https://hdl.handle.net/10481/31057 2026-04-11T17:44:53Z https://hdl.handle.net/10481/112631 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. https://hdl.handle.net/10481/111257 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. https://hdl.handle.net/10481/111234 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”. https://hdl.handle.net/10481/111233 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 https://hdl.handle.net/10481/111230 A new integrative organizational health literacy framework for preventive action through intersectoral collaboration: Results of a landscape review Ferreira-Alfaya, Francisco Javier; Cura, Yasmin; Zarzuelo Romero, María José Background Organizational Health Literacy (OHL) refers to the extent to which organizations facilitate equitable access, comprehension, and use of health information and services for informed decision-making. Objective This study aimed to (1) review and map existing OHL frameworks and (2) propose an innovative OHL framework that addresses gaps identified in current models. Methods A systematic search of academic (Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE) and grey literature from the past 15 years was conducted to identify OHL frameworks. This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the Arksey and O’Malley model. A new OHL intervention framework was developed to address gaps in existing models, based on the principles of preventive medicine and the public health action cycle. Results A total of 19 records were included (10 from academic databases and 9 from grey literature), covering diverse approaches and contexts related to OHL. Four intervention levels were identified: integrating HL into formal education, implementing HL assessments, developing interventions for vulnerable populations, and enhancing accessibility to health resources. The proposed framework emphasizes intersectoral collaboration and communication pathways between education and healthcare sectors, facilitating information exchange to continuously adapt interventions to population needs. Conclusion OHL development requires intersectoral collaboration; however, interoperability between sectors remains unaddressed in existing frameworks. This study proposes an innovative model that fosters sectoral connections toward a shared goal, creating a truly collaborative framework.