Rocas volcánicas submarinas en la base de la Formación Cañadas. Macizo de Tigaiga (N. de Tenerife)

A volcanic submarine formation crops out in the north coast of Tenerife, east of San Juan de la Rambla. This unit is formed by massive and pil/owed lavas, pillow-breccias, hyaloc/astites and palagonitic tuffs and is interpreted as consisUng of subaerial lavas that flowed into shal/ow marine waters. The lavas are amphibolic trachybasalts. An unaltered sample coming fram the most massive zone has yielded a whole rack 2.60±0.17 Ma K-Ar age. These submarine lavas are underlying the oldest formations of the Las Cañadas Series dated at 1.24 Ma in that same area. The submarine lavas correspond to a time period for which very scarce information was yet available in Tenerife

Edades radiométricas de los edificios miocenos de Fuerteventura (Islas Canarias).

Se han realizado once nuevas dataciones K-Ar de las coladas básicas (basaltos, nefelinitas) y sálicas (traquitas) de los tres edificios principales subaéreos (Tetir o Norte, Gran Tarajal o Central y Jandía o Sur) que constituyen la Fase miocena de la isla. Se precisa algo más la cronoestratigrafía relativa entre ellos, así como la correspondiente a los tramos que los integran

Green Alga Ulva spp. Hydrolysates and Their Peptide Fractions Regulate Cytokine Production in Splenic Macrophages and Lymphocytes Involving the TLR4-NFkB/MAPK Pathways

Hydrolysates of food protein sources have immunomodulatory effects, which are of interest for use as functional foods. In this study, we have characterized the immune regulatory effect on rat splenocytes, macrophages and T lymphocytes of Ulva spp. hydrolysates and their peptide fractions with or without in vitro gastrointestinal digestion and/or ultrafiltration. IL-10 was induced in almost all conditions and cell types obtained from wild type animals. The induction was in general increased by ultrafiltration and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. TNF was also induced in basal conditions. In turn, TNF and IFN- production was attenuated by the hydrolysate products in lipopolysaccharide or concanavalin A immune stimulated cells. Inhibitors for the activation of NF B, MAPK p38 and JNK inhibited IL-10 induction in rat splenocytes. The response was dramatically attenuated in TLR4-/- cells, and only modestly in TLR2-/- cells. Food peptides from Ulva spp. genus exert anti-inflammatory effects in immune cells mediated by TLR4 and NF B. Similarity with the immunomodulatory profile of protein hydrolysates from other sources suggests a common mechanism.This work was supported by funds from the Ministry of Economy and Competitivity, partly with Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional FEDER funds [SAF2017-88457-R, AGL2017-85270-R, BFU2014-57736-P, AGL2014-58883-R] and by Junta de Andalucía [CTS235, CTS164]. C.H.-C. and R.G.-B. were supported by the University of Granada (Contrato Puente Program—Plan Propio) and the Ministry of Education [Spain], respectively. CIBERehd is funded by Instituto de Salud Carlos III

Proteins and Carbohydrates from Red Seaweeds: Evidence for Beneficial Effects on Gut Function and Microbiota

Based on their composition, marine algae, and namely red seaweeds, are good potential functional foods. Intestinal mucosal barrier function refers to the capacity of the intestine to provide adequate containment of luminal microorganisms and molecules. Here, we will first outline the component of seaweeds and will summarize the effects of these on the regulation of mucosal barrier function. Special attention will be paid to unique components of red seaweeds: proteins and derived peptides (e.g., phycobiliproteins, glycoproteins that contain “cellulose binding domains”, phycolectins and the related mycosporine-like amino acids) together with polysaccharides (e.g., floridean starch and sulfated galactans, such as carrageenans, agarans and “dl-hybrid”) and minerals. These compounds have been shown to exert prebiotic effects, to regulate intestinal epithelial cell, macrophage and lymphocyte proliferation and differentiation and to modulate the immune response. Molecular mechanisms of action of peptides and polysaccharides are starting to be elucidated, and evidence indicating the involvement of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGFR), Toll-like receptors (TLR) and signal transduction pathways mediated by protein kinase B (PKB or AKT), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) will also be summarized. The need for further research is clear, but in vivo experiments point to an overall antiinflammatory effect of these algae, indicating that they can reinforce membrane barrier function

Quality of life in children with infrequent congenital heart defects: Cohort study with one-year of follow-up

Background: The evidence regarding patient related outcomes in children with infrequent congenital heart defects (I-CHD) is very limited. We sought to measure quality of life (QoL) in children with I-CHD, and secondarily, to describe QoL changes after one-year of follow-up, self-reported by children and through their caregivers' perspective. Methods: We assembled a cohort of children diagnosed with an I-CHD in a cardiovascular referral center in Colombia, between August 2016 and September 2018. At baseline and at one-year follow-up, a clinical psychology assessment was performed to establish perception of QoL. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) 4.0 scale was used in both general and cardiac modules for patients and for their caregivers. We used a Mann-Whitney U test to compare scores for general and cardiac modules between patients and caregivers, while a Wilcoxon test was used to compared patients' and caregivers' baseline and follow-up scores. Results are presented as median and interquartile range. Results: To date, QoL evaluation at one-year follow-up has been achieved in 112/157 patients (71%). Self-reported scores in general and cardiac modules were higher than the QoL perceived through their caregivers, both at baseline and after one-year of follow-up. When compared, there was no statistically significant difference in general module scores at baseline between patients (median = 74.4, IQR = 64.1-80.4) and caregivers scores (median = 68.4, IQR = 59.6-83.7), p = 0.296. On the contrary, there was a statistical difference in baseline scores in the cardiac module between patients (median = 79.6, IQR = 69.7-87.4) and caregivers (median = 73.6, IQR = 62.6-84.3), p = 0.019. At one-year of follow-up, scores for the general module between patients (median = 72.8, IQR = 59.2-85.9) and caregivers (median = 69.9, IQR = 58.1-83.7) were not statistically different (p = 0.332). Finally, a significant difference was found for cardiac module scores between patient (median = 75.0, IQR = 67.1-87.1) and caregivers (median = 73.1, IQR = 59.5-83.8), p = 0.034. Conclusions: QoL in children with I-CHD can be compromised. However, children have a better perception of their QoL when compared with their caregivers' assessments. To provide high-quality care, besides a thorough clinical evaluation, QoL directly elicited by the child should be an essential aspect in the integral management of I-CHD. © 2020 The Author(s)

Daily consumption of a dairy drink enriched with DHA, Vitamins and minerals enhanced nutritional status and cognitive abilities parameters

Preadolescence is a period of growth with special nutritional requirements. In this research we investigated the effects produced by a 5-month consumption of an enriched dairy drink on biochemical and cognitive development parameters in children. Methods: 119 children (8 14y) of both genders (male 49%, female 51%) were randomly distributed into two study groups. The supplemented group (SG, n = 60) consumed 0.6 L/day (breakfast, elevenses and teatime) of an enriched dairy drink containing fish oils (high in DHA), oleic acid, carbohydrates (sugar and honey), vitamins (A, B complex, C, D, and E) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, zinc) (Puleva Max®). The control group (CG, n = 59) consumed 0.6 L/day of standard whole milk. Both groups received the same dietary advice and consumed the dairy drinks for 5-moths, in addition to their usual diet. Blood samples and psychometric tests (some subscales of W.I.S.C.-IV of Wechsler and EVALUA of Vidal) were taken at 0 and 5 months. RM ANOVA was applied. Data are expressed as mean±SEM. Results: The consumption of the enriched dairy drink (SG) produced significant (p < 0.05) increases in plasma DHA (20%) and calcium (1.5%). Total proteins (1.9%), transferrine (2.1%), total cholesterol (3.3%) and HDLcholesterol (5.2%), but not LDL-cholesterol, decreased significantly in CG. Regarding psychometric parameters, digits span (working memory test), speed reading and reading comprehension scores showed significant increases in SG at the end of the study (16.8%, 19.1%, and 19.0% respectively) whereas CG only showed higher scores in the reading comprehension test (19.2%). Conclusion: The dietary supplementation with the enriched dairy drink improved the nutritional and biochemical status and a number of cognitive performance markers in children of 8 and 14 years. Supported by Puleva Food SA.Universidad e Granada Puleva Biotech S

Virgin olive oil and health: summary of the III international conference on virgin olive oil and health consensus report, JAEN (Spain) 2018

The Mediterranean diet is considered as the foremost dietary regimen and its adoption is associated with the prevention of degenerative diseases and an extended longevity. The preeminent features of the Mediterranean diet have been agreed upon and the consumption of olive oil stands out as the most peculiar one. Indeed, the use of olive oil as the nearly exclusive dietary fat is what mostly characterizes the Mediterranean area. Plenty of epidemiological studies have correlated that the consumption of olive oil was associated with better overall health. Indeed, extra virgin olive oil contains (poly)phenolic compounds that are being actively investigated for their purported biological and pharma-nutritional properties. On 18 and 19 May 2018, several experts convened in Jaen (Spain) to discuss the most recent research on the benefits of olive oil and its components. We reported a summary of that meeting (reviewing several topics related to olive oil, not limited to health) and concluded that substantial evidence is accruing to support the widespread opinion that extra virgin olive oil should, indeed, be the fat of choice when it comes to human health and sustainable agronomy

Intracellular expression of Tat alters mitochondrial functions in T cells: a potential mechanism to understand mitochondrial damage during HIV-1 replication

HIV-1 replication results in mitochondrial damage that is enhanced during antiretroviral therapy (ART). The onset of HIV-1 replication is regulated by viral protein Tat, a 101-residue protein codified by two exons that elongates viral transcripts. Although the first exon of Tat (aa 1–72) forms itself an active protein, the presence of the second exon (aa 73–101) results in a more competent transcriptional protein with additional functions. Results: Mitochondrial overall functions were analyzed in Jurkat cells stably expressing full-length Tat (Tat101) or one-exon Tat (Tat72). Representative results were confirmed in PBLs transiently expressing Tat101 and in HIV-infected Jurkat cells. The intracellular expression of Tat101 induced the deregulation of metabolism and cytoskeletal proteins which remodeled the function and distribution of mitochondria. Tat101 reduced the transcription of the mtDNA, resulting in low ATP production. The total amount of mitochondria increased likely to counteract their functional impairment. These effects were enhanced when Tat second exon was expressed. Conclusions: Intracellular Tat altered mtDNA transcription, mitochondrial content and distribution in CD4+ T cells. The importance of Tat second exon in non-transcriptional functions was confirmed. Tat101 may be responsible for mitochondrial dysfunctions found in HIV-1 infected patients.We greatly appreciate the secretarial assistance of Mrs Olga Palao. This work was supported by FIPSE (360924/10), Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (SAF2010-18388), Spanish Ministry of Health (EC11- 285), AIDS Network ISCIII-RETIC (RD12/0017/0015), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (FIS PI12/00506). The work of Sara Rodríguez-Mora is supported by a fellowship of Sara Borrell from Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (2013). The work of María Rosa López-Huertas is supported by a fellowship of the European Union Programme Health 2009 (CHAARM).S

Time-of-Flight Detector for the Characterisation of Laser-Accelerated Protons

[Otros] Lasers of ultra-high intensity focused on thin targets can form plasmas and release large numbers of charged particles with kinetic energies in the MeV region. The characterization of the accelerated particles requires suitable detectors. We present a time-of-flight detector based on a plastic scintillator optimized for the spectral analysis of laser-accelerated protons. All details of the detector layout are adapted to the expected properties of the proton beam. Particle energies will be separated by the time-of-flight technique over 200 cm path length. The active area (25 mm width) corresponds to a few mrad opening angle. With 5 mm thickness the detector is capable of absorbing protons up to 22.5 MeV. A very thin, aluminized mylar foil shields the scintillator from outer light while absorbing very little particle energy. The scintillation photons are measured with a photomultiplier tube coupled through a bundle of optical fibres. The coupling of these fibres via a PMMA light guide has been previously optimized in simulations with Litrani. A critical aspect of the detection of virtually large numbers of protons emitted in femtosecond pulses is the saturation of the PMT. The latter can be avoided by use of appropriate optical filters. With these the effective dynamic range starts from single particles over several orders of magnitude. Our time-of-flight detector has been calibrated at the Spanish National Accelerator Centre at Sevilla. Proton beams from 0.46 to 5.6 MeV from a tandem accelerator have been used to measure the relation between particle energy and pulse heights. Further tests have been performed with a pulsed electron beam to simulate many-particle hits.Project funded by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness and co-funded with FEDER¿s funds within the INNPACTO 2011 program, Grant No. IPT-2011-0862- 900000. This work was supported by the Spanish Plan Nacional de Investigacion Científica, Desarrollo e Innovacion Tecnológica (I+D+i) under Grant No. FIS2010-21216-CO2-01 and the Valencian Local Government under Grants PROMETEOII/2013/010 and ISIC 2011/013Seimetz, M.; Bellido, P.; Soriano, A.; Huertas, C.; García Lopez, J.; Jimenez-Ramos, MC.; Fernandez, B.... (2013). Time-of-Flight Detector for the Characterisation of Laser-Accelerated Protons. IEEE. 25-28. https://doi.org/10.1109/NSSMIC.2013.6829804S252