Identification of the key excreted molecule by Lactobacillus fermentum related to host iron absorption

We have taken a vital step towards understanding why probiotic bacteria increase iron absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. We show here that Lactobacillus fermentum, one of the main probiotics of the microbiota, exhibits an extraordinary ferric-reducing activity. This activity is predominantly due to an excreted molecule: p-hydroxyphenyllactic acid (HPLA). Reduction of Fe(III) to Fe(II) is essential for iron absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. By reducing Fe(III), HPLA boosts Fe(II) absorption through the DMT1 channels of enterocytes. An in vitro experiment tested and confirmed this hypothesis. This discovery opens new avenues for the treatment of iron deficiency in humans, one of the most common and widespread nutritional disorders in the world

La perspectiva regional de la Central de Balances del Banco de España

The availability of a firm-level database that is representative of the productive sector of an economy on an aggregate scale is increasingly important to analyse the heterogeneity of different economic variables at different levels of aggregation (for instance, by region, firm size or sector). This paper seeks, first, to evaluate the representativeness of the Banco de España’s Integrated Central Balance Sheet Database (Integrated CBSO database or CBI by its Spanish initials) for conducting regional analysis with firm-level data and, second, to analyse the differences in firm size distribution between the Spanish regions.La disponibilidad de una base de microdatos en el ámbito de empresa que sea representativa del sector productivo de una economía a escala agregada es cada vez más importante para analizar la heterogeneidad de distintas variables económicas a diferentes niveles de agregación (por ejemplo, por unidad geográfica, tamaño de empresa o sector de actividad). El objetivo de este trabajo es, por un lado, evaluar la representatividad de la Central de Balances Integrada (CBI) del Banco de España para realizar análisis con microdatos de empresas a nivel regional y, por otro lado, analizar las diferencias entre comunidades autónomas (CCAA) en la distribución del tamaño de las empresas

The Banco de España’s Central Balance sheet data office database: a regional perspective

La disponibilidad de una base de microdatos en el ámbito de empresa que sea representativa del sector productivo de una economía a escala agregada es cada vez más importante para analizar la heterogeneidad de distintas variables económicas a diferentes niveles de agregación (por ejemplo, por unidad geográfica, tamaño de empresa o sector de actividad). El objetivo de este trabajo es, por un lado, evaluar la representatividad de la Central de Balances Integrada (CBI) del Banco de España para realizar análisis con microdatos de empresas a nivel regional y, por otro lado, analizar las diferencias entre comunidades autónomas (CCAA) en la distribución del tamaño de las empresas.The availability of a firm-level database that is representative of the productive sector of an economy on an aggregate scale is increasingly important to analyse the heterogeneity of different economic variables at different levels of aggregation (for instance, by region, firm size or sector). This paper seeks, first, to evaluate the representativeness of the Banco de España’s Integrated Central Balance Sheet Database (Integrated CBSO database or CBI by its Spanish initials) for conducting regional analysis with firm-level data and, second, to analyse the differences in firm size distribution between the Spanish regions

Estado nutricional en las personas con insuficiencia cardíaca crónica y/o enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica. Impacto en la calidad de vida y en las exacerbaciones

Targets: To know the nutritional status in patients with heart failure (HF) and with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cared in a Barcelona’s primary health center and to describe the clinical and socio-demographic characteristics which may be related with the nutritional status.Method: A transversal descriptive study was performed during de year 2014. In nursing visits the following variables were collected: in HF patients, levels of functionality based in NYHA scale, in COPD patients, dyspnea grade based in BMRC scale. In both cases the body mass index (BMI) was determined; MNA scale is used, and also the physical activity and quality of life is evaluated by the EQ-5D scale.Results: Of the 192 participants, 59, 4% were men and had a mean age of 77, 64 years (ds10, 12. Of the studied diseases, 40, 1% were HF, 45, 8% COPD and 14, 1% both diseases). The risk of malnutrition was 11, 4% in COPD patients, 16, and 9% in people with HF and 33, 3% in both HF and COPD patients. (P 0,028)With the logistic regression with the other variables, the only associated factor was gender, having men an OR 3 (1,008-8, 95)Conclusions: The nutritional status gets worse in people with both pathologies in concomitantly way.Gender plays a crucial role in malnutrition or risk of the disease.Objetivo: Conocer el estado nutricional de los pacientes con Insuficiencia cardiaca (IC) y/o Enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) atendidos en un centro de atención primaria de la ciudad de Barcelona y describir las características clínicas y sociodemográficas que puedan tener relación con el estado nutricional.Método: Estudio descriptivo transversal, durante los meses del 2014. En las visitas realizadas por enfermería, se recogieron las siguientes variables: en el caso de la IC grado de funcionalidad mediante la escala NYHA, en el caso de la EPOC, Grado de disnea mediante la escala BMRC. En ambos se determina el IMC, se administra la escala MNA, se valora el nivel de actividad física y la calidad de vida a través de la escala EQ-5D.Resultado: De los 192 participantes, el 59,4% eran Hombres y la media de edad de 77,64 años(ds10,12). De las enfermedades estudiadas el 40,1% eran IC, el 45,8% EPOC y ambas enfermedades el 14,1%. El riesgo de malnutrición fue del 11,4% de las personas con EPOC, el 16,9% de las personas con IC y el 33,3% de las personas con ambas patologías.(P 0,028)Al hacer la regresión logística con el resto de variables, el único factor asociado es el sexo, obteniendo los Hombres un OR 3 (1,008-8,95).Conclusiones El estado nutricional empeora cuando se padecen las dos patologías de manera concomitante.En la malnutrición o en el riesgo de padecerla, el sexo juega un papel muy importante.. &nbsp

Periostin in the relation between periodontal disease and atherosclerotic coronary artery disease: A pilot randomized clinical study

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of periodontal treatment on markers of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease and circulating levels of periostin. Background: Periostin is necessary for periodontal stability, but it is highly present in atherosclerotic plaques. Treatment of periodontal disease, with low levels of local periostin, is thought to reduce systemic levels of periostin. Thus, this may contribute to cardiovascular health. Methods: A pilot randomized controlled clinical trial was designed to include patients with severe periodontal disease and history of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease. Samples of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and serum were collected before and after periodontal treatment by periodontal surgery or non-surgical therapy. The levels of several markers of inflammation and cardiovascular damage were evaluated including CRP, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-10, MIP-1α, periostin, and TNF-α in GCF and CRP, Fibrinogen, IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-10, L-Selectin, MIP-1α, Periostin, TNF-α, and vWF in serum. Results: A total of 22 patients with an average of 56 years old were recruited for participating in this study. Twenty of them were male. Most of them (82%) had suffered an acute myocardial event and underwent surgery for placing 1, 2, or 3 stents in the coronary arteries more than 6 months ago but less than 1 year. The treatment of periodontal disease resulted in an overall improvement of all periodontal parameters. Regarding the evaluation of GCF and serum, a significant increase of periostin in the GCF was observed after periodontal surgery. In contrast, although other markers in GCF and serum improved, no significant correlations were found. Conclusion: Treatment of periodontal disease through periodontal surgery induces a local and transient increase in the levels of periostin in the gingival crevicular fluid. The effects on systemic markers of inflammation and cardiovascular function have not been confirmed.Funding for open access charge: Universidad de Granada/CBUAResearch Groups #CTS-138, #CTS-1028 (Junta de Andalucía, Spain)Andalucía Talent Hub Program from the Andalusian Knowledge Agency, a program co-funded by the European Union's Seventh Framework Program, Marie Skłodowska-Curie actions (COFUND – Grant Agreement no. 291780) and the Ministry of Economy, Innovation, Science and Employment of the Junta de Andalucí

Relevant optical properties for gingiva-colored resin-based composites

The authors acknowledge funding support from the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (PGC2018-101904-A-100) and from the i+D+I Government of Andalusia 2020, Spain (P20-00200).Objectives: To evaluate the optical properties of gingiva-colored resin-based composites (GCRBCs). Methods: Five discs (8 mm diameter x 1mm height) of 17 shades of GCRBCs were prepared. Diffuse reflectance was measured against white and black backgrounds using a calibrated spectroradiometer, CIE D65 illuminant and the CIE 45⁰/0⁰ geometry. Relative translucency parameter was calculated using ΔE00 (RTP00). Translucency differences were evaluated using published data of 50:50% translucency perceptibility (TPT00) and acceptability (TAT00) thresholds. Scattering (S) and absorption (K) coefficients and transmittance (T%) were calculated using Kubelka–Munk’s equations. Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis, Mann–Whitney tests, and VAF coefficient. Results: The RTP00 values of the 17 evaluated shades ranged from 8.69 to 21.34. There were perceptible translucency differences (TPT00=0.62) between different shades of the same brand and between composites designated with the same shade of different brands. Spectral distributions of S, K and T were wavelength- dependent. Although the spectral behavior of the S and K coefficients and T% were similar for all the gingival composites evaluated, the values of these parameters presented statistically significant differences between shades, which would justify the differences found in the relative translucency parameter. Conclusions: The optical properties S, K and T% of GCRBCs were significantly different, resulting in perceptible translucency differences between the same shade of different commercial brands and between different shades of the same brand. Clinical significance: Translucency differences of gingiva-colored composites may significantly influence their masking ability affecting the clinician’s choice of restorative material.Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (PGC2018-101904-A-100)i+D+I Government of Andalusia 2020, Spain (P20-00200

Targeting the gut microbiota with dietary fibers: a novel approach to prevent the development cardiovascular complications linked to systemic lupus erythematosus in a preclinical study

This work was supported by Grants from Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain (MCIN) (Ref. PID2020-116347RB- I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, PID2021- 122490NB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/ 501100011033) co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund FEDER, Consejería de Universidad, Investigación e Innovación de la Junta de Andalucía (Ref. CTS 164, P20_00193) with funds from the European Union, and by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBER-CV). IR-V is postdoctoral funded by MINECO (FJC2021-048099-I). JM is a predoctoral fellow of MINECO (FPU18/02561), and CG-C and SM are predoctoral fellow of Junta de Andalucía. The cost of this publication was paid in part with funds from the European Union (Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional, FEDER, “FEDER una manera de hacer Europa”).This study is to investigate whether dietary fiber intake prevents vascular and renal damage in a genetic mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and the contribution of gut microbiota in the protective effects. Female NZBWF1 (SLE) mice were treated with resistantstarch (RS) or inulin-type fructans (ITF). In addition, inoculation of fecal microbiota from these experimental groups to recipient normotensive female C57Bl/6J germ-free (GF) mice was performed. Both fiber treatments, especially RS, prevented the development of hypertension, renal injury, improved the aortic relaxation induced by acetylcholine, and the vascular oxidative stress. RS and ITF treatments increased the proportion of acetate- and butyrate-producing bacteria, respectively, improved colonic inflammation and integrity, endotoxemia, and decreased helper T (Th)17 proportion in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), blood, and aorta in SLE mice. However, disease activity (splenomegaly and anti-ds-DNA) was unaffected by both fibers. T cell priming and Th17 differentiation in MLNs and increased Th17 infiltration was linked to aortic endothelial dysfunction and hypertension after inoculation of fecal microbiota from SLE mice to GF mice, without changes in proteinuria and autoimmunity. All these effects were lower in GF mice after fecal inoculation from fiber-treated SLE mice. In conclusion, these findings support that fiber consumption prevented the development of hypertension by rebalancing of dysfunctional gutimmune system-vascular wall axis in SLE.Grants from Ministry of Science and Innovation of Spain (MCIN) (Ref. PID2020-116347RB- I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, PID2021- 122490NB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/ 501100011033)European Regional Development Fund FEDER, Consejería de Universidad, Investigación e Innovación de la Junta de Andalucía (Ref. CTS 164, P20_00193) with funds from the European Union, and by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBER-CV)MINECO (FJC2021-048099-I)MINECO (FPU18/02561)Junta de AndalucíaEuropean Union (Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional, FEDER, “FEDER una manera de hacer Europa”

Differing contributions of the gut microbiota to the blood pressure lowering effects induced by first-line antihypertensive drugs

https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.16410This work was supported by Grants from Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI), Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MCIN) (PID2020-116347RB-I00 funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033) and Junta de Andalucía (CTS 164, P20_00193 and A-CTS-318-UGR20) with funds from the European Union and by the Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBER-CV), Spain. M.T. and I.R.-V. are postdoctoral fellow of Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (Juan de la Cierva Incorporación Program, IJC2020-044581-I, and Juan de la Cierva Formación Program, respectively). J. M. is a predoctoral fellow of MCIN, and C. G.-C. and S. M. are predoctoral fellow of Junta de Andalucía. The cost of this publication was paid in part with funds from the European Union (Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional, FEDER, ‘FEDER una manera de hacer Europa’).Background and Purpose: This study analyses whether first-line antihypertensive drugs ameliorate the dysbiosis state in hypertension, and to test if this modification contributes to their blood pressure (BP) lowering properties in a genetic model of neurogenic hypertension. Experimental Approach: Twenty-week-old male Wistar Kyoto rats (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were untreated or treated with captopril, amlodipine or hydrochlorothiazide. A faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) experiment was also performed by gavage of faecal content from donor SHR-treated groups to SHR recipients for 3 weeks. Key results: Faeces from SHR showed gut dysbiosis, characterized by lower acetate- and higher lactate-producing bacteria and lower strict anaerobic bacteria. All three drugs increased the anaerobic bacteria proportion, captopril and amlodipine restored the proportion of acetate-producing bacterial populations to WKY levels, whereas hydrochlorothiazide decreased butyrate-producing bacteria. Captopril and amlodipine decreased gut pathology and permeability and attenuated sympathetic drive in the gut. Both drugs decreased neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the hypothalamic paraventricular nuclei. Hydrochlorothiazide was unable to reduce neuroinflammation, gut sympathetic tone and gut integrity. FMT from SHR-amlodipine to SHR decreased BP, ameliorated aortic endothelium-dependent relaxation to acetylcholine, lowered NADPH oxidase activity, aortic Th17 infiltration and reduced neuroinflammation, whereas FMT from SHR-hydrochlorothiazide did not have these effects. Conclusions and Implications: First-line antihypertensive drugs induced different modifications of gut integrity and gut dysbiosis in SHR, which result in no contribution of microbiota in the BP lowering effects of hydrochlorothiazide, whereas the vasculo-protective effect induced by amlodipine involves gut microbiota reshaping and gut-immune system communication.Universidad de GranadaMCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 PID2020-116347RB-I00Junta de Andalucía (CTS 164, P20_00193 and A-CTS-318-UGR20)European UnionMinisterio de Economía y Competitividad, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (CIBER-CV)Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación IJC2020-044581-IJunta de AndalucíaFondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional, FEDE

Análisis de las políticas de bioeconomía circular en Europa. Un estudio comparativo en regiones del centro/sur y este de Europa

En la última década la bioeconomía circular (BEC) está apareciendo en la agenda política cada vez con más intensidad, tanto a nivel internacional y comunitario, como a nivel nacional y regional. En el presente trabajo se realiza un análisis comparativo de las estrategias relativas a la BEC en una selección de regiones (Flandes, Andalucía, Baden-Württemberg, Pays de la Loire y Mazovia) y países (Italia, Letonia y Reino Unido) de Europa, con el objetivo de identificar aspectos comunes y específicos en cada caso. El criterio utilizado para la selección de casos de estudio fue que la región o país presentase una estrategia de bioeconomía aprobada [a fecha 1/5/2021] y que incluyese un compromiso presupuestario para su implementación. La selección incluye la práctica totalidad de los casos encontrados a nivel europeo que cumplen con este criterio. Del análisis se puede deducir lo que sería una estrategia “tipo”, la cual estaría impulsada por la administración pública, implicaría a un amplio espectro de sectores (especialmente sector primario y agroindustrial), y emplearía una variedad de instrumentos de política donde destacarían las acciones de comunicación y concienciación, educación y formación de los trabajadores y empresarios, incentivos positivos (p. ej., ayudas a la I+D+i), asistencia técnica y de coordinación de iniciativas y simplificación normativa.El trabajo se ha realizado en el marco del proyecto europeo POWER4BIO (https://power4bio.eu; GA 818351)

Effectiveness of a smartphone application for improving healthy lifestyles, a randomized clinical trial (EVIDENT II) : study protocol

Background: New technologies could facilitate changes in lifestyle and improve public health. However, no large randomized, controlled studies providing scientific evidence of the benefits of their use have been made. The aims of this study are to develop and validate a smartphone application, and to evaluate the effect of adding this tool to a standardized intervention designed to improve adherence to the Mediterranean diet and to physical activity. An evaluation is also made of the effect of modifying habits upon vascular structure and function, and therefore on arterial aging. Methods/Design: A randomized, double-blind, multicenter, parallel group clinical trial will be carried out. A total of 1215 subjects under 70 years of age from the EVIDENT trial will be included. Counseling common to both groups (control and intervention) will be provided on adaptation to the Mediterranean diet and on physical activity. The intervention group moreover will receive training on the use of a smartphone application designed to promote a healthy diet and increased physical activity, and will use the application for three months. The main study endpoints will be the changes in physical activity, assessed by accelerometer and the 7-day Physical Activity Recall (PAR) interview, and adaptation to the Mediterranean diet, as evaluated by an adherence questionnaire and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Evaluation also will be made of vascular structure and function based on central arterial pressure, the radial augmentation index, pulse velocity, the cardio-ankle vascular index, and carotid intima-media thickness. Discussion: Confirmation that the new technologies are useful for promoting healthier lifestyles and that their effects are beneficial in terms of arterial aging will have important clinical implications, and may contribute to generalize their application in favor of improved population health. Trial registration: Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT0201601