Publications

Abstract Heart disease is the leading cause of mortality in developed countries, and novel regenerative procedures are warranted. Direct cardiac conversion (DCC) of adult fibroblasts can create induced cardiomyocytes (iCMs) for gene and cell-based heart therapy, and in addition to holding great promise, still lacks effectiveness as metabolic and age-associated barriers remain elusive. Here, by employing MGT (Mef2c, Gata4, Tbx5) transduction of mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and adult (dermal and cardiac) fibroblasts from animals of different ages, we provide evidence that the direct reprogramming of fibroblasts into iCMs decreases with age. Analyses of histone posttranslational modifications and ChIP-qPCR revealed age-dependent alterations in the epigenetic landscape of DCC. Moreover, DCC is accompanied by profound mitochondrial metabolic adaptations, including a lower abundance of anabolic metabolites, network remodeling, and reliance on mitochondrial respiration. In vitro metabolic modulation and dietary manipulation in vivo improve DCC efficiency and are accompanied by significant alterations in histone marks and mitochondrial homeostasis. Importantly, adult-derived iCMs exhibit increased accumulation of oxidative stress in the mitochondria and activation of mitophagy or dietary lipids; they improve DCC and revert mitochondrial oxidative damage. Our study provides evidence that metaboloepigenetics plays a direct role in cell fate transitions driving DCC, highlighting the potential use of metabolic modulation to improve cardiac regenerative strategies.

Abstract <jats:p>In the last years, major changes in the biosystem related to the industrial development and envi-ronmental modifications have had a direct impact on human and animal fertility, as well as on biodiversity. It is widely demonstrated that all these changes impair in the reproductive function. Several studies have connected the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in mito-chondria to the recently identified decline of fertility due to various factors, including heat stress. The study of antioxidants and especially of mitochondria targeted antioxidants, has been ad-dressed to identify more efficient and less toxic therapies that could circumvent the problem of in-fertility in mammals. These antioxidants can be obtained from natural compounds used in the diet and converted into more effective forms to mitochondria, which will be a much more natural therapy. The use of mitochondriotropic diet-based antioxidants in Assisted Reproductive Tech-nologies (ART) may be an important way to circumvent the low fertility, allowing the conserva-tion of biodiversity in animal species, including domestic breeds. This paper provides a concise re-view of the current state of the art on this topic, with a particular focus on antioxidants: Mitoqui-none, AntiOxBEN2, AntiOxCIN4, Urolithin A and the most recent Piperine.</jats:p>

Abstract The thermodynamic properties of ionic liquids (ILs) bearing alkylsilane and alkylsiloxane chains, as well as their carbon-based analogs, were investigated. Effects such as the replacement of carbon atoms by silicon atoms, the introduction of a siloxane linkage, and the length of the alkylsilane chain were explored. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to study the thermal and phase behavior (glass transition temperature, melting point, enthalpy and entropy of fusion, and thermal stability). Heat capacity was obtained by high-precision drop calorimetry and differential scanning microcalorimetry. The volatility and cohesive energy of these ILs were investigated via the Knudsen effusion method coupled with a quartz crystal microbalance (KEQCM). Gas phase energetics and structure were also studied to obtain the gas phase heat capacity as well as the energy profile associated with the rotation of the IL side chain. The computational study suggested the existence of an intramolecular interaction in the alkylsiloxane-based IL. The obtained glass transition temperatures seem to follow the trend of chain flexibility. An increase of the alkylsilane chain leads to a seemingly linear increase in molar heat capacity. A regular increment of 30 JK-1mol(-1) in the molar heat capacity was found for the replacement of carbon by silicon in the IL alkyl chain. The alkylsilane series was revealed to be slightly more volatile than its carbon-based analogs. A further increase in volatility was found for the alkylsiloxane-based IL, which is likely related to the decrease of the cohesive energy due to the existence of an intramolecular interaction between the siloxane linkage and the imidazolium headgroup. The use of Si in the IL structure is a suitable way to significantly reduce the IL's viscosity while preserving its large liquid range (low melting point and high thermal stability) and low volatilities.

Abstract This ethnobotanical investigation was conducted in the rural commune of Bni Hadifa belonging to the Al Hoceima province (North of Morocco), to inventory the principal medicinal plants traditionally used to treat Covid-19. Ethnobotanical information was recorded from 84 inhabitants aged over 18 years in the different communes of the study area, using an ethnobotanical survey based on a questionnaire and semistructured interviews. Data were examined by surveying the relative citation frequency (RFC) and family importance value (FIV). The obtained results permitted the inventory of 40 aromatic and medicinal plants (MAPs) species owned by 20 families, the most important of which by their number of species were: Lamiaceae (12 species), Apiaceae (5 species), Asteraceae (3 species), and two species for each of Amaryllidaceae, Myrtaceae, and Rutaceae. Furthermore, the following species: Allium sativum, Thymus glandulosus, Lavandula dentata L, Citrus limon L, Eucalyptus globulus labill, Artemisia herba-alba, and Marrubium vulgare L were the most frequently cited by the RFC index. Leaves were found to be the common plant organ used to treat Covid-19, while decoction was the most frequent preparation mode. This study also showed that over 90% of the respondents proved the efficacy of the plants used against Covid-19. However, most of the users of these plants did not respect the administered doses and were unaware of the toxicity and lethal effects that could be caused by these plants when taking high doses. The results of this survey demonstrate that the plants used to combat Covid-19 may constitute a promising database for future research in the extraction and chemical analysis of potentially effective biomolecules against this virus. © 2024 Malque Publishing. All rights reserved.

Abstract Dittrichia viscosa, a perennial herb belonging to the Asteraceae family, was collected in a coastal site located in northern Morocco. This study focused on exploring the phytochemical composition and biological activities of essential oils (EOs) and solvents (methanol and acetone) extract of leaves, stems, and flowers. Total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents were determined, and the result showed a high level of TPC and TFC in leaves with the values of 127.61 mg GAEs/g and 117.82 mg CEs/g, respectively. HPLC-MS analysis highlighted 18 phenolic acids and flavonoids, with notable quantities of apigenin 7-glucoside (2233 μg/g) and chlorogenic acid (1429 μg/g). GC‒MS analysis of EOs allowed the identification of 27 biologically active compounds, dominated by decanoic acid (20.98%) and toluene (19.66%). Regarding the biological activities, antioxidant activity was evaluated through the DPPH test, while antifungal activity was tested using the microdilution method. The most potent antioxidant effect was observed in the methanol extract of leaves, with a value of 0.18 mg/mL, while the weakest effect was noted in the acetone extract of flowers, registering a value of 1.63 mg/mL. Similarly, the antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts surpassed that of acetonic extracts in each part of D. viscosa. Concerning antifungal activity, the findings reveal that all extracts demonstrated important capacity against the tested pathogens. The methanolic extract displayed high efficacy compared to the acetonic one, with MFC values ranging between 1.94-3.38 mg/mL and 2.88-4.75 for Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger and Trichophyton rubrum, respectively. However, for Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis, the MFCs were higher (7.5-8.5 mg/mL). Regarding EOs, the MFCs were more favorable for the three human pathogenic fungi, ranging between 1.88 and 3.35 µL/mL, compared to F. oxysporum, which has an MFCs of 3.5 µL/mL. In summary, the findings demonstrated that D. viscosa could be considered a useful alternative and reliable source of bioactive compounds for the pharmaceutical and agricultural industries. © 2024 Malque Publishing. All rights reserved.

Abstract The Periodic Table of the Elements of Green and Sustainable Chemistry (PT-GSC) represents a potentially meaningful tool for teaching and learning Green Chemistry. However, there is a lack of studies exploring the application of the PT-GSC in educational contexts. To contribute to filling this gap, a qualitative and participant approach was developed to examine the effects of using the PT-GSC in a high school setting, with a focus on analyzing the associated challenges and opportunities. Over a five-week period, 23 high school students enrolled in a chemistry course at a public school in Brazil worked in small groups to develop solutions for a case study addressing socio-scientific issues related to water scarcity in the local region using elements from the PT-GSC. Results from both the pre- and post-questionnaires, along with the written case study resolutions, provide evidence of the students' knowledge gains, particularly in critical scientific literacy for Green and Sustainable Chemistry Education. The findings showed that the PT-GSC is an interdisciplinary tool for introducing students to Green Chemistry concepts within the broader societal and scientific ecosystem. The implementation of novel case studies incorporating elements from the PT-GSC is a way to support our ongoing work with students and the public, contributing to a sustainable future.

Abstract The Beer-Lambert law is a fundamental relationship in chemistry that helps connect macroscopic experimental observations (i.e., the amount of light exiting a solution sample) to a symbolic model composed of system-level parameters (e.g., concentration values). Despite the wide use of the Beer-Lambert law in the undergraduate chemistry curriculum and its applicability to analytical techniques, students' use of the model is not commonly investigated. Specifically, no previous work has explored how students connect the Beer-Lambert law to absorption phenomena using submicroscopic-level reasoning, which is important for understanding light absorption at the particle level. The incorporation of visual-conceptual tools (such as animations and simulations) into instruction has been shown to be effective in conveying key points about particle-level reasoning and facilitating connections among the macroscopic, submicroscopic, and symbolic domains. This study evaluates the extent to which a previously reported simulation-based virtual laboratory activity (BLSim) is associated with students' use of particle-level models when explaining absorption phenomena. Two groups of analytical chemistry students completed a series of tasks that prompted them to construct explanations of absorption phenomena, with one group having completed the simulation-based activity prior to the assessment tasks. Student responses were coded using Johnstone's triad. When comparing work from the two student groups, chi-square tests revealed statistically significant associations (with approximately medium to large effect sizes) between students using the simulation and employing particle-level reasoning. That said, submicroscopic-level reasoning did not always provide more explanatory power to students' answers. Additionally, we observed the productive use of a variety of submicroscopic light-matter interaction models. We conjecture that engaging with BLSim provided new submicroscopic-level resources for students to leverage in explanations and predictions of absorption phenomena.

Abstract Undergraduate arts and design programs have been incorporating computing education into their curricula. Through a documentation analysis of the first cycle (i.e., bachelor’s) curricula of fered by the Portuguese public education subsystem in the 2018-19 academic year, we identified 40 programs from diverse artistic and design areas, attended by around 5,600 students, which contained at least one course covering computer programming. In a subsequent qualitative analysis of the syllabi of those 128 courses we had identified as relevant, we characterized the objectives, the contents, and the teaching and assessment methods for computing in higher arts education. In the face of the skepticism the literature expresses regarding the validity and robustness of brief approaches to computing, we found most undergraduate programs dedicate few courses or credits (i.e., ECTS) to the topic. We also found programs that introduce the topic late in the curriculum, at a stage when it is likely to meet less dedication from the students. At course level, we note the prevalence of the objective of granting autonomous learning skills to students, which often translates into contents too broad to approach in a non-superficial way. Moreover, we alert to the use of project-based assessment methods in ways that do not assure learning of the contents. With this article we hope to provide an overview of the current situation and contribute to a reflection and a debate about the relevance and the way computing is covered within arts and design education. © (2024), (Emerson de Pietri). All Rights Reserved.

Abstract Activities with Parents on the Computer are pedagogical tasks based on socially relevant disciplinary content with the aim of establishing the school-home connection and collaboration between parents and students, to promote digital literacy and literacy in a specific domain. This article addresses a study that aimed to investigate the contribution of the Activity with Parents on the Computer "NanoAPC", both for the development of knowledge of 8th grade students about the area of nanotechnology, and to raise awareness among parents/guardians for the said area. The activities were proposed in a formal learning environment, the school, but were carried out at home by the student and one of the parents or guardian. NanoAPC intended to help students to learn Chemistry contents contextualized with the advances and applications of nanotechnology in society, from a socio-scientific perspective. A quasi-experimental research plan was implemented, with 58 students and 58 parents/guardians participating. Students were divided into two experimental conditions that were tested: groups 1 and 2, subject to NanoAPC, but with a different initial intervention, and group 3, subject to an activity sheet. All groups were subjected to a questionnaire as a pre-test and post-test, respectively before and after the intervention. The results, resulting from the analysis of the pre-test and post-test and the answers given in the respective activity sheets, show that the students in groups 1 and 2 showed a significant improvement in their knowledge of nanotechnology compared to those in group 3. We conclude that the NanoAPC digital resource is useful for teachers who show an interest in addressing nanotechnology but who have time constraints due to curriculum management. In addition, it promotes the parent-student-computer triangulation and, consequently, raises parents' awareness of this area. © 2024 Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Instituto de Fisica. All rights reserved.

Abstract Nanocomposites have garnered attention for their potential as catalysts in electrochemical reactions vital for technologies like fuel cells, water splitting, and metal-air batteries. This work focuses on developing threedimensional (3D) nanocomposites through aqueous phase exfoliation, non-covalent functionalization of building blocks with surfactants and polymers, and electrostatic interactions in solution leading to the nanocomposites assembly and organization. By combining molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) layers with graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) to form a binary 2D composite (MoS2/GnP), and subsequently incorporating multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to create ternary 3D composites, we explore their potential as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) critical in fuel cells. Characterization techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction elucidate material composition and structure. Our electrochemical studies reveal insights into the kinetics of the reactions and structure-activity relationships. Both the (MoS2/GnP)-to-MWNT mass ratio and nitrogen-doping of GnPs (N-GnPs) play a key role on the electrocatalytic ORR performance. Notably, the (MoS2/N-GnP)/MWNT material, with a 3:1 mass ratio, exhibits the most effective ORR activity. All catalysts demonstrate good long-term stability and methanol crossover tolerance. This facile fabrication method and observed trends offer avenues for optimizing composite electrocatalysts further.