Determinants of HDL Cholesterol Efflux Capacity after Virgin Olive Oil Ingestion: Interrelationships with Fluidity of HDL Monolayer

Scope: Cholesterol efflux capacity of HDL (CEC) is inversely associated with cardiovascular risk. HDL composition, fluidity, oxidation, and size are related with CEC. We aimed to assess which HDL parameters were CEC determinants after virgin olive oil (VOO) ingestion. Methods and results: Post‐hoc analyses from the VOHF study, a crossover intervention with three types of VOO. We assessed the relationship of 3‐week changes in HDL‐related variables after intervention periods with independence of the type of VOO. After univariate analyses, mixed linear models were fitted with variables related with CEC and fluidity. Fluidity and Apolipoprotein (Apo)A‐I content in HDL was directly associated, and HDL oxidative status inversely, with CEC. A reduction in free cholesterol, an increase in triglycerides in HDL, and a decrease in small HDL particle number or an increase in HDL mean size, were associated to HDL fluidity. Conclusions: HDL fluidity, ApoA‐I concentration, and oxidative status are major determinants for CEC after VOO. The impact on CEC of changes in free cholesterol and triglycerides in HDL, and those of small HDL or HDL mean size, could be mechanistically linked through HDL fluidity. Our work points out novel therapeutic targets to improve HDL functionality in humans through nutritional or pharmacological interventions.Fil: Fernández Castillejo, Sara. Universitat Rovira I Virgili; EspañaFil: Rubió, Laura. Universitat Rovira I Virgili; España. Universidad de Lleida; EspañaFil: Hernáez, Álvaro. Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición; EspañaFil: Catalán, Úrsula. Universitat Rovira I Virgili; EspañaFil: Pedret, Anna. Universitat Rovira I Virgili; EspañaFil: Valls, Rosa M.. Universitat Rovira I Virgili; EspañaFil: Mosse, Juana Inés. Universidad de Lleida; España. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Covas, Maria Isabel. Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición; EspañaFil: Remaley, Alan T.. National Institutes of Health; Estados UnidosFil: Castañer, Olga. Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición; EspañaFil: Motilva, Maria José. Universidad de Lleida; EspañaFil: Solá, Rosa. Universitat Rovira I Virgili; Españ

Comparison between artificial neural networks and Hermia's models to assess ultrafiltration performance

In this work, flux decline during crossflow ultrafiltration of macromolecules with ceramic membranes has been modeled using artificial neural networks. The artificial neural network tested was the multilayer perceptron. Operating parameters (transmembrane pressure, crossflow velocity and time) and dynamic fouling were used as inputs to predict the permeate flux. Several pretreatments of the experimental data and the optimal selection of the parameters of the neural networks were studied to improve the fitting accuracy. The fitting accuracy obtained with artificial neural networks was compared with Hermia pore blocking models adapted to crossflow ultrafiltration. The artificial neural networks generate simulations whose performance was comparable to that of Hermia's models adapted to crossflow ultrafiltration. Considering the computational speed, high accuracy and the ease of the artificial neural networks methodology, they are a competitive, powerful and fast alternative for dynamic crossflow ultrafiltration modeling.The Spanish Ministry for Science and Innovation (Project OPTIMEM CTM2010-20248) is kindly acknowledged.Corbatón Báguena, MJ.; Vincent Vela, MC.; Gozálvez-Zafrilla, JM.; Alvarez Blanco, S.; Lora-García, J.; Catalán Martínez, D. (2016). Comparison between artificial neural networks and Hermia's models to assess ultrafiltration performance. Separation and Purification Technology. 170:434-444. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seppur.2016.07.007S43444417

Becoming a mother shifts the activity of the social and motivation brain networks in mice

During pregnancy hormones increase motivated pup-directed behaviors. We here analyze hormone-induced changes in brain activity, by comparing cFos-immunoreactivity in the sociosexual (SBN) and motivation brain networks (including medial preoptic area, MPO) of virgin versus late-pregnant pup-naïve female mice exposed to pups or buttons (control). Pups activate more the SBN than buttons in both late-pregnant and virgin females. By contrast, pregnancy increases pup-elicited activity in the motivation circuitry (e.g. accumbens core) but reduces button-induced activity and, consequently, button investigation. Principal components analysis supports the identity of the social and motivation brain circuits, placing the periaqueductal gray between both systems. Linear discriminant analysis of cFos-immunoreactivity in the socio-motivational brain network predicts the kind of female and stimulus better than the activity of the MPO alone; this suggests that the neuroendocrinological basis of social (e.g. maternal) behaviors conforms to a neural network model, rather than to distinct hierarchical linear pathways for different behaviors

El papel del folding back en el proceso de comprensión del concepto de área : un estudio de caso

Este artículo presenta un estudio de caso en el que pretendemos comprender, desde una perspectiva interpretativa, el proceso de comprensión del concepto de área de una niña de quinto curso de Primaria, Cecilia, en el contexto de una unidad de enseñanza cuya estrategia metodológica es consistente con la resolución de problemas. Abordamos este proceso considerando la teoría dinámica para el crecimiento de la comprensión matemática (Pirie & Kieren, 1994, 1999) como herramienta analítica. El folding back ha emergido como una herramienta conceptual eficaz para asimilar el proceso de comprensión del concepto de área, permitiéndonos identificar los diferentes papeles que ciertos indicadores del concepto han jugado en dicho proceso. Así, para el caso de Cecilia, se han identificado tres tipos diferentes de indicadores para el concepto de área: generadores, impulsores y derivados.This paper presents an interpretatively oriented case study focused on the development of understanding of the concept of area in a fifth year primary student, Cecilia. The methodological context of the study was a teaching unit based on problem solving. Our approach takes into consideration the model of growth in mathematical understanding (Pirie & Kieren, 1994, 1999) as an analytical tool. Particularly, folding back emerged as a powerful tool for understanding the dynamics of Cecilia's growth in understanding the area concept, and enabled us to identify three distinct roles of indicators in her process: generators, drivers and derivative

Hydrogen production via microwave-induced water splitting at low temperature

[EN] Hydrogen is a promising vector in the decarbonization of energy systems, but more efficient and scalable synthesis is required to enable its widespread deployment. Towards that aim, Serra et al. present a microwave-based approach that allows contactless water electrolysis that can be integrated with hydrocarbon production. Supplying global energy demand with CO2-free technologies is becoming feasible thanks to the rising affordability of renewable resources. Hydrogen is a promising vector in the decarbonization of energy systems, but more efficient and scalable synthesis is required to enable its widespread deployment. Here we report contactless H-2 production via water electrolysis mediated by the microwave-triggered redox activation of solid-state ionic materials at low temperatures (<250 degrees C). Water was reduced via reaction with non-equilibrium gadolinium-doped CeO2 that was previously in situ electrochemically deoxygenated by the sole application of microwaves. The microwave-driven reduction was identified by an instantaneous electrical conductivity rise and O-2 release. This process was cyclable, whereas H-2 yield and energy efficiency were material- and power-dependent. Deoxygenation of low-energy molecules (H2O or CO2) led to the formation of energy carriers and enabled CH4 production when integrated with a Sabatier reactor. This method could be extended to other reactions such as intensified hydrocarbons synthesis or oxidation.This work was supported by the Spanish Government (RTI2018-102161, SEV-2016-0683 and Juan de la Cierva grant IJCI-2017-34110). We thank the support of the Electronic Microscopy Service of the Universitat Politecnica de Valencia.Serra Alfaro, JM.; Borras-Morell, JF.; García-Baños, B.; Balaguer Ramirez, M.; Plaza González, PJ.; Santos-Blasco, J.; Catalán-Martínez, D.... (2020). Hydrogen production via microwave-induced water splitting at low temperature. 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Mixed proton and electron conducting double perovskite anodes for stable and efficient tubular proton ceramic electrolysers. Nat. Mater. 18, 752–759 (2019).Duan, C. et al. Highly efficient reversible protonic ceramic electrochemical cells for power generation and fuel production. Nat. Energy 4, 230–240 (2019).Service, R. F. New electrolyzer splits water on the cheap. Science 367, 1181 (2020).Hamzehlouia, S., Jaffer, S. A. & Chaouki, J. Microwave heating-assisted catalytic dry reforming of methane to syngas. Sci. Rep. 8, 8940 (2018).Tsukahara, Y. et al. In situ observation of nonequilibrium local heating as an origin of special effect of microwave on chemistry. J. Phys. Chem. C 114, 8965–8970 (2010).Sholl, D. S. & Lively, R. P. Seven chemical separations to change the world. Nature 532, 435–437 (2016).Eigen, J. & Schroeder, M. Redox cycling stability of Fe2NiO4/YSZ composite storage materials for rechargeable oxide batteries. Energy Storage Mater. 28, 112–121 (2020).Catalá-Civera, J. 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El papel del folding back en el proceso de comprensión del concepto de área : un estudio de caso

Este artículo presenta un estudio de caso en el que pretendemos comprender, desde una perspectiva interpretativa, el proceso de comprensión del concepto de área de una niña de quinto curso de Primaria, Cecilia, en el contexto de una unidad de enseñanza cuya estrategia metodológica es consistente con la resolución de problemas. Abordamos este proceso considerando la teoría dinámica para el crecimiento de la comprensión matemática (Pirie & Kieren, 1994, 1999) como herramienta analítica. El folding back ha emergido como una herramienta conceptual eficaz para asimilar el proceso de comprensión del concepto de área, permitiéndonos identificar los diferentes papeles que ciertos indicadores del concepto han jugado en dicho proceso. Así, para el caso de Cecilia, se han identificado tres tipos diferentes de indicadores para el concepto de área: generadores, impulsores y derivados.This paper presents an interpretatively oriented case study focused on the development of understanding of the concept of area in a fifth year primary student, Cecilia. The methodological context of the study was a teaching unit based on problem solving. Our approach takes into consideration the model of growth in mathematical understanding (Pirie & Kieren, 1994, 1999) as an analytical tool. Particularly, folding back emerged as a powerful tool for understanding the dynamics of Cecilia's growth in understanding the area concept, and enabled us to identify three distinct roles of indicators in her process: generators, drivers and derivative

Metabolic fate and cardiometabolic effects of phenolic compounds from red-fleshed apple in hypercholesterolemic rats: A comparative study with common white-fleshed apple. The AppleCOR Study

The present study aims to investigate the metabolic fate and the cardiometabolic effects of phenolic compounds provided by a red-fleshed apple variety biofortified in anthocyanins (ACN). Wistar rats are fed with high-fat diet (HFD) to induce hypercholesterolemia and supplemented with red-fleshed apple (HFD+R), white-fleshed apple (HFD+W), or an ACN-rich infusion from aronia fruit (HFD+A) providing matched content and profile of ACN. Plasma biochemical parameters, histological analysis, and phenol biological metabolites are determined. Plasma, urine, and feces show a significant increase of ACN metabolites after HFD+R andHFD+A, while flavan-3-ols are significantly increased after HFD+W and dihydrochalcones derivatives increased after both apples supplementation. A cardioprotective effect sobserved after both apples and aronia infusion supplementation in the reduction of aortic thickness. The kidney function is improved after all supplementations and a decrease in insulin plasma concentration after both apples supplementation (HFD+R andHFD+W) is also observed. The findings support that ACN without apple matrix can induce cardioprotective effects. ACN or flavan-3-ols, together with dihydrochalcones, compose a phenolic phytocomplex in red- and white-fleshed apples, respectively, which can act synergistically in the attenuation of cardiovascular outcomes in hypercholesterolemic rats.This study was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Economy and Competitiveness through the AGL2016-76943-C2-1-R and AGL2016-76943-C2-2-R projects (co-funded by the European Social Fund, European Union). I.A.L. enjoyed a post-doctoral contract (2017PMF-POST2-19) from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement and from the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV). S.Y. was supported by a grant from the University of Lleida. Ú.C. has a Pla estratègic de recerca i innovació en salut (PERIS) post-doctoral grant (SLT002/16/00239; Catalunya, Spain) from Generalitat de Catalunya. A.P. enjoys a post-doctoral grant (PTQ-15-08068; Spain). L.R. is a Serra Húnter Fellow. In addition, the authors were grateful to NUFRI SAT (Mollerussa, Lleida, Catalonia, Spain) for providing the red-fleshed apples; to Ana Martínez (Department of Medicine, University of Lleida) for helpful with the histological stains; and finally, to SCT-Estabulari of the University of Lleida where the animal experiment was carried out. A few spelling and layout mistakes were corrected on May 14, 2021

Nutriosomes: prebiotic delivery systems combining phospholipid, soluble dextrin and curcumin to counteract intestinal oxidative stress and inflammation

Nutriosomes, new phospholipid nanovesicles specifically designed for intestinal protection were developed by simultaneously loading a water-soluble dextrine (Nutriose® FM06) and a natural antioxidant (curcumin). Nutriosomes were easily fabricated in a one-step, organic solvent-free procedure. The stability and the delivery performances of the vesicles were improved by adding hydroxypropylmetylcellulose. All the vesicles were small in size (mean diameter ~168 nm), negatively charged (zeta potential ~-38 mV, irrespective of their composition), self-assembled predominantly in unilamellar vesicles stabilized by the presence of Nutriose® , which was located in both the inter-lamellar and inter-vesicle medium, as confirmed by cryo-TEM and SAXS investigation. The dextrin acted also as a cryo-protector, avoiding vesicle collapse during the lyophilization process, and as a protector against high ionic strength and pH changes encountered in the gastrointestinal environment. Thanks to the antioxidant properties of curcumin, nutriosomes provided an optimal protective effect against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells. Moreover, these innovative vesicles showed promising efficacy in vivo, as they improved the bioavailability and the biodistribution of both curcumin and dextrin upon oral administration, which acted synergically in reducing colonic damage chemically-induced in rats

¿Qué enseñar en la educación obligatoria acerca de la alimentación y actividad física? Un estudio con expertos

Durante la etapa de educación secundaria, los jóvenes suelen reducir su actividad física y modificar sus hábitos alimentarios de manera negativa. Los objetivos de este trabajo son identificar los problemas de salud más relevantes para la educación en el campo de la alimentación y la actividad física, así como las competencias necesarias para resolverlos. Para ello, se realizó una revisión bibliográfica y una consulta a expertos a través de un estudio Delphi y de un encuentro presencial. Esta combinación ha permitido consensuar entre diferentes sectores profesionales no solamente una lista de problemas y contenidos competenciales necesarios, sino también aquellos considerados como prescindibles. Los resultados de este estudio permitirán actualizar la educación alimentaria en la escuela y replantearse el currículum de ciencias desde una perspectiva que integre su enseñanza con la educación físic