Performance of graphene oxide as a water-repellent coating nanomaterial to extend the service life of concrete structures.

Surface treatments help to protect the built heritage against damage (environmental, accidental, etc.), reducing repair and restitution costs and increasing the useful life of building materials. The use of nanomaterials is currently the most important field of research in surface treatment technology for the preservation of building materials and, more specifically, to improve their durability and prevent their deterioration, extending their useful life. This paper studies the influence of a graphene oxide (GO) suspension as a surface treatment on the properties of concrete. The results indicate that, at best, surface treatment with GO can decrease both the water absorption and capillary absorption of concrete by about 15 %. The increase in the amount of GO deposited as a surface treatment leads to a further reduction in concrete water absorption. It is shown that, at best, GO coating also reduces water penetration at low and high pressures by approximately 20 % and 60 %, respectively. In addition, scanning electron microscopy analysis shows that GO surface treatment facilitates the hydration process and densifies the concrete microstructure. A simple aqueous suspension of GO is revealed as a tool with a high potential to protect concrete surfaces in a fast and cost-effective way, thanks to the easy application by spraying and the small amount of material needed to obtain great results.

Partial and asymmetrical reproductive isolation between two sympatric tropical shrub species: Cnidoscolus aconitifolius and C. souzae (Euphorbiaceae).

Reproductive isolation is conferred by several barriers that occur at different stages of reproduction. Comprehensive reviews on the topic have identified that barriers occurring prior to zygote formation are often stronger than those that occur afterward. However, the overrepresentation of temperate perennial herbs in the current literature precludes any generalization of this pattern to plants that present other life forms and patterns of distribution. Here, we assessed reproductive isolation barriers and their absolute contribution to reproductive isolation and asymmetry in Cnidoscolus aconitifolius and C. souzae, two closely related tropical shrub species that co-occur on the Yucatan peninsula. The reproductive barriers assessed were phenological mismatch, pollinator differentiation, pollen-pistil incompatibility (three pre-zygotic barriers), fruit set failure, and seed unviability (post-zygotic barriers). Reproductive isolation between the study species was found to be complete in the direction C. aconitifolius to C. souzae, but only partial in the opposite direction. One post-zygotic barrier was the strongest example. Most barriers, particularly the pre-zygotic examples, were asymmetrical and predicted the direction of heterospecific pollen flow and hybrid formation from C. souzae to C. aconitifolius. Both parental species, as well as the hybrids, were diploid and had a chromosome number 2n = 36. More studies with tropical woody perennials are required to fully determine whether this group of plants consistently shows stronger post-zygotic barriers.

Changes in the Expression of TGF-Beta Regulatory Pathway Genes Induced by Vitamin D in Patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis.

Vitamin D is an environmental factor related to multiple sclerosis that plays a significant role in immune regulation. TGF-ß is a superfamily of cytokines with an important dual effect on the immune system. TGF-ß inhibits the Th1 response while facilitating the preservation of regulatory T cells (FOXP3+) in an immunoregulatory capacity. However, when IL-6 is present, it stimulates the Th17 response. Our aim was to analyze the regulatory effect of vitamin D on the in vivo TGF-ß signaling pathway in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). A total of 21 patients with vitamin D levels < 30 ng/mL were recruited and supplemented with oral vitamin D. All patients were receiving disease-modifying therapy, with the majority being on natalizumab. Expression of SMAD7, ERK1, ZMIZ1, BMP2, BMPRII, BMP4, and BMP5 was measured in CD4+ lymphocytes isolated from peripheral blood at baseline and one and six months after supplementation. SMAD7 was overexpressed at six months with respect to baseline and month one. ERK1 was overexpressed at six months with respect to month one of treatment. No significant differences in expression were observed for the remaining genes. No direct correlation was found with serum vitamin D levels. BMPRII expression changed differentially in non-natalizumab- versus natalizumab-treated patients. Changes were observed in the expression of ERK1, BMP2, and BMP5 based on disease activity measured using the Rio-Score, BMP2 in patients who had relapses, and BMP5 in those whose EDSS worsened. Our results suggest indirect regulation of vitamin D in TGF-ß pathway genes in patients with RRMS.

Oil-in-Water Pickering Emulsions Stabilized with Nanostructured Biopolymers: A Venue for Templating Bacterial Cellulose.

Pickering emulsions (PEs) differ from conventional emulsions in the use of solid colloidal particles as stabilizing agents instead of traditional amphiphilic molecules. Nanostructured biopolymers (NBs) emerge as a promising alternative for PE stabilization owing to their remarkable biocompatibility, abundant availability, and low cost. To explore this potential, a study is herein presented, in which cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), both type I and type II allomorphs, and chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs) were used for stabilizing oil-in-water PEs prepared by the use of ultrasound. Sunflower oil was selected as the oil phase as it offers the advantages of being edible, renewable, and inexpensive. By utilizing ζ-potential, static light diffraction, and visual observations, we determined the optimal oil/water ratio for each type of NB to obtain stable emulsions after 14 days. The optimized PEs were used to form bacterial nanocellulose composites through emulsion templating. To our knowledge, this study represents a pioneering work in exploiting oil-in-water PEs for this approach. Additionally, it entails the first utilization of nonmercerized type II CNCs as stabilizers for PEs, while also establishing a direct comparison among the most relevant NBs. The resulting composites exhibited a unique morphology, composed of larger pores compared to standard bacterial nanocellulose aerogels. These findings highlight the notable potential of NBs as stabilizers for PEs and their ability to generate green nanocomposites with tailored properties.

Tracking new insights into antifungal and anti-mycotoxigenic properties of a biofilm forming Pediococcus pentosaceus strain isolated from grain silage.

The present study offers detailed insights into the antifungal and anti-mycotoxigenic potential of a biofilm forming lactic acid bacterium (Pediococcus pentosaceus) against one atoxigenic (Aspergillus flavus) and two toxigenic (Aspergillus nomius and Fusarium verticillioides) fungal strains. The antifungal effect of P. pentosaceus LBM18 strain was initially investigated through comparative analysis of fungi physiology by macroscopic visual evaluations and scanning electron microscopy examinations. The effects over fungal growth rate and asexual sporulation were additionally accessed. Furthermore, analytical evaluations of mycotoxin production were carried out by HPLC-MS/MS to provide insights on the bacterial anti-mycotoxigenic activity over fungal production of the aflatoxins B1, B2, G1 and G2 as well as fumonisins B1 and B2. Finally, reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis was employed at the most effective bacterial inoculant concentration to evaluate, at the molecular level, the down-regulation of genes aflR, aflQ and aflD, related to the biosynthesis of aflatoxins by the strain of Aspergillus nomius. The effects over mycotoxin contamination were thought to be result of a combination of several biotic and abiotic factors, such as interaction between living beings and physical-chemical aspects of the environment, respectively. Several possible mechanisms of action were addressed along with potentially deleterious effects ascribing from P. pentosaceus misuse as biopesticide, emphasizing the importance of evaluating lactic acid bacteria safety in new applications, concentrations, and exposure scenarios.

Dose-dependent progression of multiple low-dose streptozotocin-induced diabetes in mice.

This study investigated the effects of different multiple low doses of streptozotocin (STZ), namely 35 and 55 mg/kg, on the onset and progression of diabetes in mice. Both doses are commonly used in research, and although both induced a loss of beta cell mass, they had distinct effects on whole glucose tolerance, beta cell function, and gene transcription. Mice treated with 55 mg/kg became rapidly glucose intolerant, whereas those treated with 35 mg/kg had a slower onset and remained glucose tolerant for up to a week before becoming equally glucose intolerant as the 55 mg/kg group. Beta cell mass loss was similar between the two groups, but the 35 mg/kg-treated mice had improved glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in gold-standard hyperglycemic clamp studies. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the 55 mg/kg dose caused disruptions in nearly five times as many genes as the 35 mg/kg dose in isolated pancreatic islets. Pathways that were downregulated in both doses were more downregulated in the 55 mg/kg-treated mice, whereas pathways that were upregulated in both doses were more upregulated in the 35 mg/kg-treated mice. Moreover, we observed a differential downregulation in the 55 mg/kg-treated islets of beta cell characteristic pathways, such as exocytosis or hormone secretion. On the other hand, apoptosis was differentially upregulated in 35 mg/kg-treated islets, suggesting different transcriptional mechanisms in the onset of STZ-induced damage in the islets. This study demonstrates that the two STZ doses induce distinctly mechanistic progressions for the loss of functional beta cell mass.

Thermoelectric Properties of Cotton Fabrics Dip-Coated in Pyrolytically Stripped Pyrograf® III Carbon Nanofiber Based Aqueous Inks.

The transport properties of commercial carbon nanofibers (CNFs) produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) depend on the various conditions used during their growth and post-growth synthesis, which also affect their derivate CNF-based textile fabrics. Here, the production and thermoelectric (TE) properties of cotton woven fabrics (CWFs) functionalized with aqueous inks made from different amounts of pyrolytically stripped (PS) Pyrograf® III PR 25 PS XT CNFs via dip-coating method are presented. At 30 °C and depending on the CNF content used in the dispersions, the modified textiles show electrical conductivities (σ) varying between ~5 and 23 S m-1 with a constant negative Seebeck coefficient (S) of -1.1 µVK-1. Moreover, unlike the as-received CNFs, the functionalized textiles present an increase in their σ from 30 °C to 100 °C (dσ/dT > 0), explained by the 3D variable range hopping (VRH) model as the charge carriers going beyond an aleatory network of potential wells by thermally activated hopping. However, as it happens with the CNFs, the dip-coated textiles show an increment in their S with temperature (dS/dT > 0) successfully fitted with the model proposed for some doped multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) mats. All these results are presented with the aim of discerning the authentic function of this type of pyrolytically stripped Pyrograf® III CNFs on the thermoelectric properties of their derived textiles.

Neurodegeneration, Mitochondria, and Antibiotics.

Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by the progressive loss of neurons, synapses, dendrites, and myelin in the central and/or peripheral nervous system. Actual therapeutic options for patients are scarce and merely palliative. Although they affect millions of patients worldwide, the molecular mechanisms underlying these conditions remain unclear. Mitochondrial dysfunction is generally found in neurodegenerative diseases and is believed to be involved in the pathomechanisms of these disorders. Therefore, therapies aiming to improve mitochondrial function are promising approaches for neurodegeneration. Although mitochondrial-targeted treatments are limited, new research findings have unraveled the therapeutic potential of several groups of antibiotics. These drugs possess pleiotropic effects beyond their anti-microbial activity, such as anti-inflammatory or mitochondrial enhancer function. In this review, we will discuss the controversial use of antibiotics as potential therapies in neurodegenerative diseases.

Preparation of Cellulose Nanocrystals: Controlling the Crystalline Type by One-Pot Acid Hydrolysis.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have aroused increasing interest owing to their renewable origin and excellent properties derived from their size and morphology. Based on their chain orientation, CNCs can be prepared as two main allomorphs (I or II). However, achieving pure CNC allomorphs still requires enhanced control on the CNCs synthesis process and improved understanding of the involved reaction parameters. In this work, we study in detail a set of parameters for CNC synthesis using one-pot acid hydrolysis and evaluate their influence on the outcome with respect to yield, purity, and repeatability. We also demonstrate that a fast, nondestructive, and accurate methodology based on dynamic light scattering is an efficient alternative to the usual structural analysis of the synthesis outcome. Finally, we provide an improved protocol to reliably obtain each allomorph with mass yields of 25% for type I and 40% for type II. Emphasis is put on the reduction of the environmental impact and the overall preparation time.

Expert-Agreed Practical Recommendations on the Use of Cladribine.

Cladribine is a disease-modifying selective immune reconstitution oral therapy for adult patients with highly active relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). It was approved in the USA in 2019 and in Europe in 2017, thus there are still gaps in existing guidelines for using cladribine tablets in clinical practice. Nine experts with extensive experience in managing patients with multiple sclerosis in Spain identified some of the unanswered questions related to the real-life use of cladribine tablets. They reviewed the available clinical trial data and real-world evidence, including their own experiences of using cladribine, over the course of three virtual meetings held between November 2020 and January 2021. This article gathers their practical recommendations to aid treatment decision-making and optimise the use of cladribine tablets in patients with RMS. The consensus recommendations cover the following areas: candidate patient profiles, switching strategies (to and from cladribine), managing response to cladribine and safety considerations.

Baseline Inflammatory Status Reveals Dichotomic Immune Mechanisms Involved In Primary-Progressive Multiple Sclerosis Pathology.

Objective: To ascertain the role of inflammation in the response to ocrelizumab in primary-progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS). Methods: Multicenter prospective study including 69 patients with PPMS who initiated ocrelizumab treatment, classified according to baseline presence [Gd+, n=16] or absence [Gd-, n=53] of gadolinium-enhancing lesions in brain MRI. Ten Gd+ (62.5%) and 41 Gd- patients (77.4%) showed non-evidence of disease activity (NEDA) defined as no disability progression or new MRI lesions after 1 year of treatment. Blood immune cell subsets were characterized by flow cytometry, serum immunoglobulins by nephelometry, and serum neurofilament light-chains (sNfL) by SIMOA. Statistical analyses were corrected with the Bonferroni formula. Results: More than 60% of patients reached NEDA after a year of treatment, regardless of their baseline characteristics. In Gd+ patients, it associated with a low repopulation rate of inflammatory B cells accompanied by a reduction of sNfL values 6 months after their first ocrelizumab dose. Patients in Gd- group also had low B cell numbers and sNfL values 6 months after initiating treatment, independent of their treatment response. In these patients, NEDA status was associated with a tolerogenic remodeling of the T and innate immune cell compartments, and with a clear increase of serum IgA levels. Conclusion: Baseline inflammation influences which immunological pathways predominate in patients with PPMS. Inflammatory B cells played a pivotal role in the Gd+ group and inflammatory T and innate immune cells in Gd- patients. B cell depletion can modulate both mechanisms.

Editorial for "Properties and Applications of Graphene and Its Derivatives".

Since the very first landmark report by Geim and Novoselov in 2004 on graphene [...].

Effect of nanocellulose polymorphism on electrochemical analytical performance in hybrid nanocomposites with non-oxidized single-walled carbon nanotubes.

Two cellulose nanocrystals/single-walled carbon nanotube (CNC/SW) hybrids, using two cellulose polymorphs, were evaluated as electrochemical transducers: CNC type I (CNC-I/SW) and CNC type II (CNC-II/SW). They were synthesized and fully characterized, and their analytical performance as electrochemical sensors was carefully studied. In comparison with SWCNT-based and screen-printed carbon electrodes, CNC/SW sensors showed superior electroanalytical performance in terms of sensitivity and selectivity, not only in the detection of small metabolites (uric acid, dopamine, and tyrosine) but also in the detection of complex glycoproteins (alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP)). More importantly, CNC-II/SW exhibited 20 times higher sensitivity than CNC-I/SW for AGP determination, yielding a LOD of 7 mg L-1.These results demonstrate the critical role played by nanocellulose polymorphism in the electrochemical performance of CNC/SW hybrid materials, opening new directions in the electrochemical sensing of these complex molecules. In general, these high-active-surface hybrids smartly exploited the preserved non-oxidized SW conductivity with the high aqueous dispersibility of the CNC, avoiding the use of organic solvents or the incorporation of toxic surfactants during their processing, making the CNC/SW hybrids promising nanomaterials for electrochemical detection following greener approaches.

Synthesis and Processing of Nanomaterials Mediated by Living Organisms.

Nanomaterials offer exciting properties and functionalities. However, their production and processing frequently involve complex methods, cumbersome equipment, harsh conditions, and hazardous media. The capability of organisms to accomplish this using mild conditions offers a sustainable, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly alternative. Different nanomaterials such as metal nanoparticles, quantum dots, silica nanostructures, and nanocellulose are being synthesized increasingly through living entities. In addition, the bionanofabrication potential enables also the in situ processing of nanomaterials inside biomatrices with unprecedented outcomes. In this Minireview we present a critical state-of-the-art vision of current nanofabrication approaches mediated by living entities (ranging from unicellular to higher organisms), in order to expand this knowledge and scrutinize future prospects. An efficient interfacial interaction at the nanoscale by green means is within reach through this approach.

IL versus DES: Impact on chitin pretreatment to afford high quality and highly functionalizable chitosan.

Chitin is mainly extracted from crustaceans, but this resource is seasonally dependent and can represent a major drawback to satisfy the traceability criterion for high valuable applications. Insect resources are valuable alternatives due to their lower mineral content. However, the deacetylation of chitin into chitosan is still an expensive process. Therefore, we herein compare the impact of both DES/IL-pretreatments on the efficiency of the chemical deacetylation of chitin carried out over two insect sources (Bombyx eri, BE and Hermetia illucens, HI) and shrimp shells (S). The results showed that chitosans obtained from IL-pretreated chitins from BE larva, present lower acetylation degrees (13-17%) than DES-pretreated samples (18-27%). A selective N-acylation reaction with oleic acid has also been performed on the purest and most deacetylated chitosans leading to high substitution degrees (up to 27%). The overall approach validates the proper chitin source and processing methodology to achieve high quality and highly functionalizable chitosan.

Waterborne Graphene- and Nanocellulose-Based Inks for Functional Conductive Films and 3D Structures.

In the vast field of conductive inks, graphene-based nanomaterials, including chemical derivatives such as graphene oxide as well as carbon nanotubes, offer important advantages as per their excellent physical properties. However, inks filled with carbon nanostructures are usually based on toxic and contaminating organic solvents or surfactants, posing serious health and environmental risks. Water is the most desirable medium for any envisioned application, thus, in this context, nanocellulose, an emerging nanomaterial, enables the dispersion of carbon nanomaterials in aqueous media within a sustainable and environmentally friendly scenario. In this work, we present the development of water-based inks made of a ternary system (graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes and nanocellulose) employing an autoclave method. Upon controlling the experimental variables, low-viscosity inks, high-viscosity pastes or self-standing hydrogels can be obtained in a tailored way. The resulting inks and pastes are further processed by spray- or rod-coating technologies into conductive films, and the hydrogels can be turned into aerogels by freeze-drying. The film properties, with respect to electrical surface resistance, surface morphology and robustness, present favorable opportunities as metal-free conductive layers in liquid-phase processed electronic device structures.

IoT garment for remote elderly care network.

The elderly is a continuous growth sector thanks to the life expectancy increase in Western society. This sector is especially at risk from the appearance of respiratory diseases and, therefore, is the most affected sector in the COVID-19 epidemic. Many of these elderly require continuous care in residences or by specialized caregivers, but these personal contacts put this sector at risk. In this work, an IoT system for elderly remote monitoring is studied, designed, developed and tested. This system is composed by a smart garment that records information from various physiological sensors in order to detect falls, sudden changes in body temperature, heart problems and heat stroke; This information is sent to a cloud server through a gateway located in the patient's residence, allowing to real-time monitor remotely patient's activity using a customized App, as well as receiving alerts in dangerous situations. This system has been tested with professional caregivers, obtaining usability and functionality surveys; and, in addition, a detailed power-consumption study has been carried out. The results, compared with other similar systems, demonstrate that the proposed one is useful, usable, works in real time and has a decent power consumption that allows the patient to carry it during all day without charging the battery.

Three-Year Effectiveness of Dimethyl Fumarate in Multiple Sclerosis: A Prospective Multicenter Real-World Study.

BACKGROUND: Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) has demonstrated efficacy in phase III studies. However, real-world data are still limited. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to describe the profile of patients who receive DMF and to assess the effectiveness of DMF regarding relapses, disability progression, magnetic resonance imaging activity, and NEDA (No Evidence Disease Activity)-3 status in a Spanish population in a real-world setting. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter prospective study of patients who started DMF between 2014 and 2019 in Spain. Three subgroups were considered: naïve, switch to DMF because of inefficacy, and switch to DMF because of adverse effects. The effects of DMF on clinical and radiological measures were evaluated. RESULTS: Among 886 patients, 25.3% were naïve, 28.8% switched because of adverse effects, and 45.9% because of inefficacy. Median follow-up was 38.9 (interquartile range 22.6-41.8) months. Annualized relapse rates were 0.15, 0.10, and 0.10 at 12, 24, and 36 months respectively, and 77.7% of patients were relapse free at month 42. At 12, 24, and 42 months, 96.1%, 87.4%, and 79.7% of patients were progression free, respectively. The number of T1 gadolinium-enhancement (T1Gd+) lesions was 0.19, 0.14, and 0.18 at 12, 24, and 36 months. NEDA-3 status at month 42 was maintained by 49.8% of patients. Relapsing was associated with higher annualized relapse rates the year before (hazard ratio 1.34, p < 0.001) and to the inefficacy switch vs naïve group (hazard ratio 1.76, p = 0.003). A higher baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale score was associated with disability progression (hazard ratio 1.15, p = 0.003) and more T1Gd+ lesions (hazard ratio 1.07, p < 0.001) with radiological progression. A higher baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale score, a larger number of T1Gd+ lesions, and a switch because of inefficacy (vs adverse events) were all risk factors for losing NEDA-3 status. DMF was discontinued in 29.9% of patients, in 13.5% because of inefficacy. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings confirm the sustained effectiveness of DMF on the clinical and radiological activity of multiple sclerosis in a real-world setting, both in naïve patients and in those switching from other multiple sclerosis therapies.

Part Three of Three-Part Series: Colorectal Surgery Review for Primary Care Providers.

Malignant colon and rectal disorders must be identified and treated. Timing and indication for diagnostic and screening colonoscopy are extremely important. A high index of suspicion to exclude malignancy is imperative. This paper will focus on the screening for and treatment of colorectal and anal cancers.

Colorectal Surgery Review for Primary Care Providers.

Colon and rectal disorders can be functional and inflammatory. This is the second paper of a three-part series14 and will focus on the diagnosis and treatment of rectal prolapse, fecal incontinence and inflammatory bowel disease.