Interface barriers for flux motion in high-temperature superconducting superlattices

We study angular dependent magnetoresistance in the vortex-liquid phase of epitaxial YBa2Cu3O7 thin films and YBa_2Cu_3O_7/PrBa_2Cu_3O_7 superlattices. Superlattices were grown with different PrBa_2Cu_3O_7 thickness in order to tune coupling between YBa_2Cu_3O_7 layers. While dissipation of single film and coupled superlattices is scaled with the anisotropic three-dimensional model in the whole angular range, decoupling through PrBa_2Cu_3O_7 spacer breaks down the scaling and yields strong reduction of the dissipation when the magnetic fields are applied up to ±20degrees around the interface direction. Bean-Livingston barriers at the interface are the mechanism which governs this behavior

Artificially induced reduction of the dissipation anisotropy in high-temperature superconductors

Bi_2Sr_2CaCu_2O_8, RBa_2Cu_3O_7 (R=Y, Eu) thin films and RBa_2Cu_3O_7/PrBa_2Cu_3O_7 superlattices have been fabricated by sputtering technique. The anisotropic dissipation was measured close to the critical temperatures with high applied magnetic fields rotating from parallel to perpendicular to the substrate. In multilayers, in a large magnetic field interval, the dissipation anisotropy is reduced as much as 60% in comparison with the most anisotropic system (Bi_2Sr_2CaCu_2O_8) and at least 50% at 30 kOe in comparison with 123 films. This strong anisotropy reduction is discussed taking into account the role played by the superlattice modulation lengths on magnetic matching effects and coupling between the superconducting layers

Loss of Bone Mineral Density Associated with Age in Male Rats Fed on Sunflower Oil Is Avoided by Virgin Olive Oil Intake or Coenzyme Q Supplementation

The role of dietary fat unsaturation and the supplementation of coenzyme Q have been evaluated in relation to bone health. Male Wistar rats were maintained for 6 or 24 months on two diets varying in the fat source, namely virgin olive oil, rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, or sunflower oil, rich in n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Both dietary fats were supplemented or not with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Bone mineral density (BMD) was evaluated in the femur. Serum levels of osteocalcin, osteopontin, receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG), adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and parathyroid hormone (PTH), as well as urinary F2-isoprostanes were measured. Aged animals fed on virgin olive oil showed higher BMD than those fed on sunflower oil. In addition, CoQ10 prevented the age-related decline in BMD in animals fed on sunflower oil. Urinary F2-isoprostanes analysis showed that sunflower oil led to the highest oxidative status in old animals, which was avoided by supplementation with CoQ10. In conclusion, lifelong feeding on virgin olive oil or the supplementation of sunflower oil on CoQ10 prevented, at least in part mediated by a low oxidative stress status, the age-related decrease in BMD found in sunflower oil fed animals.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (AGL2008-01057) and the Autonomous Government of Andalusia (AGR832)

Age-Related Loss in Bone Mineral Density of Rats Fed Lifelong on a Fish Oil-Based Diet Is Avoided by Coenzyme Q10 Addition

During aging, bone mass declines increasing osteoporosis and fracture risks. Oxidative stress has been related to this bone loss, making dietary compounds with antioxidant properties a promising weapon. Male Wistar rats were maintained for 6 or 24 months on diets with fish oil as unique fat source, supplemented or not with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), to evaluate the potential of adding this molecule to the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA)-based diet for bone mineral density (BMD) preservation. BMD was evaluated in the femur. Serum osteocalcin, osteopontin, receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand, ostroprotegerin, parathyroid hormone, urinary F2-isoprostanes, and lymphocytes DNA strand breaks were also measured. BMD was lower in aged rats fed a diet without CoQ10 respect than their younger counterparts, whereas older animals receiving CoQ10 showed the highest BMD. F2-isoprostanes and DNA strand breaks showed that oxidative stress was higher during aging. Supplementation with CoQ10 prevented oxidative damage to lipid and DNA, in young and old animals, respectively. Reduced oxidative stress associated to CoQ10 supplementation of this n-3 PUFA-rich diet might explain the higher BMD found in aged rats in this group of animals.This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science (AGL2008-01057) and the Autonomous Government of Andalusia (AGR832). A.V.-L. is recipient of a grant for doctors from University of Granada’s own plan

Declaración de Chinchón: decálogo sobre eldulcorantes sin y bajos en calorías (ESBC)

Multidisciplinary experts in the areas of nutrition and health met in Chinchón, Madrid, on November 25-26, 2013 under the auspices of the Fundación para la Investigación Nutricional (Nutrition Research Foundation) and with the collaboration of the Madrid Regional Government’s Health Ministry, the International Sweeteners Association and the Carlos III Health Institute CIBER of Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition. They analyzed the current status of scientific knowledge on low- and no-calorie sweeteners (LNCS) and developed a consensus Decalogue on their use; this constitutes the Chinchón Declaration. Sweeteners, including sugar, represent a subject of undeniable interest and are currently a popular topic, although areas relating to their safety and benefits remain unknown to segments of academia and the general public. The nature of LNCS makes them vulnerable to biased and even contradictory information. They are food additives that are broadly used as sugar substitutes to sweeten foods, medicines and food supplements when non-nutritional or non-caloric alternatives are needed. The Chinchón Decalogue is the outcome of a meeting for reflection and consensus by a group of experts with backgrounds in different scientific disciplines (toxicology, clinical nutrition, community nutrition, physiology, food science, public health, pediatrics, endocrinology and nutrition, nursing, pharmaceutical care and food legislation). The Decalogue includes different aspects of LNCS related to regulation, use, benefits and safety. In general, benefits of LNCS have been traditionally neglected in comparison with the tendency for emphasising unexisting or unproven possible risks. The need to strengthen research on LNCS in Spain was emphasized, as well as the need to educate both professionals and the publicExpertos de carácter multidisciplinar de las áreas de conocimiento de la nutrición y la salud reunidos en Chinchón, Madrid, los días 25 y 26 de noviembre de 2013 , bajo los auspicios de la Fundación para la Investigación Nutricional y con la colaboración de la Consejería de Sanidad del Gobierno de la Comunidad de Madrid, la International Sweeteners Association y el CIBER de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y la Nutrición del Instituto de Salud Carlos III, analizaron el estado actual del conocimiento científico en torno a los Edulcorantes sin y bajos en calorías (ESBC) y desarrollaron un Decálogo sobre su uso que constituye la Declaración de Chinchón. Los edulcorantes, incluido el azúcar, constituyen un elemento de indudable interés y actualidad, aunque no exento de desconocimiento por algunos sectores tanto académicos como de la población en general. La propia naturaleza de los ESBC los hace susceptibles de informaciones tergiversadas e incluso contradictorias. Son aditivos alimentarios ampliamente utilizados como sustitutivos del azúcar para endulzar alimentos, medicamentos y complementos alimenticios cuando se persiguen fines no nutritivos. El Decálogo de Chinchón es fruto de una reunión de reflexión y consenso por parte de un grupo de expertos procedentes de distintas disciplinas científicas (toxicología, nutrición clínica, nutrición comunitaria, fisiología, bromatología, salud pública, atención primaria, pediatría, endocrinología y nutrición, enfermería, atención farmacéutica y legislación alimentaria). El decálogo incluye diferentes aspectos de los EBSC relacionados con la legislación, uso, beneficios y seguridad. En general, los beneficios de los EBSC han sido tradicionalmente desatendidos en comparación con la tendencia de destacar posibles riesgos inexistentes o que no han sido probados. Hace especial hincapié en la necesidad de fortalecer la investigación de los EBSC en España, así como la necesidad de formar en este ámbito a los profesionales y a los consumidores en genera

Serological response and breakthrough infection after COVID-19 vaccination in patients with cirrhosis and post-liver transplant

BACKGROUND: Vaccine hesitancy and lack of access remain major issues in disseminating COVID-19 vaccination to liver patients globally. Factors predicting poor response to vaccination and risk of breakthrough infection are important data to target booster vaccine programs. The primary aim of the current study was to measure humoral responses to 2 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Secondary aims included the determination of factors predicting breakthrough infection. METHODS: COVID-19 vaccination and Biomarkers in cirrhosis And post-Liver Transplantation is a prospective, multicenter, observational case-control study. Participants were recruited at 4-10 weeks following first and second vaccine doses in cirrhosis [n = 325; 94% messenger RNA (mRNA) and 6% viral vaccine], autoimmune liver disease (AILD) (n = 120; 77% mRNA and 23% viral vaccine), post-liver transplant (LT) (n = 146; 96% mRNA and 3% viral vaccine), and healthy controls (n = 51; 72% mRNA, 24% viral and 4% heterologous combination). Serological end points were measured, and data regarding breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection were collected. RESULTS: After adjusting by age, sex, and time of sample collection, anti-Spike IgG levels were the lowest in post-LT patients compared to cirrhosis (p < 0.0001), AILD (p < 0.0001), and control (p = 0.002). Factors predicting reduced responses included older age, Child-Turcotte-Pugh B/C, and elevated IL-6 in cirrhosis; non-mRNA vaccine in AILD; and coronary artery disease, use of mycophenolate and dysregulated B-call activating factor, and lymphotoxin-α levels in LT. Incident infection occurred in 6.6%, 10.6%, 7.4%, and 15.6% of cirrhosis, AILD, post-LT, and control, respectively. The only independent factor predicting infection in cirrhosis was low albumin level. CONCLUSIONS: LT patients present the lowest response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. In cirrhosis, the reduced response is associated with older age, stage of liver disease and systemic inflammation, and breakthrough infection with low albumin level

Improved Efficiency of Cardiomyocyte-Like Cell Differentiation from Rat Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells with a Directed Differentiation Protocol

Cell-based therapy has become a resource for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases; however, there are some conundrums to achieve. In vitro cardiomyocyte generation could be a solution for scaling options in clinical applications. Variability on cardiac differentiation in previously reported studies from adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) and the lack of measuring of the cardiomyocyte differentiation efficiency motivate the present study. Here, we improved the ASC-derived cardiomyocyte-like cell differentiation efficiency with a directed cardiomyocyte differentiation protocol: BMP-4 + VEGF (days 0-4) followed by a methylcellulose-based medium with cytokines (IL-6 and IL-3) (days 5-21). Cultures treated with the directed cardiomyocyte differentiation protocol showed cardiac-like cells and “rosette-like structures” from day 7. The percentage of cardiac troponin T- (cTnT-) positive cells was evaluated by flow cytometry to assess the cardiomyocyte differentiation efficiency in a quantitative manner. ASCs treated with the directed cardiomyocyte differentiation protocol obtained a differentiation efficiency of up to 44.03% (39.96%±3.78) at day 15 without any enrichment step. Also, at day 21 we observed by immunofluorescence the positive expression of early, late, and cardiac maturation differentiation markers (Gata-4, cTnT, cardiac myosin heavy chain (MyH), and the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCa2)) in cultures treated with the directed cardiomyocyte differentiation protocol. Unlike other protocols, the use of critical factors of embryonic cardiomyogenesis coupled with a methylcellulose-based medium containing previously reported cardiogenic cytokines (IL-6 and IL-3) seems to be favorable for in vitro cardiomyocyte generation. This novel efficient culture protocol makes ASC-derived cardiac differentiation more efficient. Further investigation is needed to identify an ASC-derived cardiomyocyte surface marker for cardiac enrichment

Effect of the Aged Garlic Extract on Cardiovascular Function in Metabolic Syndrome Rats

The antioxidant properties of aged garlic extract (AGE) on cardiovascular functioning (CF) in metabolic syndrome (MS) remains poorly studied. Here we study the AGE effects on CF in a rat model of MS. Control rats plus saline solution (C + SS), MS rats (30% sucrose in drinking water from weaning) plus saline solution (MS + SS), control rats receiving AGE (C + AGE 125 mg/Kg/12 h) and MS rats with AGE (MS + AGE) were studied. MS + SS had increased triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, insulin, leptin, HOMA index, and advanced glycation end products. AGE returned their levels to control values (p &lt; 0.01). Cholesterol was decreased by AGE (p = 0.05). Glutathion and GPx activity were reduced in MS + SS rats and increased with AGE (p = 0.05). Lipid peroxidation was increased in MS + SS and AGE reduced it (p = 0.001). Vascular functioning was deteriorated by MS (increased vasocontraction and reduced vasodilation) and AGE improved it (p = 0.001). Coronary vascular resistance was increased in MS rats and AGE decreased it (p = 0.001). Cardiac performance was not modified by MS but AGE increased it. NO measured in the perfusate liquid from the heart and serum citrulline, nitrites/nitrates were decreased in MS and AGE increased them (p &lt; 0.01). In conclusion, AGE reduces MS-induced cardiovascular risk, through its anti-oxidant properties

Critical patients COVID-19 has changed the management and outcomes in the ICU after 1 year of the pandemic?: a multicenter, prospective, observational study

[Abstract] Objective: To compare the clinical characteristics, treatments, and evolution of critical patients with COVID-19 pneumonia treated in intensive care units (ICU) after one year of pandemic. Methodology: Multicenter, prospective study, which included critical COVID-19 patients in 9 ICUs in northwestern Spain. The clinical characteristics, treatments, and evolution of patients admitted to the ICU during the months of March-April 2020 (period 1) were compared with patients admitted in January-February 2021 (period 2). Results: 337 patients were included (98 in period 1 and 239 in period 2). In period 2, fewer patients required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (65% vs. 84%, P < .001), using high-flow nasal cannulas (CNAF) more frequently (70% vs. 7%, P < .001), ventilation non-invasive mechanical (NIMV) (40% vs. 14%, P < .001), corticosteroids (100% vs. 96%, P = .007) and prone position in both awake (42% vs. 28%, P = .012), and intubated patients (67% vs. 54%, P = .034). The days of IMV, ICU stay and hospital stay were lower in period 2. Mortality was similar in the two periods studied (16% vs. 17%). Conclusions: After one year of pandemic, we observed that in patients admitted to the ICU, CNAF, NIMV, use of the prone position, and corticosteroids have been used more frequently, reducing the number of patients in IMV, and the length of stay in the ICU and hospital stay. Mortality was similar in the two study periods.[Resumen] Objetivo. Comparar las características clínicas, tratamientos, y evolución de los pacientes críticos con neumonía por COVID-19 atendidos en Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) tras un año de pandemia. Metodología. Estudio multicéntrico, prospectivo, en el que se incluyó pacientes críticos COVID-19 en 9 UCIs del noroeste de España. Se compararon las características clínicas, los tratamientos, y la evolución de pacientes ingresados en UCI durante los meses de marzo-abril 2020 (periodo 1) con pacientes ingresados en enero-febrero 2021 (periodo 2). Resultados. Se incluyeron 337 pacientes (98 en el periodo 1 y 239 en el periodo 2). En el periodo 2 menos pacientes requirieron ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) (65% vs 84%, p < 0,001), utilizándose con mayor frecuencia cánulas nasales de alto flujo (CNAF) (70% vs 7%, p < 0.001), ventilación mecánica no invasiva (VMNI) (40% vs 14%, p < 0,001), corticoides (100% vs 96%, p = 0,007) y posición de decúbito prono tanto en pacientes despiertos (42% vs 28%, p = 0,012), como intubados (67% vs 54%, p = 0,034). Los días de VMI, de estancia en UCI y hospitalaria fueron inferiores en el periodo 2. La mortalidad fue similar en los dos periodos estudiados (16% vs 17%). Conclusiones. Tras 1 año de pandemia, observamos que en los pacientes ingresados en UCI se ha utilizado con mayor frecuencia CNAF, VMNI, uso del decúbito prono, y corticoides, disminuyendo los pacientes en VMI, y los tiempos de estancia en UCI y estancia hospitalaria. La mortalidad ha sido similar en los dos periodos a estudio

TRPV1 Contributes to Modulate the Nitric Oxide Pathway and Oxidative Stress in the Isolated and Perfused Rat Heart during Ischemia and Reperfusion

The transient vanilloid receptor potential type 1 (TRPV1) regulates neuronal and vascular functions mediated by nitric oxide (NO) and by the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Here, we study the participation of TRPV1 in the regulation of myocardial injury caused by ischemia-reperfusion and in the control of NO, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), the cGMP pathway, CGRP, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA) and phosphodiesterase-3 (PDE-3). Isolated hearts of Wistar rats perfused according to the Langendorff technique were used to study the effects of an agonist of TRPV1, capsaicin (CS), an antagonist, capsazepine (CZ), and their combination CZ+CS. The hearts were subjected to three conditions: (1) control, (2) ischemia and (3) ischemia-reperfusion. We determined cardiac mechanical activity and the levels of NO, cGMP, BH4, CGRP, TAC, MDA and PDE-3 in ventricular tissue after administration of CS, CZ and CZ+CS. Western blots were used to study the expressions of eNOS, iNOS and phosphorylated NOS (pNOS). Structural changes were determined by histological evaluation. CS prevented damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion by improving cardiac mechanical activity and elevating the levels of NO, cGMP, BH4, TAC and CGRP. TRPV1 and iNOS expression were increased under ischemic conditions, while eNOS and pNOS were not modified. We conclude that the activation of TRPV1 constitutes a therapeutic possibility to counteract the damage caused by ischemia and reperfusion by regulating the NO pathway through CGRP