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Aim To determine in the adult population the crude and the sex- and age-adjusted prevalence rates of hypertriglyceridaemia (HTG) and to assess its association with cardiovascular risk factors, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular and cardiometabolic diseases. Methods Cross-sectional observational study conducted in Primary Care, with 6,588 adult study subjects, randomly selected on base-population. Patients had HTG if the triglyceride level was ≥150 mg/dL (≥1.7 mmol/L), or were on lipid-lowering therapy to lower triglyceride. Associations were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis, and crude and sex- and age-adjusted prevalence rates were determined. Results The arithmetic and geometric means of triglyceride levels were respectively 120.5 and 104.2 mg/dL in global population, 135.7 and 116.0 mg/dL in men, and 108.6 and 95.7 mg/dL in women. The crude HTG prevalence rates were 29.6% in global population, 36.9% in men and 23.8% in women. The sex- and age-adjusted HTG prevalence rates were 27.0% in global population, 34.6% in men and 21.4% in women. The independent variables that were most associated with HTG were hypercholesterolemia (OR: 4.6), low HDL-C (OR: 4.1), hepatic steatosis (OR: 2.8), diabetes (OR: 2.0), and obesity. (OR: 1.9). Conclusions The means of triglyceride levels and HTG prevalence rates are intermediate between those of other national and international studies. A fifth of the female adult population and more than a third of the male population had HTG. The independent factors associated with HTG were hypercholesterolemia and low HDL-C, and the cardiometabolic variables diabetes, hepatic steatosis and obesity.

Resumen Antecedentes y objetivo La compleja fisiologia de la funcion tiroidea durante el embarazo requiere la evaluacion hormonal segun valores de referencia para cada trimestre, cada zona y con las tecnicas de cada laboratorio. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron analizar la funcion tiroidea en los tres trimestres de gestacion y establecer los valores de referencia de las hormonas en las mujeres gestantes de nuestra area sanitaria (Lugo). Metodos Un total de 831 gestantes fueron incluidas en el estudio (mediana de edad: 33 anos; rango: 16-47 anos). Una vez aplicados los criterios de exclusion, nuestra muestra estuvo compuesta por 641 gestantes, tamano que puede considerarse representativo de la poblacion de referencia. Resultados Los intervalos de referencia fueron los siguientes: TSH primer trimestre, 0,10-3,74 mUI/l; segundo trimestre, 0,45-3,77 mUI/l; y tercer trimestre, 0,36-4,15 mUI/l. Para T4L en el primer trimestre, 0,87-1,34 ng/dl; segundo trimestre, 0,78-1,20 ng/dl; y tercer trimestre, 0,78-1,23 ng/dl. Para la T3L en el primer trimestre, 2,52-3,78 pg/ml; segundo trimestre, 2,22-3,21 pg/ml; y tercer trimestre, 2,17-3,14 pg/ml. Se confirmo presencia de autoinmunidad tiroidea en 109 mujeres (13,1%), que presentaron valores de TSH superiores a las gestantes sin autoinmunidad tiroidea. Conclusion Los intervalos de referencia para la TSH, T4L y T3L obtenidos en este trabajo estan por debajo de los utilizados en la poblacion adulta no gestante en nuestro laboratorio, por lo que permitiran identificar de manera mas precisa una posible disfuncion tiroidea en las gestantes de nuestra area evitando un infradiagnostico de hipotiroidismo subclinico y reduciendo las posibles complicaciones perinatales asociadas.

Magnetism in SmBaMn2O5 was investigated on a single crystal by magnetic and neutron diffraction measurements. This is an oxygen deficient perovskite with a layered ordering of Sm and Ba cations. Mn atoms are coordinated with five oxygens forming a square pyramid and they are ordered in a checkerboard pattern of expanded-compressed pyramids in the ab-plane. The neutron diffraction study revealed a ferrimagnetic ordering of Mn moments below TN=134 K. Macroscopic measurements reveal a very anisotropic behavior. Measurements with the external magnetic field parallel (M||c) and perpendicular (M⊥c) to the c-axis confirm that this is the easy axis above 10 K. Below this temperature, the Sm sublattice begins to polarize and the magnetization M||c decreases while M⊥c experiences a huge increase. This indicates that Sm moments begin to order around 10 K in the ab-plane with a minor component on the c-axis that opposes the overall magnetization from Mn sublattices., Authors would like to acknowledge the use of Servicio General de Apoyo a la Investigación from Universidad de Zaragoza. Granted beam time at ILL, is appreciated (Experiment No. 5–41–1121). For financial support, we thank the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (Projects No. RTI2018–098537-B-C22 cofunded by ERDF from EU), Severo Ochoa” Programme for Centres of Excellence in R&D [SEV- 2015-0496 and FUNFUTURE (CEX2019-000917-S)] and Diputación General de Aragón (Project E12–20R)., With funding from the Spanish government through the ‘Severo Ochoa Centre of Excellence’ accreditation (CEX2019-000917-S).

On account of the irreversible environmental damage caused by the utilization of non-renewable raw materials in industrial production, since the end of the twentieth century, the interest in replacing the traditionally applied petroleum-based starting compounds in the polyurethane production by more sustainable feedstocks has grown enormously. Such pursuit of Green Chemistry has been fostered by the implementation of a set of national and international initiatives and stricter regulations, especially in the field of adhesives. In this respect, the latest advances in the production of bio-based polyurethanes are collected in this review. Thus, after a brief introduction to this subject and main tendencies towards the production of more sustainable polyurethanes, the first section reviews the feasibility of manufacturing polyurethanes from a range of natural platforms, including lignocellulosic biomass and vegetable oils, whether modified or in their original form, along with some industrial wastes. Afterwards, the hitherto considered synthetic routes for the preparation of greener polyurethanes are assessed, encompassing waterborne, radiation-curable and non-isocyanate polyurethane techniques. Finally, the last section focuses on the research advancement on the synthesis, properties and different uses of bio-based polyurethanes specifically implemented in the field of adhesives.

Resumen Introduccion Los objetivos del estudio fueron determinar las tasas de prevalencia brutas y ajustadas por edad y sexo de diabetes mellitus (DM), DM tipo 1 (DM1) y DM tipo 2 (DM2), y comparar la asociacion de factores de riesgo cardiovascular, enfermedades cardiovasculares, enfermedad renal cronica y enfermedades metabolicas entre las poblaciones con y sin DM. Metodos SIMETAP-DM es un estudio observacional transversal realizado en atencion primaria, con una muestra aleatoria de base poblacional de 10.579 adultos. Tasa de respuesta: 66%. Los diagnosticos de DM, DM1 y DM2 se basaron en criterios clinicos y bioquimicos y/o en la comprobacion de estos diagnosticos en las historias clinicas. Se determinaron las prevalencias brutas y ajustadas por edad y sexo (estandarizadas con la poblacion espanola). Resultados Las prevalencias brutas de DM1, DM2 y DM fueron del 0,87% (intervalo de confianza al 95% [IC 95%]: 0,67-1,13), el 14,7% (IC 95%: 13,9-15,6) y el 15,6% (IC 95%: 14,7-16,5), respectivamente. Las prevalencias ajustadas por edad y sexo de DM1, DM2 y DM fueron del 1,0% (1,3% para hombres y 0,7% para mujeres), el 11,5% (13,6% para hombres y 9,7% para mujeres) y el 12,5% (14,9% para hombres y 10,5% para mujeres), respectivamente. La prevalencia de DM en la poblacion ≥ 70 anos era el doble (30,3% [IC 95%: 28,0-32,7]) que en la poblacion entre 40 y 69 anos (15,3% [IC 95%: 14,1-16,5%]). La hipertension arterial, la enfermedad arterial periferica, el indice cintura-talla aumentado, la albuminuria, la enfermedad coronaria, la dislipidemia aterogenica y la hipercolesterolemia se asociaban con la DM. Conclusiones En el ambito de la atencion primaria espanola, las prevalencias ajustadas por edad de DM1, DM2 y DM en la poblacion adulta fueron del 1,0, el 11,5 y el 12,5%, respectivamente. Un tercio de la poblacion mayor de 70 anos padecia DM.

Introduction Few studies conducted in primary care setting report about age-adjusted prevalence rates of erectile dysfunction (ED). Aims of SIMETAP-ED study were to determine crude and age-adjusted prevalence rates of ED diagnosis, to compare these rates with other similar studies, and to compare prevalence rates of cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF), cardiovascular diseases (CVD), metabolic diseases and chronic kidney disease (CKD) between populations with and without ED. Methods Cross-sectional observational study conducted in primary care setting. Population-based random sample: 2934 adult men. Response rate: 66%. A clinical interview was conducted to diagnose ED using a question derived from ED definition. The medical records of patients were reviewed to identify their CVRF and diseases associated with ED. The age-adjustments were standardized to Spanish population. Results The prevalence rates of metabolic diseases, CVD, CVRF, and CKD in population with ED were higher than population without ED, highlighting the CVD. The crude prevalence of ED was 17.2% (95% confidence interval: 15.8•18.6). The age-adjusted prevalence rates of ED were 0.71% in men under 40 years, 12.4% in men over 18 years, 10.8% in men aged 40•69 years, 18.9% in men over 40 years, and 48.6% in men over 70 years. Conclusions SIMETAP-ED study showed association of ED with metabolic diseases, CKD, CVRF, and highlighting CVD. The age-adjusted prevalence of ED was 12.4% in adult men, 19% in men over 40 years, and almost 50% in men over 70 years.

The authors would like to acknowledge the use of Servicio General de Apoyo a la Investigacion from Universidad de Zaragoza. The granted beam time at ALBA synchrotron is appreciated (Proposal No. 2018093038). For financial support, we thank the Spanish Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovacion y Universidades (Projects No. RTI2018-098537-B-C22 and No. RTI2018-098537-B-C21 cofunded by ERDF from EU, and Severo Ochoa FUNFUTURE, CEX2019-000917-S) and Diputacion General de Aragon (Project No. E12-20R).

Pregnant women are a vulnerable group with increased nutritional requirements. The daily intake of folic acid, a crucial vitamin for embryonic development, must be reinforced through supplementation, as sometimes diets are not well equilibrated. As consumers increasingly rely on food supplements, it is vital to properly inform them about the health benefits provided by supplements’ consumption to ensure their safe use. The objective of this work was to assess the compliance level of health claims related to folic acid in food supplements commercialized in Spain according to the European regulation. Authors performed (1) a review of health-related claims approved for folic acid in Europe, (2) a market research of food supplements commercialized in Spain with those claims, and (3) a selection of food supplements for chemical analysis in the lab to assess these claims. The results showed that nine health-related claims are currently approved for folic acid in Europe. The analytical results for folic acid content in the selected samples were consistent with the declared values and within the tolerance ranges established in the European Guidance document. All samples included accurate dosages and met the legal requirements (European Regulations 1924/2006, 432/2012, 1169/2011) for all approved claims for folic acid.

The beneficial effect of fresh tomatoes or processed tomato products on platelet aggregation depends on the presence of bioactive compounds in these products, in sufficient quantities, to produce a relevant physiological effect, when consumed as part of a normal diet. This work is focused on reviewing the development on tomato products bioactive compounds, particularly with reference to its potential biological activity with beneficial effect on the prevention of platelet aggregation.The most relevant studies found show that all bioactive compounds found in Water-soluble tomato concentrate are in tomato fruit and other tomato products, and there is enough evidence of their beneficial effects. According to the European Food Safety Authority requirements, further intervention studies (human clinical trials) using valid markers should be performed in order to demonstrate the beneficial effects of tomato products as consumer products (paste, puree, sauce or juice) on platelet aggregation. Our PubMed review results support the development of promising nutritional strategies involving tomatoes and tomato products to tackle cardiovascular disease as antiplatelet aggregation.

This work reports a successful 3D printing-based in situ temperature-induced gelification procedure of κ-carrageenan aqueous dispersions. 3D printer was modified to handle low viscosity fluid feeding and more efficiently distribute ambient air at room temperature causing forced convection to accelerate the cooling of the printed layer. Thus, obtained gel samples, containing 30 mg/g κ-carrageenan in water, showed self-sustaining capability and a rheological response comparable with a reference conventionally prepared gel. Moreover, the effect of main printing variables, such as temperature of the hotend, printing speed and layer height, on the linear viscoelastic response of the gels was analysed by application of the response surface methodology (RSM). In general, gel strength linearly increases by decreasing printing speed and layer height whereas not noticeable improvement in gel strength was achieved by applying hotend temperatures above 80–85 °C. Based on the results obtained from this analysis, an optimisation method is proposed to minimise the temperature and time needed to 3D print a gel with pre-set rheological properties. Overall, this study demonstrates that it is possible to generate in situ 3D printed gel materials with potential uses in food and pharmaco-nutrition, without the aid of reactive additives or initiators, and using a facile protocol.

We have investigated the long term effects of two different models of unilateral optic nerve (ON) lesion on retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons, in the injured and contralateral retinas of adult albino mice. Intact animals were used as controls. The left ON was intraorbitally crushed or transected at 0.5 mm from the optic disk and both retinas were analyzed at 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 30, 45 or 90 days after injury. RGCs were immunoidentified with anti-Brn3a, and their axons with anti-highly phosphorylated axonal neurofilament subunit H (pNFH). After both lesions, RGC death in the injured retinas is first significant at day 3, and progresses quickly up to 7 days slowing down till 90 days. In the same retinas, the anatomical loss of RGC axons is not evident until day 30. However, by two days after both lesions there are changes in the expression pattern of pNFH: axonal beads, axonal club- or bulb-like formations, and pNFH+RGC somas. The number of pNFH+RGC somata peak at day 5 after either lesion and is significantly higher than in intact retinas at all time points. pNFH+RGC somata are distributed across the retina, in accordance with the pattern of RGC death which is diffuse and homogenous. In the contralateral retinas there is no RGC loss, but there are few pNFH+RGCs from day 2 to day 90. In conclusion, in albino mice, axotomy-induced RGC death precedes the loss of their intraretinal axons and occurs in two phases, a rapid and a slower, but steady, one. Injured retinas show similar changes in the pattern of pNFH expression and a comparable course of RGC loss.

Objective To analyse the influence of psychotropic substance use on the level of pain in patients with severe trauma. Design Longitudinal analytical study. Scope Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Trauma and Emergencies. Patients Severe trauma, non-communicative and mechanical ventilation >48 h. Two groups of patients were created: users and non-users of psychotropic substances according to medical records. Interventions Measurement of pain level at baseline and during mobilisation, using the Pain Indicator Behaviour Scale. Variables Demographic characteristics, pain score, sedation level and type and dose of analgesia and sedation. Results Sample of 84 patients, 42 in each group. The pain level in both groups, during mobilisation, showed significant differences p = 0.011, with a mean of 3.11 (2.40) for the user group and 1.83 (2.14) for the non-user group. A relative risk of 2.5 CI (1014–6163) was found to have moderate/severe pain in the user group compared to the non-user group. The mean dose of analgesia and continuous sedation was significantly higher in the user group: p = .032 and p = .004 respectively. There was no difference in bolus dose of analgesia and sedation with p = .624 and p = .690 respectively. Conclusions Patients with a history of consumption of psychoactive substances show higher levels of pain and experience a higher risk of this being moderate/severe compared to non-users despite receiving higher doses of analgesia and sedation infusion. Key words: pain, multiple trauma, drug users.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar la influencia del consumo de sustancias psicotropas en el nivel de dolor de los pacientes con traumatismo grave. Diseno Estudio analitico longitudinal. Ambito Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) de Traumatismos y Emergencias. Pacientes Traumatismo grave, no comunicativo y ventilacion mecanica > 48 h. Se crearon 2 grupos de pacientes: consumidores de sustancias psicotropas y no consumidores segun historia clinica. Intervenciones Medicion del nivel de dolor en situacion basal y durante la movilizacion, mediante la escala de conductas indicadoras de dolor. Variables Caracteristicas demograficas, puntuacion de dolor, nivel de sedacion y tipo y dosis de analgesia y sedacion. Resultados Muestra de 84 pacientes, correspondiendo 42 a cada grupo. El nivel de dolor en ambos grupos, durante la movilizacion, muestra diferencias significativas p = 0,011, con una media de 3,11 (2,40) para el grupo de consumidores y 1,83 (2,14) para el grupo de no consumidores. Se objetiva un riesgo relativo (RR) de 2,5, IC (1,014-6,163) de tener dolor moderado/grave en el grupo de consumidores respecto al de no consumidores. La dosis media de analgesia y sedacion continua es significativamente mayor en el grupo de consumidores: p = 0,032 y p = 0,004, respectivamente. No hay diferencia en la dosis de bolos de analgesia y sedacion con p = 0,624 y p = 0,690, respectivamente. Conclusiones Los pacientes con antecedentes de consumo de sustancias psicotropas muestran mayor nivel de dolor y tienen mas riesgo de que este sea moderado/grave respecto a los no consumidores, a pesar de recibir mayor dosis de analgesia y sedacion continua.

Interest in replacing petroleum-based adhesives with more environmentally friendly materials has grown enormously in recent decades. In this work, a novel bio-sourced polyurethane was synthesized by functionalizing cellulose acetate with 1,6-hexametylene di-isocyanate (HMDI) and then blending the resulting biopolymer with castor oil in a 1:1 weight ratio to obtain a chemical oleogel which was left for curing. The rheological properties and adhesion performance of this new bio-based formulation were compared with those of commercially available adhesives by using small-amplitude oscillatory torsional tests and standardized mechanical tests to evaluate peeling (ASTM D903) and shear strengths, in both single-lap (ASTM D906, D1002, D3163) and lap-joint assemblies (ASTM D3164), on various substrates including wood, polyethylene and stainless steel, as well as flexural strength (ASTM D1184) on wood. As shown here, the new adhesive is suitable for most of the adherends examined, thus exhibiting mechanical strengths comparable to or even better than that of the benchmarks in wood–wood and steel–steel contacts, similarly good rheological response and significantly higher relative elasticity. On the other hand, the adhesion performance of the new adhesive on polyethylene was worse than that of the commercial adhesives.

This paper describes the implementation and evaluation of an accessory designed and manufactured to be adapted to a 3D printer to allow the in situ and continuous mixing of powder and liquid feeds. In particular, the capacity of this accessory to correctly mix a dysphagia-oriented commercial powder thickener with several conventional fluids (i.e. water, juice, and milk) was studied. Target thickener concentrations were defined in order to achieve mixtures with viscosities corresponding to the textures established by the National Dysphagia Diet Task Force (NDD)—nectar-like, honey-like, and spoon-thick—for thickened fluids. Both the accuracy of the solid content and the rheological response of the obtained mixtures were evaluated. Although fluctuations were observed in the concentrations of the mixtures obtained by continuous mixing with respect to the target values, the viscosities obtained were within the limits established for each of the desired textures. The thickened fluids processed using the 3D printing mixing accessory showed viscosities very similar to their hand-mixed counterparts and a higher degree of structuration, especially when printed at low mass flow rates, as well as a lower amount of entrapped air. This method of preparation allows the production of thickened fluids with more appealing shapes and colours for the long-term dysphagia management, improving the quality of life of patients with dysphagia, and promoting treatment compliance.

The ambient temperature and evaporative demand in the Mediterranean greenhouses are excessively elevated during the high solar radiation season, which has harmful effects on growth and development of the crops, decreasing yield and quality of the products. The current cultivation structures have very poorly efficient natural ventilation systems, therefore making necessary the use of some additional cooling technique. The vast majority of growers turn to shading the greenhouse cover by means of whitening, a fix shading method that leads to considerable losses of the productive potential of the crop. The objective of the present study was to compare the yield response of a tomato crop ('Bigram') grown in coir substrate under two different greenhouse shading systems: traditional whitening (R) and mobile shading diffusive screen system (HS) located inside the greenhouse. The effect of these two different shading systems on the water use efficiency was also evaluated. At the end of the crop cycle, the incident and intercepted PAR were respectively 31.2 and 16.4% higher in the HS greenhouse. The crop grown under the mobile shading obtained an increase of 25% in the marketable yield in relation to the greenhouse with traditional whitening, which at the end of the evaluated period involved 2 more harvested trusses m-2, caused by a shorter period of fruit growth and development. The mobile shading system proved to improve the climate in Mediterranean greenhouses and also the water use efficiency.

The combination of mild climate and soil salinity are the main causes of the exceptional fruit quality of some “flavour varieties” such as the hybrids of the Raf tomato. If conditions during fruit growth, mainly thermal and osmotic, are not adequate, the consumer does not always gets an acceptable fruit quality. The present work was conducted to study the effect of pre-harvest factors such as temperature and salinity on the quality of a high commercial value tomato cultivar. The experiment was conducted in a 12 m2 growth chamber, equipped with a control system for temperature, humidity and pure CO2 injection. Hybrid Raf tomato 'Dumas' grafted on Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. 'Arbiore' and grown in perlite substrate were exposed to four water salinity levels (2.5, 5.5, 8.0 and 12.0 dS m-1) and four day/night temperature regimes (20/14°C; 24/14°C; 28/14°C; 30/14°C). Salinity significantly increased soluble solid content (SSC) and titratable acidity (TA), but in contrast, the effect on pH was less responsive. Fruit firmness was strongly affected by salinity and adopted an inverse relationship from 24°C. Temperature affected significantly fruit quality at 28°C, quality parameters were reduced, except TA, which showed the highest values. Statistical analysis indicates an interaction between salinity and temperature, so that the reduction of quality parameters ​​caused by the temperature was less sensitive in the higher salinity treatments. The period of fruit development (PFD) was not affected by salinity in contrast, high temperature significantly reduced it. A strong direct relationship between PFD and the firmness was also observed. No differences in fruit quality parameters as affected by the different position of the trusses were observed. This study provides useful information to adjust climate control and fertigation set-points values in the cultivation of high value commercial tomato production.

Resumen La aplicacion del delito de atentado a las agresiones contra el personal sanitario ha suscitado cierta controversia. En primer lugar, los profesionales de la sanidad privada no se encuentran incluidos en el ambito de esta proteccion, lo que genera criticas desde dicho sector. De otro lado, parte de la doctrina juridico-penal entiende que el delito de atentado no es la figura idonea para enjuiciar los casos de violencia contra los profesionales sanitarios o de la educacion. Algunos autores han ido mas alla, cuestionando incluso la aplicacion del derecho penal en el enjuiciamiento de estos actos. Entienden que se esta vulnerando la necesaria proporcionalidad entre la conducta y la posible pena, por imponer esta rama del ordenamiento juridico sanciones excesivamente severas ante hechos que no tienen gravedad suficiente. Defienden, ademas, que los propios principios del derecho penal (en especial los de minima intervencion y «ultima ratio») determinan que deba acudirse a otros recursos. En concreto, proponen que sea el derecho administrativo sancionador el que se utilice en exclusiva para castigar las agresiones contra el personal sanitario. Desde nuestro punto de vista, existen razones de peso para no prescindir de la intervencion del derecho penal en el enjuiciamiento de este tipo de violencia. Entendemos que existen recursos para garantizar el respeto al principio de proporcionalidad y que la intervencion en exclusiva del derecho administrativo sancionador plantearia problemas, sobre todo en los casos de agresiones a profesionales de la sanidad privada. Por ello, concluimos que la solucion optima estriba en la intervencion de ambos ordenes (administrativo sancionador y penal), aunque reservando el delito de atentado para calificar unicamente las agresiones mas graves.

The present work focuses on the development of lignin micro- and nano-structures obtained by means of electrohydrodynamic techniques aimed to be potentially applicable as thickening or structuring agents in vegetable oils. The micro- and nano-structures used were mainly composed of eucalyptus kraft lignin (EKL), which were doped to some extent with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). EKL/PVP solutions were prepared at different concentrations (10–40 wt.%) and EKL:PVP ratios (95:5–100:0) in N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) and further physico-chemically and rheologically characterized. Electrosprayed micro-sized particles were obtained from solutions with low EKL/PVP concentrations (10 and 20 wt.%) and/or high EKL:PVP ratios, whereas beaded nanofiber mats were produced by increasing the solution concentration and/or decreasing EKL:PVP ratio, as a consequence of improved extensional viscoelastic properties. EKL/PVP electrospun nanofibers were able to form oleogels by simply dispersing them into castor oil at nanofiber concentrations higher than 15 wt.%. The rheological properties of these oleogels were assessed by means of small-amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) and viscous flow tests. The values of SAOS functions and viscosity depended on both the nanofiber concentration and the morphology of nanofiber templates and resemble those exhibited by commercial lubricating greases made from traditional metallic soaps and mineral oils, This work is part of a research project (Ref. RTI2018-096080-B-C21) sponsored by the MICINN-FEDER I+D+i Spanish Programme. The authors gratefully acknowledge their financial support. J.F.R.-V. acknowledges receiving the Ph.D. Research Grant PRE2019-090632 from MICINN (Spain)

In Europe, nutrition and health claims made on food must be based on scientific evidence, which means a comprehensive evaluation by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) prior to authorisation. Processed foods are subject to numerous claims derived from the presence of bioactive compounds, however, natural food products, often the original sources of those compounds, are not habitually the subject of these claims. Although the consumption of persimmon fruit has important health benefits, up to date no specific health claims are authorised for this fruit. In this work, &lsquo, Rojo Brillante&rsquo, persimmon fruits (Diospyros kaki L.), Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) &lsquo, Ribera del X&uacute, quer&rsquo, were characterized regarding the presence of fiber (soluble and insoluble), vitamin C (ascorbic and dehydroascorbic acids), carotenoids (neoxanthin, violaxanthin, &beta, cryptoxanthin, lycopene, &beta, carotene) and mineral elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ca, Mg, Na, K). Different fruit batches harvested in different seasons were analyzed by standardized analytical methods (Association of Official Analytical Chemists, AOAC), high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection (HPLC-UV) and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Based on the results, Persimon&reg, is potentially able to show two nutrition claims &ldquo, Source of fiber&rdquo, and &ldquo, Sodium-free/salt-free&rdquo, This work could set the ground for future studies and to start considering natural food products as candidates for the use of approved claims.

International audience; A new formulation of quebracho tannin-based resin has been used to prepare bio-based rigid foams. The proposed foams were blown by using the simultaneous combination of two expansion methods by mechanical expansion as used for fire-fighting foams and by chemical expansion based on the release of water and other gases during the exothermal self-condensation of furfuryl alcohol. The combination of both methods allowed us to overcome certain limitations found in the preparation of foams exclusively based on mechanical expansion These were the resulting density (16% lower than that obtained by mechanical expansion) and the mechanical properties (compressive strength improved of about 11%). Resin chemorheology was characterized under stressed conditions using frequency and time sweeps as well as temperature ramps. The evolution of the linear viscoelastic functions during the reaction clearly showed the transition from viscous to strong gel-like behavior. The foaming and hardening processes were followed by the use of FOAMAT equipment and the resulting foams were characterized in terms of density (0.059–0.063 g/cm3), mechanical properties (compressive strength of 0.090–0.144 MPa) and thermal conductivity (0.046–0.048 W m−1 K−1).

Purpose The purpose of this study was to study the effect of minocycline and several neurotrophic factors, alone or in combination, on photoreceptor survival and macro/microglial reactivity in two rat models of retinal degeneration. Methods P23H-1 (rhodopsin mutation), Royal College of Surgeon (RCS, pigment epithelium malfunction), and age-matched control rats (Sprague-Dawley and Pievald Viro Glaxo, respectively) were divided into three groups that received at P10 for P23H-1 rats or P33 for RCS rats: (1) one intravitreal injection (IVI) of one of the following neurotrophic factors: ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF), pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), or basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2); (2) daily intraperitoneal administration of minocycline; or (3) a combination of IVI of FGF2 and intraperitoneal minocycline. All animals were processed 12 days after treatment initiation. Retinal microglial cells and cone photoreceptors were immunodetected and analyzed qualitatively in cross sections. The numbers of microglial cells in the different retinal layers and number of nuclei rows in the outer nuclear layer (ONL) were quantified. Results IVI of CNTF, PEDF, or FGF2 improved the morphology of the photoreceptors outer segment, but only FGF2 rescued a significant number of photoreceptors. None of the trophic factors had qualitative or quantitative effects on microglial cells. Minocycline treatment reduced activation and migration of microglia and produced a significant rescue of photoreceptors. Combined treatment with minocycline and FGF2 had higher neuroprotective effects than each of the treatments alone. Conclusions In two animal models of photoreceptor degeneration with different etiologies, minocycline reduces microglial activation and migration, and FGF2 and minocycline increase photoreceptor survival. The combination of FGF2 and minocycline show greater neuroprotective effects than their isolated effects.

In this study we have compared the response to optic nerve crush (ONC) and to optic nerve transection (ONT) of the general population of retinal ganglion cells in charge of the image-forming visual functions that express Brn3a (Brn3a+RGCs) with that of the sub-population of non-image forming RGCs that express melanopsin (m+RGCs). Intact animals were used as control. ONT and ONC were performed at 0.5 mm from the optic disk, and retinas dissected 3, 5, 7, 14, 30, 45 or 90 days later (n = 5/injury/time point). In all the retinas, Brn3a+RGCs and m+RGCs were identified and their survival analyzed quantitatively and topographically. There were no differences in the course of RGC loss between lesions. The decrease of RGCs was significant at short time points (3 or 5 days for Brn3a+ or m+ RGCs, respectively) and, up to 14 days, the course of loss of both RGC populations was similar, surviving at this time point between 20 and 22% of their original population. However, while the loss of Brn3a+RGCs continues steadily up to 90 days when only 5–6% of them still remain, the loss of m+RGCs stops at 14 days, and the proportion of surviving m+RGCs remains constant up to 90 days (26–30%). In conclusion, m+RGC do not respond to axotomy in the same way than the rest of RGCs, and so whilst image-forming RGCs die in two exponential phases a quick one and a slow protracted one, non-image forming RGCs die only during the first quick phase.

The Region of Murcia is the main area of flat peach production in Spain. The main cultivars are ‘UFO 3’ and ‘Sweet Cap’. Both are highly productive, but factors such as the genetic characteristics of the cultivars or environmental conditions may affect their final productivity and yield. The aim of this study was to evaluate the evolution of the potential productivity of these cultivars in different climatic areas. For this, four types of potential productivity were defined and evaluated over three years, namely: latent productivity (LPB), measured as bud density, flower productivity (FlP), measured as flower density, fruit productivity (FrP), measured as fruit set density, and final productivity (FFrP), measured as final fruit density. Cultivar ‘UFO 3’ displayed a high cropping potential and good performance under the environmental conditions of south-eastern Spain, although its cultivation in areas with a high risk of freezing damage may produce loss of yield. The results show also that a lack of cold may be a limiting factor to the cultivation of ‘Sweet Cap’ in the warmer regions, and in moderately-cold areas during warm years, due to late and low levels of bud break and vegetative disarrangements.

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in polyphenol profile and antioxidant capacity of five soluble coffees throughout a simulated gastro-intestinal digestion, including absorption through a dialysis membrane. Our results demonstrate that both polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity were characteristic for each type of studied coffee, showing a drop after dialysis. Twenty-seven compounds were identified in coffee by HPLC-MS, while only 14 of them were found after dialysis. Green+roasted coffee blend and chicory+coffee blend showed the highest and lowest content of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity before in vitro digestion and after dialysis, respectively. Canonical correlation analysis showed significant correlation between the antioxidant capacity and the polyphenol profile before digestion and after dialysis. Furthermore, boosted regression trees analysis (BRT) showed that only four polyphenol compounds (5-p-coumaroylquinic acid, quinic acid, coumaroyl tryptophan conjugated, and 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid) appear to be the most relevant to explain the antioxidant capacity after dialysis, these compounds being the most bioaccessible after dialysis. To our knowledge, this is the first report matching the antioxidant capacity of foods with the polyphenol profile by BRT, which opens an interesting method of analysis for future reports on the antioxidant capacity of foods. Fil: Podio, Natalia Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba; Argentina Fil: López Froilán, Rebeca. Universidad Complutense de Madrid; España Fil: Ramirez Moreno, Esther. Universidad Autónoma de Estado de Hidalgo; México. Universidad Complutense de Madrid; España Fil: Bertrand, Lidwina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología; Argentina Fil: Baroni, María Verónica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba; Argentina Fil: Pérez Rodríguez, María L.. Universidad Complutense de Madrid; España Fil: Sánchez Mata, María Cortes. Universidad Complutense de Madrid; España Fil: Wunderlin, Daniel A.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas. Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos Córdoba; Argentina

This paper presents a methodology for slope instability monitoring using photogrammetric techniques with very high resolution images from an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). An unstable area located in La Guardia (Jaen, Southern Spain), where an active mud flow has been identified, was surveyed between 2012 and 2014 by means of four UAV flights. These surveys were also compared with those data from a previous conventional aerial photogrammetric and LiDAR survey. The UAV was an octocopter equipped with GPS, inertial units and a mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera. The flight height was 90 m, which allowed covering an area of about 250 x 100 m with a ground pixel size of 2.5 cm. The orientation of the UAV flights were carried out by means of ground control points measured with GPS, but the previous aerial photogrammetric/LiDAR flight was oriented by means of direct georeferencing with in flight positioning and inertial data, although some common ground control points were used to adjust all flights in the same reference system. The DSMs of all surveys were obtained by automatic image correlation and then the differential models were calculated, allowing estimate changes in the surface. At the same time, orthophotos were obtained so horizontal and vertical displacements between relevant points were registered. Significant displacements were observed between some campaigns (some centimeters on the vertical and meters on the horizontal). Finally, we have analyzed the relation of displacements to rainfalls in recent years in the area, finding a significant temporal correlation between the two variables.

Orexins (OX) have been recently implicated in ethanol seeking and self-administration. A few recent studies have provided additional evidence that OX receptor antagonists effectively reduce voluntary ethanol consumption in subjects spontaneously showing high levels of ethanol intake. The present study further evaluates the contribution of OXR1 to excessive binge-like drinking of ethanol in ad libitum-fed C57BL/6J mice from a pharmacological and molecular approach. The main findings in the study are: (1) Icv administration of SB-334867 (3 μg/μl) blunted ethanol (20% v/v), but not saccharin (0.15% w/v) binge-like drinking in a drinking in the dark procedure, without any alteration of chow consumption or total calories ingested; (2) Icv administration of SB-334867 (3 μg/μl) increased the latency to recover the righting reflex after a sedative dose of ethanol without any significant alteration in ethanol peripheral metabolism; (3) four repetitive, 2-h daily episodes of saccharin, but not ethanol binge-like drinking blunted OXR1 mRNA expression in the lateral hypothalamus. Present findings extend the current knowledge pointing to a role for OX signaling in ethanol sedation, which might partially explain the inhibitory effect of OXR1 antagonists on ethanol consumption. Combined pharmacological and molecular data suggesting the contribution of OXR1 in ethanol binge-drinking leading us to propose the idea that targeting OXR1 could represent a novel pharmacological approach to control binge-consumption episodes of ethanol in vulnerable organisms failing to spontaneously reduce OX activity., This work was supported by Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (Spain), grant PSI2012-31696 and grant CTS1350, FEDER UALM05-23-006.

The present study was conducted to study the effect of pre-harvest factors such as salinity and greenhouse air CO2 enrichment on the quality of a high commercial value, tomato cultivar. The experiment was carried out in two identical, adjacent multispan greenhouses, with polyethylene plastic covering. Hybrid Raf (cv. Delizia), tomato plants, were exposed to two treatments of salinity (5 and 7 dS m−1) and two ambient CO2 concentrations (350 and 800 μmol mol−1) in which CO2 enrichment was applied during the daytime according to a strategy linked to ventilation. The high salinity treatment (7 dS m−1) increased firmness (N), total soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA) and the percentage of dry matter of the fruit (% DM), however, the pH was reduced. In return, CO2 enrichment did not affect firmness, TA and pH, whereas SSC and % DM were increased. On the other hand, the climatic variations as temperature, radiation and CO2 concentration, during the period of fruit development (PFD) affected its duration. The effective degree days (EDDs) model that combines temperature and radiation was used to study the relationship with the PFD and quality parameters. A good correlation was found between PFD and EDDs (r2 = 0.95). Thus the thermal time model by incorporating radiation can be recommended for our region to predict the period of fruit development in a hybrid Raf tomato crop. With respect to quality parameters, an increasing trend was observed between fruit firmness in high salinity conditions and the EDDs though the correlation was weak (r2 = 0.50). We did not find a relationship on SSC, TA, pH and % DM. CO2 enrichment shortened two days of the PFD and salinity did not affect this parameter. According to the results, CO2 enrichment allows increasing the production of a high value commercial crop grown under saline conditions by reducing the time needed for complete fruit development without compromising organoleptic quality.

Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide, affects primarily retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) and their axons. The pathophysiology of glaucoma is not fully understood, but it is currently believed that damage to RGC axons at the optic nerve head plays a major role. Rodent models to study glaucoma include those that mimic either ocular hypertension or optic nerve injury. Here we review the anatomical loss of the general population of RGCs (that express Brn3a; Brn3a+RGCs) and of the intrinsically photosensitive RGCs (that express melanopsin; m+RGCs) after chronic (LP-OHT) or acute (A-OHT) ocular hypertension and after complete intraorbital optic nerve transection (ONT) or crush (ONC). Our studies show that all of these insults trigger RGC death. Compared to Brn3a+RGCs, m+RGCs are more resilient to ONT, ONC, and A-OHT but not to LP-OHT. There are differences in the course of RGC loss both between these RGC types and among injuries. An important difference between the damage caused by ocular hypertension or optic nerve injury appears in the outer retina. Both axotomy and LP-OHT induce selective loss of RGCs but LP-OHT also induces a protracted loss of cone photoreceptors. This review outlines our current understanding of the anatomical changes occurring in rodent models of glaucoma and discusses the advantages of each one and their translational value.

Introduction Human umbilical cord stem cells have inherent differentiation capabilities and potential usefulness in regenerative medicine. However, the epithelial differentiation capability and the heterogeneity of these cells have not been fully explored to the date. Methods We analyzed the expression of several undifferentiation and epithelial markers in cells located in situ in different zones of the umbilical cord – in situ analysis– and in primary ex vivo cell cultures of Wharton's jelly stem cells by microarray and immunofluorescence. Results Our results demonstrated that umbilical cord cells were heterogeneous and had intrinsic capability to express in situ stem cell markers, CD90 and CD105 and the epithelial markers cytokeratins 3, 4, 7, 8, 12, 13, 19, desmoplakin and zonula occludens 1 as determined by microarray and immunofluorescence, and most of these markers remained expressed after transferring the cells from the in situ to the ex vivo cell culture conditions. However, important differences were detected among some cell types in the umbilical cord, with subvascular zone cells showing less expression of stem cell markers and cells in Wharton's jelly and the amnioblastic zones showing the highest expression of stem cells and epithelial markers. Conclusions These results suggest that umbilical cord mesenchymal cells have intrinsic potential to express relevant epithelial markers, and support the idea that they could be used as alternative cell sources for epithelial tissue engineering.