https://hdl.handle.net/10481/31058 2026-04-19T07:38:01Z 2026-04-19T07:38:01Z Medina Moreno, Ana Lázaro Callejón, Marina Fernández Álvarez, Fátima Iglesias, Guillermo R. Arias, José L. https://hdl.handle.net/10481/112796 2026-04-13T12:30:00Z

Formulation and characterization of polyethylenimine-coated magnetopolymeric nanoparticles with potential application in thermal cancer therapies Medina Moreno, Ana; Lázaro Callejón, Marina; Fernández Álvarez, Fátima; Iglesias, Guillermo R.; Arias, José L. Use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles as heat generators contributed to the development of alternatives to conventional cancer therapies. These nanoparticle-based photothermal and/or magnetothermal therapies can kill malignant cells with negligible effects on surrounding tissues. Maghemite nuclei embedded into a poly(ε-caprolactone) nanomatrix were formulated by interfacial polymer disposition, and the resulting nanostructure was coated with polyethylenimine. DLS, TEM, EDX spectroscopy, electrophoretic and FTIR analysis were used to characterize the resulting ≈ 220 nm-sized (core/shell)/shell particles (PdI ≈ 0.24; ζ ≈ +24 mV). First magnetization curve and microscopic visual analysis defined an adequate magnetic responsiveness. Colloidal stability of two years was demonstrated at room temperature and at refrigeration conditions, measuring size, zeta potential and pH of the colloid; and, by evaluation of nanoparticle interactions with bovine serum albumin. Biocompatibility was postulated from hemocompatibility assays and cytotoxicity studies in CCD-18 fibroblasts and T-84 cancer cells. Hyperthermia characterizations revealed the capacity of the polyethylenimine-coated (maghemite/poly(ε-caprolactone)) particles to generate heat in an effective and field frequency-dependent manner. Temperature increases up to ≈ 45 °C (SAR ≈ 265 W/g, ILP ≈ 7 nH·m2·Kg−1) under a magnetic field intensity and frequency of 17 kA/m and 120 kHz, respectively. Local heating was also observed in photothermal assays: temperature increases proportional to laser power, reaching ≈ 43 °C when the aqueous dispersion of nanoparticles was kept under a near-infrared laser with a wavelength of 850 nm and a power density of 2 W/cm2. These polyethylenimine-coated magnetopolymeric nanoparticles may find promising applications for hyperthermia and photothermal cancer therapy.

Hilário Nogueira de Sousa, Lucas Sainz-Díaz, Claro Ignacio Viseras Iborra, César Antonio Araújo, Renata Mendoça https://hdl.handle.net/10481/112631 2026-04-07T06:38:50Z

Interactions of Cyclic Peptides Ribifolin and Gramicidin S with Montmorillonite Surface by Molecular Modeling Hilário Nogueira de Sousa, Lucas; Sainz-Díaz, Claro Ignacio; Viseras Iborra, César Antonio; Araújo, Renata Mendoça Cyclic peptides are characterized by remarkable structural stability and considerable therapeutic potential, but their clinical application is often limited by enzymatic degradation, especially in oral administration. Recent approaches, including the design of small cyclic peptides and clay-based delivery systems, aim to improve protection, bioavailability, and controlled release. Among these carriers, layered clay minerals, such as montmorillonite (MONT), are particularly attractive. However, the development of peptide–clay formulations remains largely empirical, since the molecular mechanisms governing adsorption, intercalation, stabilization, and release under hydrated and confined conditions are difficult to probe experimentally. Atomistic simulations using the INTERFACE force field are applied as a preformulation screening strategy to anticipate the behavior of the cyclic peptides ribifolin and gramicidin S at MONT interfaces prior to experimental implementation. Neutral and protonated states are examined, including pH-dependent cation-exchange scenarios relevant to the formulation conditions. The methodology is validated against experimental crystal structures, reproducing lattice parameters with deviations below 6% and demonstrating computational reliability. Protonation enhances peptide stabilization in aqueous media. Energetic analyses show that adsorption on external MONT surfaces is favored over interlayer intercalation, which is predominantly endothermic, whereas desorption into water is exothermic and indicates efficient release under physiological conditions. Although the calculated energies are not full thermodynamic values, the trends reveal how peptide–clay affinities can direct formulation experiments and minimize empirical testing. By integrating molecular modeling with pharmaceutical design, this study supports montmorillonite as a rational platform for the future experimental development of cyclic peptide delivery systems.

Ferreira-Alfaya, Francisco Javier https://hdl.handle.net/10481/111257 2026-02-19T11:15:01Z

The state of organizational health literacy: addressing gaps and future directions Ferreira-Alfaya, Francisco Javier Advancing health literacy requires coordinated efforts across sectors, yet intersectoral collaboration remains a challenge. This perspective article critically examines the current state of organizational health literacy, identifying four key intervention levels: integrating health literacy into formal education, implementing health literacy assessments, developing targeted interventions for vulnerable populations, and improving accessibility to health resources. However, existing frameworks fail to address the interoperability between sectors, particularly the persistent disconnect between education and healthcare, which hampers public health progress. Organizational health literacy is primarily addressed through national strategic plans tailored to contextual needs, yet academic research in this area remains scarce and rarely adopts a multisectoral approach. Furthermore, a key challenge lies in the inadequate evaluation of organizational health literacy initiatives. Without measurable outcomes and systematic assessment, it is difficult to determine their real-world impact or to adapt them to diverse contexts. Strengthening the role of healthcare professionals across sectors, combined with structural reforms to foster intersectoral collaboration, is crucial for enhancing health literacy outcomes. Despite growing recognition of organizational health literacy’s importance, its integration into policy and practice remains fragmented. The lack of structured pathways linking education and healthcare limits meaningful cooperation and hinders the development of comprehensive, integrated interventions. Addressing these gaps requires a systemic approach that bridges sectors and ensures that health literacy becomes a fundamental component of both public health and education systems.

Ferreira-Alfaya, Francisco Javier https://hdl.handle.net/10481/111234 2026-02-19T08:45:36Z

Exploring Health Literacy development in Spanish secondary education students Ferreira-Alfaya, Francisco Javier Background The European Health Literacy Survey only included individuals aged 15 years and older, and the competencies of adolescents in Health Literacy remain unknown. This study aimed to explore the development of Health Literacy in secondary education students and examining the relationship between this competency and relevant sociodemographic variables. Methods A multicenter, quantitative, observational, and descriptive study with a cross-sectional design was carried out, involving the participation of all high schools in Melilla, Spain. A total of 590 students participated in the study. A validated Spanish version of the HLS-EU-Q16 questionnaire and questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics were used. Bivariate data analysis and multivariate ordinal logistic regression were used to evaluate the association between sociodemographic characteristics and Health Literacy. Results The findings highlight the distinct coexistence of two cultures: European and Berber. Cultural background did not prove to be a statistically significant factor. The General Health Literacy of adolescents fell within the “problematic” range of the scale, with particularly low scores in the domain of Disease Prevention and Critical Health Literacy skills. The multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis identified a significant association between country of birth (European vs. non-European) and a substantial increase in Health Literacy (OR: 2.65; 95% CI 1.13–6.24; p=0.026). Conclusion Large-scale surveys with multidimensional instruments are useful to reveal areas of Health Literacy in which adolescents feel most insecure and consequently need to be reinforced with educational interventions. The findings underscore the importance of considering cultural and contextual factors in Health Literacy interventions and highlight the need for targeted public health strategies to address Health Literacy disparities based on country of birth. This study was funded by the Department of Culture of the Autonomous City of Melilla, within the project titled “Cultural Competence in Access to Health in the Autonomous City of Melilla”.

Ferreira-Alfaya, Francisco Javier Cura, Yasmin Zarzuelo Romero, María José https://hdl.handle.net/10481/111233 2026-02-19T08:40:29Z

A short-term cohort study on comprehension and recall of United States Pharmacopeia pharmaceutical pictograms among Spanish adolescents Ferreira-Alfaya, Francisco Javier; Cura, Yasmin; Zarzuelo Romero, María José