Diffusion in biological media: a comprehensive numerical-analytical study via surface analysis and diffusivities calculation.

The study of diffusion in biological materials is crucial for fields like food science, engineering, and pharmaceuticals. Research that combines numerical and analytical methods is needed to better understand diffusive phenomena across various dimensions and under variable boundary conditions within food matrices. This study aims to bridge this gap by examining the diffusion of substances through biological materials analytically and numerically, calculating diffusivity and conducting surface analysis. The research proposes a process for sweetening Bing-type cherries (Prunus avium) using sucrose/xylitol solutions and a staining technique utilising erythrosine and red gardenia at varying concentrations (119, 238 and 357 ppm) and temperatures (40, 50 and 60 °C). Given the fruit's epidermis resistance, the effective diffusivities of skin were inferior to those in flesh. Temperature and concentration synergise in enhancing diffusion coefficients and dye penetration within the food matrix (357 ppm and 60 °C). Red gardenia displayed significant temperature-dependent variation (p = 0.001), whereas erythrosine dye remained stable by temperature changes (p > 0.05). Gardenia's effective diffusivities in cherry flesh and skin, at 357 ppm and 60 °C, 3.89E-08 and 6.61E-09 m2/s, respectively, significantly differed from those obtained at lower temperatures and concentrations. The results highlight the temperature-concentration impacts on mass transfer calculations for food colouring processes and preservation methodologies.

Leptospirosis: A dual threat - predisposing risk for renal transplant and trigger for renal transplant dysfunction.

Leptospirosis (LTPS) is a bacterial infection that affects humans, often with mild or no symptoms. It is estimated that approximately 10 % of patients with LTPS may experience multi-organ dysfunction, including renal abnormalities. In regions where LTPS is widespread, a considerable number of instances involving acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) of unknown etiology (CKDu) have been reported. Additionally, studies have shown a correlation between kidney graft dysfunction in patients with stable kidney transplants after LTPS. These findings indicate that exposure to LTPS may increase the likelihood of kidney transplantation due to the onset of both acute and chronic kidney injuries. Simultaneously, it poses a potential risk to the stability of kidney grafts. Unfortunately, there is limited scientific literature addressing this issue, making it difficult to determine the negative impact that LTPS may have, such as its role as a risk factor for the need of kidney transplantation or as a threat to individuals who have undergone kidney transplants. This study aims to shed light on the immune mechanisms triggered during LTPS infection and their importance in both kidney damage and allograft dysfunction.

Predicting the potential distribution and coexistence of Chagas disease vectors in the Americas.

Predicting the potential distribution and coexistence of suitable geographic areas for Chagas disease vectors in the Americas is a crucial task for understanding the eco-epidemiological dynamics of this disease. The potential distribution and coexistence of 3 species-Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), Cavernicola pilosa (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), and Rhodnius pictipes (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) were modeled. Presence records were obtained and environmental variables were selected based on correlation analysis, Jackknife analysis and knowledge of the biology and natural history of the species. The MaxEnt algorithm included in the kuenm package of R software was used for modeling the potential distribution, and various scenarios of the BAM diagram (Biotic, Abiotic, and Movement variables) were evaluated. The variables contributing to the final models were different for each species. Rhodnius pictipes showed a potential distribution in South America, particularly in Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, and Suriname. Areas with environmentally suitable conditions for R. prolixus were located in southern Brazil, Peru, Colombia, southern Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, whereas for C. pilosa they were in southeastern Brazil, southeastern Central America, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana. Co-occurrence analysis revealed distinct patterns in the neotropical region, with some areas indicating the potential distribution of 1 or more species. In Brazil, occurrence and co-occurrence areas were concentrated in the northwest and southeast regions. Overall, this study provides valuable information on the potential distribution and coexistence of vectors, which can inform targeted vector control strategies and contribute to global efforts in combating Chagas disease.

Drosophila Nhe2 overexpression induces autophagic cell death.

Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process where double membrane-bound structures form around macromolecules or organelles targeted for degradation. Autophagosomes fuse with lysosomes to facilitate degradation and macromolecule recycling for homeostasis or growth in a cell autonomous manner. In cancer cells, autophagy is often up-regulated and helps cancer cells survive nutrient deprivation and stressful growth conditions. Here, we propose that the increased intracellular pH (pHi) common to cancer cells is sufficient to induce autophagic cell death. We previously developed tools to increase pHi in the Drosophila eye via overexpression of DNhe2, resulting in aberrant patterning and reduced tissue size. We examined fly eyes at earlier stages of development and found fewer interommatidial cells. We next tested whether this decrease in cell number was due to increased cell death. We found that the DNhe2-induced cell death was caspase independent, which is inconsistent with apoptosis. However, this cell death required autophagy genes, which supports autophagy as the mode of cell death. We also found that expression of molecular markers supports increased autophagy. Together, our findings suggest new roles for ion transport proteins in regulating conserved, critical developmental processes and provide evidence for new paradigms in growth control.

Challenges in Treating Pediatric Cancer Patients during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Balancing Risks and Care.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in millions of fatalities worldwide. The case of pediatric cancer patients stands out since, despite being considered a population at risk, few studies have been carried out concerning symptom detection or the description of the mechanisms capable of modifying the course of the COVID-19 disease, such as the interaction and response between the virus and the treatment given to cancer patients. By synthesizing existing studies, this paper aims to expose the treatment challenges for pediatric patients with COVID-19 in an oncology context. Additionally, this updated review includes studies that utilized the antiviral agents Remdesivir and PaxlovidTM in pediatric cancer patients. There is no specific treatment designed exclusively for pediatric cancer patients dealing with COVID-19, and it is advisable to avoid self-medication to prevent potential side effects. Managing COVID-19 in pediatric cancer patients is indeed a substantial challenge. New strategies, such as chemotherapy application rooms, have been implemented for children with cancer who were positive for COVID-19 but asymptomatic since the risk of disease progression is greater than the risk of complications from SARS-CoV-2.

Further experience with polydioxanone airway stents in children.

INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to update our experience with biodegradable polydioxanone (PDO) airway stents in children, focusing on effectiveness and safety, and to analyze the factors involved in the different outcomes observed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients managed with PDO stents from 2012 to 2023. Variables collected: demographics, comorbidities, indication, clinical baseline, stent size, location, complications, clinical outcome, and time of follow-up. Statistical analyses were performed to detect the eventual contribution of variables in the different outcomes observed. RESULTS: Fifty-four PDO stents were placed in 26 patients (median age, 4 months). All showed severe symptoms of central airway obstruction due to tracheomalacia in nine patients, bronchomalacia five, tracheobronchomalacia 10, and tracheal stenosis two. Stent placement was uneventful in every case: 29 stents in the trachea and 25 in the main bronchi. 53.8% of patients needed successive stenting, and all exhibited comorbidities. Complete clinical resolution was observed in eight cases (30.7%), partial improvement in 13 (50%), unchanged in 4 (15.3%), and worsened in one. Age had a significant positive impact on outcome (6 vs. 3 months; p = 0.024). Additionally, smaller stents were associated with a better outcome (20 vs. 26 mm; p = 0.044). Granulation tissue was the most frequent complication (34.6%). Five patients (19.2%) died due to severe comorbidities, follow-up was complete in survivors (median, 58 months). CONCLUSIONS: PDO stents are safe and effective when dealing with severe tracheobronchial obstruction. Stent-related granulation tissue continues to be a relevant matter of concern. This issue, together with increased degradation times, deserves further research.

Educational interventions in pharmacovigilance to improve the knowledge, attitude and the report of adverse drug reactions in healthcare professionals: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Underreporting of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) limits and delays the detection of signs. The aim of this systematic review with meta-analyses was to synthesize the evidence of educational interventions (EIs) efficacy in health professionals to increase ADR reporting, attitudes, and knowledge of pharmacovigilance. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic literature review was carried out to identify randomized clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of EI in pharmacovigilance in health professionals to improve ADR reports, knowledge, and attitude toward pharmacovigilance. ADR reports were pooled by calculating Odds Ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI), while pharmacovigilance knowledge and attitude were pooled by calculating a mean difference (MD) with 95%CI. In addition, the subanalysis was performed by EI type. Meta-analysis was performed with RevMan 5.4 software. PROSPERO registry CRD42021254270. RESULTS: Eight hundred seventy-five articles were identified as potentially relevant, and 11 were included in the systematic review. Metanalysis showed that EI increased ADR reporting in comparison with control group (OR = 4.74, [95%CI, 2.46 to 9.12], I2 = 93%, 5 studies). In subgroup analysis, the workshops (OR = 6.26, [95%CI, 4.03 to 9.73], I2 = 57%, 3 studies) increased ADR reporting more than telephone-based interventions (OR = 2.59, [95%CI, 0.77 to 8.73], I2 = 29%, 2 studies) or combined interventions (OR = 5.14, [95%CI, 0.97 to 27.26], I2 = 93%, 3 studies). No difference was observed in pharmacovigilance knowledge. However, the subanalysis revealed that workshops increase pharmacovigilance knowledge (SMD = 1.85 [95%CI, 1.44 to 2.27], 1 study). Only one study evaluated ADR reporting attitude among participants and showed a positive effect after the intervention. CONCLUSION: EI improves ADR reports and increases pharmacovigilance knowledge. Workshops are the most effective EI to increase ADR reporting.

Biodegradable polydioxanone stents: histologic and structural effects in an experimental model of tracheal stenosis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the biologic impact of polydioxanone (PDO) stenting in an animal model of inflammatory tracheal stenosis (TS). Additionally, to compare these results with those obtained in the same model without a stent and after placing one PDO stent in a healthy trachea. METHODS: 40 adult NZ rabbits were distributed into 3 groups: Group A, 8 animals with a healthy trachea and a PDO stent; group B, 17 rabbits with a TS and no stent; and group C, 15 animals with TS and a PDO stent. Histopathological studies included Masson's trichrome staining for submucosal fibrosis and Safranin O to assess structural integrity of cartilage. Morphometric analyses were performed in the 3 groups. RESULTS: Stent placement was successful in every case. Histological studies did not show a significant increase in tracheal wall collagen area and cartilage structure was not modified in those rabbits with a PDO stent, even in a TS scenario. Stent implantation permitted recovery of normal tracheal lumen levels in the TS model. CONCLUSIONS: PDO stenting in the normal trachea and in a model of TS neither caused increase in the collagen matrix nor modification of the cartilaginous support. Additionally, radial force exhibited by PDO stents was effective in restoring normal tracheal lumen when placed in a stenotic lesion. These findings suggest that they may be safe and useful in the setting of an acquired TS.

Estimation of diffusion coefficients during carrots cooking in arsenious solution at different temperatures.

This study is based on an investigation of the transport phenomenon, specifically the quantification of arsenic diffusion in carrots within a temperature range of 89 °C-99 °C using a thin plate model. Studying the diffusion of arsenic in carrots is important due to its toxicity, as it can concentrate during cooking. The World Health Organization considers arsenic as one of the ten chemical substances of public health concern. In this study, biennial hybrid carrots of the Nantesa variety were cooked whole with their epidermis in an aqueous solution containing diarsenic trioxide with an As concentration of 5 mgL-1 at 89 °C, 94 °C, and 99 °C. The cooking times of the carrots at different temperatures were based on a specific degree of tenderness, with a value of ≤3 kg m-2. The evaluated data showed consistency with increasing temperature. The calculated effective diffusion coefficients at temperatures of 89 °C, 94 °C, and 99 °C were 5.84E-09 m2s-1, 1.08E-08 m2s-1, and 2.51E-08 m2s-1 for the flesh (DL), and 1.601E-11 m2s-1, 2.15E-11 m2s-1, and 4.39E-11 m2s-1 for the epidermis (DE), respectively. The activation energy for diffusion was determined to be 159.54 kJmol-1 for the and 110.68 kJmol-1 for the epidermis. Similar behaviours were observed in different radial positions of the carrot, where the arsenic content decreased from the periphery to the centre, consistent with studies on diffusion phenomena with other solutes in food. The novelty was the detailed quantification of arsenic diffusion in the Nantes-type hybrid carrot matrix. This study is limited to a specific concentration of 5 mgL-1 of arsenic solution. The findings of this study may have significant implications for public health and food safety.

Interpersonal theory of suicide and stressful life events in a clinical sample of adolescents in Spain.

AIMS: The interpersonal theory of suicide (ITPS) provides a theoretical model for suicidal behaviour. It includes two interpersonal variables, thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB). This study tested the relationship between ITPS interpersonal variables and suicide risk (presence/absence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts throughout life) in a clinical sample of Spanish adolescents. We also assessed the potential mediation effect of these variables in the well-established relationship between stressful life events (SLE) and suicide risk. METHODS: We recruited 147 adolescents aged 11-17 from the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Outpatient Services of the Jiménez Díaz Foundation (Madrid, Spain). Different questionnaires were administered to assess suicidal behaviour and SLE (SITBI, The Stressful Life Events Scale) and to calculate proxy measures for ITPS interpersonal factors (SDQ, STAXI-NA, CDI). RESULTS: TB and PB significantly correlated with suicide risk. PB played a mediating role in the relationship between SLE and suicide risk: adolescents reporting SLE were more likely to enact suicide behaviours when they experienced higher PB. Patients scoring higher PB were more likely to receive more intense treatment but tended to abandon intervention promptly. CONCLUSIONS: ITPS seems useful for predicting suicide risk in an adolescent clinical sample. The results suggest an important role for PB in the SLE-suicide risk relationship and may impact the treatment process. Our exploratory findings should be addressed in future studies.

Metal toxin threat in wildland fires determined by geology and fire severity.

Accentuated by climate change, catastrophic wildfires are a growing, distributed global public health risk from inhalation of smoke and dust. Underrecognized, however, are the health threats arising from fire-altered toxic metals natural to soils and plants. Here, we demonstrate that high temperatures during California wildfires catalyzed widespread transformation of chromium to its carcinogenic form in soil and ash, as hexavalent chromium, particularly in areas with metal-rich geologies (e.g., serpentinite). In wildfire ash, we observed dangerous levels (327-13,100 µg kg-1) of reactive hexavalent chromium in wind-dispersible particulates. Relatively dry post-fire weather contributed to the persistence of elevated hexavalent chromium in surficial soil layers for up to ten months post-fire. The geographic distribution of metal-rich soils and fire incidents illustrate the broad global threat of wildfire smoke- and dust-born metals to populations. Our findings provide new insights into why wildfire smoke exposure appears to be more hazardous to humans than pollution from other sources.

Analysis of Adverse Drug Reactions in Pediatric Patients with Epilepsy: An Intensive Pharmacovigilance Study.

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease characterized by the presence of spontaneous seizures, with a higher incidence in the pediatric population. Anti-seizure medication (ASM) may produce adverse drug reactions (ADRs) with an elevated frequency and a high severity. Thus, the objective of the present study was to analyze, through intensive pharmacovigilance over 112 months, the ADRs produced by valproic acid (VPA), oxcarbazepine (OXC), phenytoin (PHT), and levetiracetam (LEV), among others, administered to monotherapy or polytherapy for Mexican hospitalized pediatric epilepsy patients. A total of 1034 patients were interviewed; 315 met the inclusion criteria, 211 patients presented ADRs, and 104 did not. A total of 548 ASM-ADRs were identified, and VPA, LEV, and PHT were the main culprit drugs. The most frequent ADRs were drowsiness, irritability, and thrombocytopenia, and the main systems affected were hematologic, nervous, and dermatologic. LEV and OXC caused more nonsevere ADRs, and PHT caused more severe ADRs. The risk analysis showed an association between belonging to the younger groups and polytherapy with ADR presence and between polytherapy and malnutrition with severe ADRs. In addition, most of the severe ADRs were preventable, and most of the nonsevere ADRs were nonpreventable.

Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Modeling of Midazolam in Pediatric Surgery.

Midazolam (MDZ) is used for sedation in surgical procedures; its clinical effect is related to its receptor affinity and the dose administered. Therefore, a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) population model of MDZ in pediatric patients undergoing minor surgery is proposed. A descriptive, observational, prospective, and longitudinal, study that included patients of both sexes, aged 2-17 years, ASA I/II, who received MDZ in IV doses (0.05 mg/kg) before surgery. Three blood samples were randomly taken between 5-120 min; both sedation by the Bispectral Index Scale (BIS) and its adverse effects were recorded. The PK-PD relationship was determined using a nonlinear mixed-effects, bicompartmental first-order elimination model using Monolix Suite™. Concentrations and the BIS were fitted to the sigmoid Emax PK-PD population and sigmoid Emax PK/PD indirect binding models, obtaining drug concentrations at the effect site (biophase). The relationship of concentrations and BIS showed a clockwise hysteresis loop, probably indicating time-dependent protein binding. Of note, at half the dose used in pediatric patients, adequate sedation without adverse effects was demonstrated. Further PK-PD studies are needed to optimize dosing schedules and avoid overdosing or possible adverse effects.

Concordancia entre el diagnóstico por imagen y la histología en las malformaciones pulmonares congénitas / Diagnostic accuracy of imaging compared to histology in congenital lung malformations

Introducción: El objetivo fue evaluar la concordancia entre las pruebas de imagen, la ecografía prenatal y la TC posnatal empleadas en el diagnóstico de malformaciones pulmonares congénitas (MPC) y el estudio anatomopatológico (AP).Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de pacientes diagnosticados prenatalmente de MPC en los que se realizó seguimiento posnatal incluyendo una TC y un estudio AP de la lesión. Las variables estudiadas incluyeron: datos demográficos, edad gestacional al diagnóstico, hallazgos ecográficos y existencia de gestación múltiple. Utilizamos el coeficiente estadístico Kappa para establecer la concordancia entre la ecografía y las pruebas postnatales (TC y AP). Se analizaron de forma pareada la presencia de lesiones, la localización, el tipo y el tamaño, y la presencia de vascularización sistémica.Resultados: Se incluyeron 56 pacientes con 57 lesiones. La edad gestacional media al diagnóstico fue 22,42±3,94 semanas y el 57% fueron varones. El pulmón izquierdo y los lóbulos inferiores fueron los más afectados. La concordancia entre TC y AP en la detección de lesiones quísticas fue moderada (Kappa=0,55) pero más relevante que la detectada entre ecografía y AP (Kappa=0,10), siendo discreta entre ambas pruebas de imagen. La concordancia TC/AP fue sustancial (Kappa=0,66) en la detección de vascularización sistémica de la lesión y superior a la determinada entre ecografía y AP. Ambas pruebas de imagen demostraron una precisión muy buena en la identificación de la localización de las lesiones.Conclusiones: La TC posnatal ofrece una concordancia sustancial con el estudio histológico, especialmente en la detección de vascularización, y nos aporta datos predecibles sobre la anatomía de la lesión.(AU)

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of imaging tests (prenatal ultrasound [US] and postnatal computed tomography [CT]) in comparison to histology for diagnosis of congenital lung malformations (CLMs).Material and methods: Retrospective study of patients with a prenatal diagnosis of CLM whose postnatal followup included thoracic CT scan and histological examination of the lesion. We collected data on demographic variables, gestational age at diagnosis, US findings and the history of multiple gestation. We used the kappa coefficient to determine the level of agreement between the findings of prenatal US and postnatal tests (CT and histology). We analysed paired data on the size of the lesion, its location and the presence or absence of systemic arterial vascularization.Results: The sample included 56 patients with 57 lesions. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 22.42 weeks (SD, 3.94) and 57% were male. Malformations most frequently involved the left lung and the lower lobes. The agreement between CT and histology in the detection of cystic lesions was moderate (κ=.55) but stronger compared to the agreement between US and histology (κ=.10). The agreement between CT and histology was substantial (κ=.66) in the detection of systemic vascularization of the lesion and stronger compared to the agreement between US and histology. Both imaging methods were highly accurate in the identification of the location of the pulmonary lesions.Conclusions: Postnatal CT offers a substantial concordance with histological findings, especially in the detection of systemic vascularization, and an accurate prediction of the anatomy of the lesion.(AU)

Diagnostic accuracy of imaging compared to histology in congenital lung malformations.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of imaging tests (prenatal ultrasound [US] and postnatal computed tomography [CT]) in comparison to histology for diagnosis of congenital lung malformations (CLMs). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective study of patients with a prenatal diagnosis of CLM whose postnatal follow-up included thoracic CT scan and histological examination of the lesion. We collected data on demographic variables, gestational age at diagnosis, US findings and the history of multiple gestation. We used the kappa coefficient to determine the level of agreement between the findings of prenatal US and postnatal tests (CT and histology).We analysed paired data on the size of the lesion, its location and the presence or absence of systemic arterial vascularization. RESULTS: The sample included 56 patients with 57 lesions. The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 22.42 weeks (SD, 3.94) and 57% were male. Malformations most frequently involved the left lung and the lower lobes. The agreement between CT and histology in the detection of cystic lesions was moderate (κ = 0.55) but stronger compared to the agreement between US and histology (κ = 0.10). The agreement between CT and histology was substantial (κ = 0.66) in the detection of systemic vascularization of the lesion and stronger compared to the agreement between US and histology. Both imaging methods were highly accurate in the identification of the location of the pulmonary lesions. CONCLUSIONS: postnatal CT offers a substantial concordance with histological findings, especially in the detection of systemic vascularization, and an accurate prediction of the anatomy of the lesion.

Microbial diversity in sherry wine biofilms and surrounding mites.

Sherry wines are film wines produced in the Jerez-Xérès-Sherry and Montilla-Moriles regions in southern Spain which require an aging process under flor biofilms, known as "biological aging". The presence of mites in Sherry wine wineries has been reported and associated with improved wine volatile properties. This work analyzes the microbial diversity in flor biofilms and mites in Sherry wine wineries using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time of Flight (MALDI-TOF) and ITS/gene amplification. Two mite species, Carpoglyphus lactis and Tyrophagus putrescentiae, were spotted in the sampled winery and 32 microorganism species were identified in their exoskeleton or surrounding biofilms. To our knowledge, 26 of these species were never described before in sherry wine environments. We hypothesized that mites feed on the flor biofilms as well as another type of biofilm located in barrel cracks, known by winemakers as "natas" (cream in English). These non-studied biofilms showed the highest microbiome diversity among all samples (followed by C. lactis spotted nearby) thus, representing a niche of microorganisms with potential biotechnological interest. Besides mites, Drosophila flies were spotted in the sampling areas. The role of flies and mites as vectors that transport microorganisms among different niches (i.e., flor biofilms and natas) is discussed.

Flor yeast immobilization in microbial biocapsules for Sherry wine production: microvinification approach.

Sherry wine is a pale-yellowish dry wine produced in Southern-Spain which features are mainly due to biological aging when the metabolism of biofilm-forming yeasts (flor yeasts) consumes ethanol (and other non-fermentable carbon sources) from a previous alcoholic fermentation, and produces volatile compounds such as acetaldehyde. To start aging and maintain the wine stability, a high alcohol content is required, which is achieved by the previous fermentation or by adding ethanol (fortification). Here, an alternative method is proposed which aims to produce a more economic, distinctive Sherry wine without fortification. For this, a flor yeast has been pre-acclimatized to glycerol consumption against ethanol, and later confined in a fungal-based immobilization system known as "microbial biocapsules", to facilitate its inoculum. Once aged, the wines produced using biocapsules and free yeasts (the conventional method) exhibited chemical differences in terms of acidity and volatile concentrations. These differences were evaluated positively by a sensory panel. Pre-acclimatization of flor yeasts to glycerol consumption was not successful but when cells were immobilized in fungal pellets, ethanol consumption was lower. We believe that immobilization of flor yeasts in microbial biocapsules is an economic technique that can be used to produce high quality differentiated Sherry wines.

Micronuclei frequency and exposure to chemical mixtures in three Colombian mining populations.

The Colombian mining industry has witnessed significant growth. Depending on the scale and mineral extracted, complex chemical mixtures are generated, impacting the health of occupationally exposed populations and communities near mining projects. Increasing evidence suggests that chromosomal instability (CIN) is an important link between the development of certain diseases and exposure to complex mixtures. To better understand the effects of exposure to complex mixtures we performed a biomonitoring study on 407 healthy individuals from four areas: three located in municipalities exploiting different-scale mining systems and a reference area with no mining activity. Large, medium, and small-scale mining systems were analyzed in Montelibano (Córdoba), artisanal and small-scale mining (ASGM) in Nechí (Antioquia), and a closed mining system in Aranzazu (Caldas). The reference area with no mining activity was established in Montería (Córdoba). ICP-MS measured multi-elemental exposure in hair, and CIN was evaluated using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus technique (MNBN). Exposure to mixtures of chemical elements was comparable in workers and residents of the mining areas but significantly higher compared to reference individuals. In Montelibano, increased MNBN frequencies were associated with combined exposure to Se, Hg, Mn, Pb, and Mg. This distinct pattern significantly differed from other areas. Specifically, in Nechí, Cr, Ni, Hg, Se, and Mg emerged as the primary contributors to elevated frequencies of MNBN. In contrast, a combination of Hg and Ni played a role in increasing MNBN in Aranzazu. Interestingly, Se consistently correlated with increased MNBN frequencies across all active mining areas. Chemical elements in Montelibano exhibit a broader range compared to other mining zones, reflecting the characteristics of the high-impact and large-scale mining in the area. This research provides valuable insights into the effects of exposure to chemical mixtures, underscoring the importance of employing this approach in the risk assessment of communities, especially those from residential areas.

Effects of Transition Metals on Metal-Octaaminophthalocyanine-Based 2D Metal-Organic Frameworks.

Metal-octaaminophthalocyanine (MOAPc)-based 2D conductive metal-organic frameworks (cMOFs) have shown great potential in several applications, including sensing, energy storage, and electrocatalysis, due to their bimetallic characteristics. Here, we report a detailed metal substitution study on a family of isostructural cMOFs with Co2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+ as both the metal nodes and the metal centers in the MOAPc ligands. We observed that different metal nodes had variations in the reaction kinetics, particle sizes, and crystallinities. Importantly, the electronic structure and conductivity were found to be dependent on both types of metal sites in the 2D cMOFs. Ni-NiOAPc was found to be the most conductive one among the nine possible combinations with a conductivity of 54 ± 4.8 mS/cm. DFT calculations revealed that monolayer Ni-NiOAPc has neither the smallest bandgap nor the highest charge carrier mobility. Hence its highest conductivity stems from its high crystallinity. Collectively, these results provide structure property relationships for MOAPc-based cMOFs with amino coordination units.