Effects of pomace olive oil-enriched diets on endothelial function of small mesenteric arteries from spontaneously hypertensive rats

Pomace olive oil (POM), an olive oil subproduct traditionally used in Spain, is a good source of minor components from the unsaponifiable fraction such as triterpenoids, mainly in the form of oleanolic acid, which induces vascular protection and vasodilatation. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of long-term intake of diets enriched in POM with high concentration in oleanolic acid on endothelial dysfunction associated to hypertension in small mesenteric arteries (SMA) from spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). During 12 weeks, rats (six rats per group) were fed either a control 2% maize oil diet (BD), or high-fat diets containing 15% refined olive oil (OL), pomace olive oil (POM), or pomace olive oil supplemented in oleanolic acid (POMO; up to 800 parts per million). Endothelial and vascular functions were assessed by relaxing or contracting responses to acetylcholine (ACh) or phenylephrine, respectively. The involvement of endothelium-derived relaxing factors in these responses was evaluated. In contrast to BD, SHR fed high-fat diets showed a biphasic response to ACh related to changes in eicosanoid metabolism. POM enhanced the endothelial function in SMA from SHR by increasing the endothelium-derived hyperpolarising factor (EDHF)-type component, whereas administration of POMO resulted in a similar contribution of NO/EDHF in the endothelial response to ACh. The present study shows that despite the lack of changes in blood pressure, consumption of POM improves endothelial function in SMA from SHR by improving the agonist-mediated EDHF/NO response. Thus, triterpenoids confer a protective role to POM against endothelial dysfunction in hypertension.Comision Interministerial de Ciencia y Tecnologia AGR163Junta de Andalucia AGL2005-00 572, AGL2008-022845/ALIFondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias ISCIII G03/140-200

Antiwear performance of ionic liquid+graphene dispersions with anomalous viscosity-temperature behavior

New dispersions of few-layers graphene (G) in 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium ([EMIM]) ionic liquids (ILs) with dicyanamide ([DCA]) or bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([TFSI]) anions have been obtained by mechanical mixing and sonication. IL+0.5 wt% G dispersions show constant viscosity values from 357K (for IL = [EMIM][DCA]) or from 385K (for IL = [EMIM][TFSI]) to 393K. IL + G dispersions with G > 0.5 wt% show linear viscosity increases with increasing temperature, from 306K (for [EMIM][DCA]+1 wt%G) and from 330K to 393K (for [EMIM][TFSI]+0.75 wt%G and [EMIM][TFSI]+1 wt%G). Addition of graphene improves the poor wear reducing performance of [EMIM][DCA], and prevents surface damage on steel when added to [EMIM][TFSI]. Graphene increases the load-carrying ability of ILs, forms a surface layer on the sliding path and retains wear debris, preventing the formation of large abrasive particles.Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (MINECO, Spain), EU FEDER Program (Grant # MAT2017-85130-P) Este trabajo es resultado de la actividad desarrollada en el marco del Programa de Ayudas a Grupos de Excelencia de la Región de Murcia, de la Fundación Séneca, Agencia de Ciencia y Tecnología de la Región de Murcia (Grant # 19877/GERM/15) M.D. Avilés ha recibido una beca del MINECO (BES-2015-074836)

Characterisation of compounds formed and added on surface of outdoor Seville City Hall

The study of the stone surface was helpful before the restoration of the Sevilla City Hall façade. This study supplied information of the environmental factors affecting the stone and the restoration treatments used in previous interventions. The stone was thin grained carbonate constituted essentially by fragments of bioclasts and fine sand. The stone was covered by an acrylic resin. Black crust was found. Gypsum and mortars has been added to cover losses of pieces or to fix fragments of stones. A layer of lime on the surface was also detected.Ministerio de Ciencia y Tecnología BIA2009-12618Junta de Andalucía TEP-655

Pomace Olive Oil Concentrated in Triterpenic Acids Restores Vascular Function, Glucose Tolerance and Obesity Progression in Mice

Pomace olive oil, an olive oil sub-product, is a promising source of bioactive triterpenoids such as oleanolic acid and maslinic acid. Considering the vascular actions of pomace olive oil and the potential effects of the isolated oleanolic acid on metabolic complications of obesity, this study investigates for the first time the dietary intervention with a pomace olive oil with high concentrations of the triterpenic acids (POCTA), oleanolic and maslinic acid, during diet-induced obesity in mice. The results demonstrate that obese mice, when switched to a POCTA-diet for 10 weeks, show a substantial reduction of body weight, insulin resistance, adipose tissue inflammation, and particularly, improvement of vascular function despite high caloric intake. This study reveals the potential of a functional food based on pomace olive oil and its triterpenic fraction against obesity progression. Our data also contribute to understanding the health-promoting effects attributable to the Mediterranean dietSpanish Ministerio de Economía, Industria y Competitividad (MINECO), Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI), and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER) (Grants SAF2017-82813-C3-3-R and PCI2018-092997/AEI to R.R.-R.

Potential vasorelaxant effects of oleanolic acid and erythrodiol, two triterpenoids contained in 'orujo' olive oil, on rat aorta

Orujo' olive oil is obtained by chemical processes from the waste resulting from the mechanical extraction of virgin olive oil. The aim of the present study was to evaluate a new pharmacological property of two natural triterpenoids contained in olive oil, as vasodilatory agents, and to determine their mechanism of action. The two compounds studied were oleanolic acid and erythrodiol. The vasorelaxant effect induced by these pentacyclic triterpenoids was studied in isolated thoracic rat aorta. Oleanolic acid and erythrodiol, accumulatively added, showed vasorelaxant activities in aortic rings with endothelium pre-contracted by 10-6 M-phenylephrine (maximum percentage of relaxation 86.38 (SEM 2.89) and 73.53 (SEM 6.01), respectively). They had almost no relaxant effect on depolarised or endothelium-denuded aortic segments. The relaxation was significantly attenuated by pre-treatment with the NO synthase inhibitor Nω -nitro-L-argi-nine-methylester (L-NAME; 3 × 10-4 M). To characterise the involvement of endothelial factors, in addifion to NO, arteries with endothelium were exposed to 10-5 M-indomethacin (INDO), a cyclo-oxygenase inhibitor, or INDO plus L-NAME. INDO did not have any significant effect on the relaxant response of both compounds. The combination of L-NAME plus INDO only abolished the oleanolic acid-induced relaxation. The present results suggest that the mechanism of relaxation seems to be mainly mediated by the endothelial production of NO; however, other mechanisms cannot be excluded. It can be concluded that oleanolic acid and erythrodiol may have interesting therapeutic potential as new vasodilator drugs, thus protecting the cardiovascular system. Therefore, the intake of 'orujo' olive oil, as a source of these compounds, might be beneficial in this regard.Comisión Interministerial de Ciencia y Tecnología AGL2002-00195Junta de Andalucía CAO01-00

Antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa on Human Skin Cell Lines: Determination of the Highest Non-Cytotoxic Concentrations with Antibiofilm Capacity for Wound Healing Strategies

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common microorganisms causing infections of severe skin wounds. Antibiotic or antiseptic treatments are crucial to prevent and curb these infections. Antiseptics have been reported to be cytotoxic to skin cells and few studies evaluate the impact of commonly used antibiotics. This study evaluates how clinical antibiotics affect skin cells’ viability, proliferation, migration, and cytokine secretion and defines the highest non-cytotoxic concentrations that maintain antibacterial activity. Cell proliferation, viability, and migration were evaluated on cell monolayers. Cytokines related to the wound healing process were determined. The minimum inhibitory concentrations and the impact on bacterial biofilm were assessed. Results showed that 0.02 mg/mL ciprofloxacin and 1 mg/mL meropenem are the highest non-cytotoxic concentrations for fibroblasts and keratinocytes while 1.25 mg/mL amikacin and 0.034 mg/mL colistin do not affect fibroblasts’ viability and cytokine secretion but have an impact on keratinocytes. These concentrations are above the minimum inhibitory concentration but only amikacin could eradicate the biofilm. For the other antibiotics, cytotoxic concentrations are needed to eradicate the biofilm. Combinations with colistin at non-cytotoxic concentrations effectively eliminate the biofilm. These results provide information about the concentrations required when administering topical antibiotic treatments on skin lesions, and how these antibiotics affect wound management therapies. This study set the basis for the development of novel antibacterial wound healing strategies such as antibiotic artificial skin substitutes.Predoctoral fellowship (FPU19/05455, BOE 22 October 2019) from the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities of SpainMinistry of Health and Families of the Andalusian Regional Government (PIGE-0242-2019)Carlos III Health Institute (PI17/02083)General Program of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO Scientific Exchange Grant 10007)Swedish Research Council (2022-01202)Region Stockholm (FoUI-961229)Center for Innovative Medicine (FoUI-975603

Characterization of Compounds Formed and Added on Surface of Outdoor Seville City Hall

The study of the stone surface was helpful before the restoration of the Sevilla City Hall façade. This study supplied information of the environmental factors affecting the stone and the restoration treatments used in previous interventions. The stone was thin grained carbonate constituted essentially by fragments of bioclasts and fine sand. The stone was covered by an acrylic resin. Black crust was found. Gypsum and mortars has been added to cover losses of pieces or to fix fragments of stones. A layer of lime on the surface was also detectedMinisterio de Ciencia y Tecnología BIA2009-12618Junta de Andalucía EP-655

Effectiveness of the application of massage therapy and kinesitherapy by parents on premature neonates: a research protocol

Aim: The study aims to analyse the efficacy of massage therapy and kinesitherapy applied by parents of premature infants admitted to hospital. Background: Premature newborns suffer early somatic deprivation that has adverse effects on their growth and development and that also has a negative impact on the emotional state of their parents. Massage therapy and kinesitherapy is beneficial in alleviating somatic deficit and facilitates the bond between parents and newborns. Design: A quasi-experimental community intervention trial will be conducted in a neonatology unit. Methods: This study will compare the benefits of a 15-min massage protocol applied by parents with the usual medical and nursing care given by neonatal units for premature babies. The evaluation of neuromotor development will take place through the Spanish Premie-Neuro scale. The determination of weight, size, and head circumference will be based on the unit's usual procedures. Discussion: If the implementation of a massage therapy and kinesitherapy protocol is effective in promoting the growth and development of hospitalized premature infants, the results of this study could give an impetus for the inclusion of somatic stimulation in the usual nursing care given for preterm infants. Impact: Prematurity and its associated morbidity pose a major global public health problem. Somatic and kinaesthetic stimulation has beneficial effects on anthropometric and neuromotor development in preterm infants. The results will have a positive impact on premature neonates and their families, both during the hospitalization, and a positive socio-economic effect throughout their lives (education, work, disability).SIWe thank the Neonatal Care Unit of the León University Hospital for taking part in this project, as well as all the nurses who participated for their efforts and dedication in collecting data. We are especially grateful to the premature newborns and their family members who kindly contributed to this study with their participation

El estrés laboral en mujeres con trabajo nocturno: el caso de una industria maquiladora de Zapopan, Jalisco, México

Objective: To know the presence of work stress related to night work and its possible effect on health in a group of women workers in a manufacturing industry in the industrial zone of Zapopan, Jalisco.Methods: Through a qualitative-exploratory approach, using the technique of free listings for the collection of information, the presence of stress, and its possible relationship with night work is investigated.Results: Of the participants 18 they expressed feeling stress, and they attribute it to the lack of rest, not sleeping well, and being unveiled, in addition to pointing out that it has caused them diseases and diseases such as tic and tremoring, migraine, insomnia, the pain of head and neck, pressure problems, overweight, and colitis. In correlation to the most frequently mentioned words and related to the word “stress”, headache and despair stand out.Conclusions: Knowing a part of the reality lived by night shift workers, which according to literature working at night, impacts men and women in a similar way, we consider that in some ways the impact is stronger in women Because there is not a level of family responsibilities since they are the ones that accumulate this burden the most, it is urgent to consider and apply differentiated health and prevention programs to workers who take turns, but especially those who work at night.Objetivo: Conocer la presencia del estrés laboral relacionado con el trabajo nocturno y su posible efecto a la salud en un grupo de trabajadoras de una industria manufacturera de la zona industrial de Zapopan, Jalisco.Métodos: A través de un acercamiento cualitativo-exploratorio, utilizando la técnica de listados libres para la recolección de la información, se indagó sobre la presencia de estrés y su posible relación con el trabajo nocturno.Resultados: De las participantes, 18 manifestaron sentir estrés, y lo atribuyen a la falta de descanso, al no dormir bien y al estar desveladas, además de señalar que éste les ha provocado padecimientos y enfermedades como tic y temblorina, migraña, insomnio, dolor de cabeza y cuello, problemas de presión, sobrepeso y colitis. En correlación a las palabras más frecuentemente mencionadas y relacionadas con la palabra “estrés” se destaca el dolor de cabeza y la desesperación.Conclusiones: El conocer una parte de la realidad vivida por los trabajadoras del turno nocturno, que según la literatura el trabajar de noche, impacta de manera similar tanto a hombres como a mujeres, nosotros consideramos que en cierta manera el impacto es más fuerte en mujeres por no haber un nivel de las responsabilidades familiares, siendo ellas las que acumulan más esta carga, es urgente considerar y aplicar programas de salud y prevención diferenciados a trabajadores y trabajadoras que rolan turnos, pero sobre todo de aquellos que trabajan de noche