Iron deficiency in astrocytes alters cellular status and impacts on oligodendrocyte differentiation.

Iron deficiency (ID) has been shown to affect central nervous system (CNS) development and induce hypomyelination. Previous work from our laboratory in a gestational ID model showed that both oligodendrocyte (OLG) and astrocyte (AST) maturation was impaired. To explore the contribution of AST iron to the myelination process, we generated an in vitro ID model by silencing divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1) in AST (siDMT1 AST) or treating AST with Fe chelator deferoxamine (DFX; DFX AST).

MALDI-TOF MS as a tick identification tool in a tertiary hospital in Spain.

In Spain, as in other countries, the spectrum of tick-borne diseases and their number have increased in recent years. The tick identification, at species level, can be challenging outside research centers although this information is very usufull for decisions making. The performance of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) in tick identification of specimens collected from patients have been seldomly reported.

Contribution to optimization and standardization of antibacterial assays with silver nanoparticles: the culture medium and their aggregation.

The antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles is determined by their size and specific properties, as well as by the chemical composition of the exposure medium in which the nanoparticles are suspended. When the antibacterial tests are carried out in a culture medium, aggregation of the nanoparticles is produced, decreasing their effectiveness. This study proposes the addition of surfactants to the culture medium to prevent the aggregation of silver nanoparticles and optimizes the concentrations of these surfactants.

Identification of free-living amoebas and amoeba-resistant bacteria accumulated in Dreissena polymorpha.

To identify the free-living amoeba (FLA) and amoeba-resistant bacteria (ARB) accumulated in zebra mussels and in the water in which they are found, mussels were collected at two locations in the Ebro river basin (North East Spain). FLAs and bacteria were isolated from mussel extracts and from natural water. PCR techniques were used to identify the FLAs and endosymbiont bacteria (Legionella, Mycobacterium, Pseudomonas and cyanobacteria), and to detect Giardia and Cryptosporidium.

Seeking the reuse of effluents and sludge from conventional wastewater treatment plants: Analysis of the presence of intestinal protozoa and nematode eggs.

Some of the microorganisms present in urban wastewater, which include intestinal protozoa and nematodes, can be pathogenic. Their (oo)cyst and egg transmissible stages are very resistant to environmental stresses and disinfectants and they are therefore difficult to remove. Thus, they can constitute a health risk if water or sludge obtained in the purification of wastewater is reused for agricultural purposes.