (FEOW) database. Our results reveal that WFD ecoregions do not sufficiently capture freshwater fish assemblage differences across Europe. Mediterranean basins exhibit high freshwater fish endemism and greater species variation, whereas central European basins harbor more similar fauna. Overall, our results align more with those of FEOW. To enhance the relevance of freshwater ecoregions in Europe for management and conservation, we propose several measures to ensure a comprehensive study involving all stakeholders in the process of defining these ecoregions accurately.
- Grapevine varieties show different sensitivities to flavonoid alterations caused by high temperatures under two irrigation conditions(Elsevier Ltd., 2024) Pascual, I. (Inmaculada); Martinez-Lüscher, J.D. (Johann David); Goicoechea, N. (Nieves); Antolin-Bellver, M.C. (M. Carmen); Irigoyen, J.J. (Juan Jose)This study aimed to assess the response of four red grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) varieties to elevated temperature, drought and their combination, focusing on the concentration and profile of grape flavonoids. Fruit-bearing cuttings of Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Grenache grew in greenhouses under, either ambient temperature (T) or ambient temperature + 4 ◦C (T+4). Plants also received either full irrigation (FI, substrate field capacity) or deficit irrigation (DI, 50 % substrate field capacity). In general, T+4 decreased the concentration of anthocyanins, but DI mitigated this effect. T+4 and DI increased the abundance of methylated anthocyanins and flavonols with additive effects. Grapes under T+4 had higher abundance of acylated anthocyanins, while DI increased the proportion of tri-hydroxylated anthocyanins and flavonols. The impact of interacting elevated temperature and drought on grape composition was genotype dependent. In terms of anthocyanin concentration and profile, Tempranillo was the most affected variety, whereas Grenache was less sensitive.