Genesis and evolution of the San Manuel iron skarn deposit (Betic Cordillera, SW Spain)

The San Manuel magnesian skarn is an iron deposit hosted in dolomitic marbles from a tectonic slice imbricated within the Ronda peridotites, in the westernmost part of the Betic Cordillera, Spain. According to the dominant mineral assemblage, the skarn is subdivided into three different zones, (1) forsterite +/- calcite skarn, (2) calcite +/- chlorite +/- serpentine skarn, and (3) Ca-amphibole skarn. The main ore in the skarn is a similar to 2.5 m thick, massive ore body situated in the middle of the sequence. In this paper, we firstly report a comprehensive major to trace element composition, texture, microstructure, and mineralogy characterization for zoned magnesioferritemagnetite grains of the San Manuel deposit using a combination of (1) laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, (2) focused ion beam combined with transmission electron microscopy, and (3) electron back-scattered diffraction. We have defined four different magnesioferrite-magnetite generations. A complete sequence of zoning includes cores of magnesioferrite (Mag-1; MgO up to 10.6 wt%) overprinted by three successive generations of magnetite, namely Mag-2, Mag-3, Mag-4. Mag-2 (MgO < 4 wt%), hosts composite forsterite +/- calcite +/- chlorite inclusions, consistently with high Si, Ca, and Sr (average: 8204 ppm, 8980 ppm, and 49 ppm respectively) contents detected by in situ laser ablation inductively coupled plasma (LA-ICP-MS). Mag-3 replacing former Mag-1 and Mag-2 includes nanometric spinel and gahnite exsolutions detected by focused ion beam combined with a transmission electron microscope (FIB-TEM), which is consistent with its high Al, Ti, V, and Ga (average: 5073 ppm, 368 ppm, and 20 ppm, respectively) trace element concentration. Mag-4 is the Fe-richest magnetite (up to 94.16 wt% FeOtotal) forming the outermost rims in magnetite grains, and exhibiting the lowest total trace element contents. Approaches in temperature estimations employing magnetitespinel exsolutions in Mag-3 suggest that the minimum temperature of the prograde stage reached temperatures below 700 degrees C, whereas Mag-4 should be formed during the retrograde stage. Magnetite microstructure studied by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) suggests Mag-4 formation under fluid-assisted dynamic conditions, which is consistent with the tectonic evolution of the emplacement. We propose that the San Manuel deposit formed by pulsed hydrothermal fluids derived from anatexis of crustal rocks during peridotite emplacement, promoting reequilibration processes that led to the magnesioferrite-magnetite zoning

Outcomes measured by mortality rates, quality of life and degree of autonomy in the first year in stroke units in Spain

Altres ajuts: The study has been funded by an unrestricted grant from Boehringer Ingelheim Spain.The primary objective of this sub analysis of the CONOCES study was to analyse outcomes in terms of mortality rates, quality of life and degree of autonomy over the first year in patients admitted to stroke units in Spain. The secondary objective was to identify the factors determining good prognosis. We studied a sample of patients who had suffered a confirmed stroke and been admitted to a Stroke Unit in the Spanish healthcare system. Socio-demographic and clinical variables and variables related to the level of severity (NIHSS), the level of autonomy (Barthel, modified Rankin) and quality of life (EQ-5D) were recorded at the time of admission and then three months and one year after the event. Factors determining prognosis were analysed using logistic regression and ROC curves. A total of 321 patients were recruited, 33% of whom received thrombolytic treatment, which was associated with better results on the Barthel and the modified Rankin scales and in terms of the risk of death. Mean quality of life measured through EQ-5D improved from 0.57 at discharge to 0.65 one year later. Full autonomy level measured by Barthel index increased from 30.1% at discharge to 52.8% at one year and by the modified Rankin scale from 51% to 71%. The rates for in-hospital and 1-year mortality were 5.9% and 17.4% respectively. Low NIHSS scores were associated with a good prognosis with all the outcome variables. The three instruments applied (NIHSS, Barthel and modified Rankin scales) on admission showed good discriminative ability for patient prognosis in the ROC curves. There has been a change in the prognosis for stroke in Spain in recent years as the quality of life at 1 year observed in our study is clearly higher than that obtained in other Spanish studies conducted previously. Moreover, survival and functional outcome have also improved following the introduction of a new model of care. These results clearly promote extension of the model based on stroke units and reinforced rehabilitation to the majority of the more than 100,000 strokes that occur annually in Spain

Metabolic regulation of macrophages by SIRT1 determines activation during cholestatic liver disease in mice

Background & Aims: Inflammation is the hallmark of chronic liver disease. Metabolism is a key determinant to regulate the activation of immune cells. Here, we define the role of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a main metabolic regulator, in controlling the activation of macrophages during cholestatic liver disease and in response to endotoxin. Methods: We have used mice overexpressing SIRT1, which we treated with intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharides or induced cholestasis by bile duct ligation. Bone marrow–derived macrophages were used for mechanistic in vitro studies. Finally, PEPC-Boy mice were used for adoptive transfer experiments to elucidate the impact of SIRT1-overexpressing macrophages in contributing to cholestatic liver disease. Results: We found that SIRT1 overexpression promotes increased liver inflammation and liver injury after lipopolysaccharide/GalN and bile duct ligation; this was associated with an increased activation of the inflammasome in macrophages. Mechanistically, SIRT1 overexpression associated with the activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway that led to increased activation of macrophages, which showed metabolic rewiring with increased glycolysis and broken tricarboxylic acid cycle in response to endotoxin in vitro. Activation of the SIRT1/mTOR axis in macrophages associated with the activation of the inflammasome and the attenuation of autophagy. Ultimately, in an in vivo model of cholestatic disease, the transplantation of SIRT1-overexpressing myeloid cells contributed to liver injury and fibrosis. Conclusions: Our study provides novel mechanistic insights into the regulation of macrophages during cholestatic disease and the response to endotoxin, in which the SIRT1/mTOR crosstalk regulates macrophage activation controlling the inflammasome, autophagy and metabolic rewiring

Free fatty-acid transport via CD36 drives β-oxidation-mediated hematopoietic stem cell response to infection

Acute infection is known to induce rapid expansion of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), but the mechanisms supporting this expansion remain incomplete. Using mouse models, we show that inducible CD36 is required for free fatty acid uptake by HSCs during acute infection, allowing the metabolic transition from glycolysis towards β-oxidation. Mechanistically, high CD36 levels promote FFA uptake, which enables CPT1A to transport fatty acyl chains from the cytosol into the mitochondria. Without CD36-mediated FFA uptake, the HSCs are unable to enter the cell cycle, subsequently enhancing mortality in response to bacterial infection. These findings enhance our understanding of HSC metabolism in the bone marrow microenvironment, which supports the expansion of HSCs during pathogenic challenge

Breastfeeding is associated with higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet in a Spanish population of preschoolers: the SENDO project

Objective: To assess whether breastfeeding during the first months of life is associated with adherence to the Mediterranean dietary (MedDiet) pattern in preschool children. Design: The Seguimiento del Nino para un Desarrollo & Oacute; ptimo (SENDO) project is an ongoing pediatric cohort with open recruitment, started in 2015 in Spain. Participants, recruited when they are 4 to 5 years old at their primary local health center or school, are followed annually through online questionnaires. For this study, 941 SENDO participants with full data on study variables were included. Breastfeeding history was collected retrospectively at baseline. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was assessed with the KIDMED index (range -3 to 12). Results: After accounting for multiple sociodemographic and lifestyle confounders, including parental attitudes and knowledge about dietary recommendations for children, breastfeeding was independently associated with a higher adherence to the MedDiet. Compared with children who were never breastfed, children breastfed for >= 6 months had a one-point increase on their mean KIDMED score (Mean difference +0.93, 95%confidence interval [CI]. 0.52-1.34, p for trend = 8) was 2.94 (95%CI 1.50-5.36) in children who were breastfed for at least 6 months, as compared to their peers who were never breastfeed. Children who were breastfed for less than 6 months exhibited intermediate levels of adherence (p for trend <0.01). Conclusion: Breastfeeding for 6 months or longer is associated with a higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet during the preschool years

Evaluation of Textural and Sensory Properties on Typical Spanish Small Cakes Designed Using Alternative Flours

[EN] The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of wheat flour substitution with toasted corn, quinoa, and sorghum flours on the overall perception and texture of typical Spanish small cakes named madeleine. In order to evaluate these characteristics, a texture profile analysis (TPA) and a sensory analysis were carried out. TPA showed that the replacement of wheat flour by sorghum flour did not affect significantly texture parameters of cakes. Hedonic sensory tests were also conducted revealing that the cake prepared with sorghum flour was highly appreciated by the consumers as it got scores similar to traditional cakes made with wheat flour.Casas Moreno, MDM.; Barreto Palacios, VJ.; González Carrascosa, R.; Iborra Bernad, MDC.; Andrés Bello, MD.; Martínez Monzó, J.; García-Segovia, P. (2015). Evaluation of Textural and Sensory Properties on Typical Spanish Small Cakes Designed Using Alternative Flours. Journal of Culinary Science and Technology. 13(1):19-28. doi:10.1080/15428052.2014.952475S1928131Baldwin, R. R., Baldry, R. P., & Johansen, R. G. (1972). Fat systems for bakery products. Journal of the American Oil Chemists’ Society, 49(8), 473-477. doi:10.1007/bf02582482Beleia, A., Miller, R. A., & Hoseney, R. C. (1996). Starch Gelatinization in Sugar Solutions. Starch - Starke, 48(7-8), 259-262. doi:10.1002/star.19960480705Brannan, G. L., Setser, C. S., Kemp, K. E., Seib, P. A., & Roozeboom, K. (2001). Sensory Characteristics of Grain Sorghum Hybrids with Potential for Use in Human Food. Cereal Chemistry Journal, 78(6), 693-700. doi:10.1094/cchem.2001.78.6.693Cauvain, S. P., & Young, L. S. (Eds.). (2006). Baked Products. doi:10.1002/9780470995907Chieh, C. (s. f.). Water. Bakery Products, 211-232. doi:10.1002/9780470277553.ch11Conforti, F. D. (s. f.). Cake Manufacture. Bakery Products, 393-410. doi:10.1002/9780470277553.ch22Ghotra, B. S., Dyal, S. D., & Narine, S. S. (2002). Lipid shortenings: a review. Food Research International, 35(10), 1015-1048. doi:10.1016/s0963-9969(02)00163-1Kiosseoglou, V., & Paraskevopoulou, A. (s. f.). Eggs. Bakery Products, 161-172. doi:10.1002/9780470277553.ch8Lai, H.-M., & Lin, T.-C. (s. f.). Bakery Products: Science and Technology. Bakery Products, 3-68. doi:10.1002/9780470277553.ch1Lau, M. ., Tang, J., & Paulson, A. . (2000). Texture profile and turbidity of gellan/gelatin mixed gels. Food Research International, 33(8), 665-671. doi:10.1016/s0963-9969(00)00111-3LINDLEY, M. G. (1987). Sucrose in baked products. Nutrition Bulletin, 12(1), 41-45. doi:10.1111/j.1467-3010.1987.tb00011.xMastromatteo, M., Chillo, S., Iannetti, M., Civica, V., & Del Nobile, M. A. (2011). Formulation optimisation of gluten-free functional spaghetti based on quinoa, maize and soy flours. International Journal of Food Science & Technology, 46(6), 1201-1208. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2621.2011.02613.xOreopoulou, V. (s. f.). Fat Replacers. Bakery Products, 193-210. doi:10.1002/9780470277553.ch10Peressini, D., Pin, M., & Sensidoni, A. (2011). Rheology and breadmaking performance of rice-buckwheat batters supplemented with hydrocolloids. Food Hydrocolloids, 25(3), 340-349. doi:10.1016/j.foodhyd.2010.06.012Sanz, T., Salvador, A., Baixauli, R., & Fiszman, S. M. (2009). Evaluation of four types of resistant starch in muffins. II. Effects in texture, colour and consumer response. European Food Research and Technology, 229(2), 197-204. doi:10.1007/s00217-009-1040-1Taylor, J. R. N., Schober, T. J., & Bean, S. R. (2006). Novel food and non-food uses for sorghum and millets. Journal of Cereal Science, 44(3), 252-271. doi:10.1016/j.jcs.2006.06.009Wilderjans, E., Luyts, A., Brijs, K., & Delcour, J. A. (2013). Ingredient functionality in batter type cake making. Trends in Food Science & Technology, 30(1), 6-15. doi:10.1016/j.tifs.2013.01.001Wilderjans, E., Pareyt, B., Goesaert, H., Brijs, K., & Delcour, J. A. (2008). The role of gluten in a pound cake system: A model approach based on gluten–starch blends. Food Chemistry, 110(4), 909-915. doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2008.02.079Wilson, N. L. W. (2011). How the Cookie Crumbles: A Case Study of Gluten-Free Cookies and Random Utility. American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 94(2), 576-582. doi:10.1093/ajae/aar081Zhu, J.-H., Yang, X.-Q., Ahmad, I., Li, L., Wang, X.-Y., & Liu, C. (2008). Rheological properties of κ-carrageenan and soybean glycinin mixed gels. Food Research International, 41(3), 219-228. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2007.11.00

Intestinal microbiome-macrophage crosstalk contributes to cholestatic liver disease by promoting intestinal permeability in mice

Background and Aims: Mounting evidence supports an association between cholestatic liver disease and changes in the composition of the microbiome. Still, the role of the microbiome in the pathogenesis of this condition remains largely undefined.  Approach and Results: To address this, we have used two experimental models, administering alpha-naphtylisocyanate or feeding a 0.1% 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine diet, to induce cholestatic liver disease in germ-free mice and germ-free mice conventionalized with the microbiome from wild-type, specific pathogen-free animals. Next, we have inhibited macrophage activation by depleting these cells using clodronate liposomes and inhibiting the inflammasome with a specific inhibitor of NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3. Our results demonstrate that cholestasis, the accumulation of bile acids in the liver, fails to promote liver injury in the absence of the microbiome in vivo. Additional in vitro studies supported that endotoxin sensitizes hepatocytes to bile-acid–induced cell death. We also demonstrate that during cholestasis, macrophages contribute to promoting intestinal permeability and to altered microbiome composition through activation of the inflammasome, overall leading to increased endotoxin flux into the cholestatic liver.  Conclusions: We demonstrate that the intestinal microbiome contributes to cholestasis-mediated cell death and inflammation through mechanisms involving activation of the inflammasome in macrophages

Trends in the epidemiology of catheter-related bloodstream infections; towards a paradigm shift, Spain, 2007 to 2019

Altres ajuts: Departament de Salut. Generalitat de Catalunya ("Pla estratègic de recerca i innovació en salut (PERIS) 2019-2021"); Ministerio de Asuntos Económicos y Transformación Digital; Red Española de Investigación en Patología Infecciosa (REIPI).Background: Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) are frequent healthcare-associated infections and an important cause of death. Aim: To analyse changes in CRBSI epidemiology observed by the Infection Control Catalan Programme (VINCat). Methods: A cohort study including all hospital-acquired CRBSI episodes diagnosed at 55 hospitals (2007-2019) in Catalonia, Spain, was prospectively conducted. CRBSI incidence rates were adjusted per 1,000patientdays. To assess the CRBSI rate trend per year, negative binomial models were used, with the number of events as the dependent variable, and the year as the main independent variable. From each model, the annual rate of CRBSI diagnosed per 1,000patientdays and the incidence rate ratio (IRR) with its 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Results: During the study, 9,290 CRBSI episodes were diagnosed (mean annual incidence rate:0.20episodes/1,000patientdays). Patients' median age was 64.1years; 36.6% (3,403/9,290) were female. In total, 73.7% (n=6,845) of CRBSI occurred in non-intensive care unit (ICU) wards, 62.7% (n=5,822) were related to central venous catheter (CVC), 24.1% (n=2,236) to peripheral venous catheters (PVC) and 13.3% (n=1,232) to peripherally-inserted central venous catheters (PICVC). Incidence rate fell over the study period (IRR:0.94;95%CI:0.93-0.96), especially in the ICU (IRR:0.88;95%CI:0.87-0.89). As a whole, while episodes of CVC CRBSI fell significantly (IRR:0.88;95%CI:0.87-0.91), peripherally-inserted catheter CRBSI (PVC and PICVC) rose, especially in medical wards (IRR PICVC:1.08;95%CI:1.05-1.11; IRR PVC: 1.03; 95% 1.00-1.05). Conclusions: Over the study, CRBSIs associated with CVC and diagnosed in ICUs decreased while episodes in conventional wards involving peripherally-inserted catheters increased. Hospitals should implement preventive measures in conventional wards