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Ligstroside aglycon (LA) is one of the main polyphenols in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO); nevertheless, it is scarcely investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of LA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages, as well as the potential signaling pathways involved. Isolated macrophages were treated with LA (50, 25, and 12.5 μM) in the presence or absence of LPS (5 μg ml

The application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in wind turbine design and analysis is becoming increasingly common in research on wind energy, resulting in a better knowledge of the aerodynamic behaviour of rotors. Due to the deformation of blade airfoils on account of icing, a significant drop in aerodynamic performance brings wind turbines to lose considerable portions of their productivity. Estimating power degradation due to icing via 3D simulation, although it is essential to capture the three-dimensional turbulence effects, is very costly in computational resources despite technological development it then becomes unfeasible when it comes to different operation scenarios to estimate icing originated power losses. The Quasi-3D simulation based on the CFD-BEM method is a practical alternative for generating wind turbines power curves. It showed effectiveness in predicting performance up to a certain level. More than few studies in the literature have adopted this approach to generate the power curve for both clean (un-iced) and iced-up wind turbines. However, the methodology was not adequately presented and discussed for wind turbine icing. This paper reviews the results of almost all the up-to-date published papers that approached this method, summarizing the findings and federates the research in that field to conclude with concrete facts and details that advance research in this domain.

Se trata de un recurso de Realidad Virtual que sitúa al estudiante en los laboratorios de prácticas de la Facultad de Farmacia de la Universidad de Sevilla. El recurso permite al alumnado realizar de forma virtual una serie de ensayos básicos para la determinación cualitativa de los principios activos de una droga de origen vegetal; así como el estudio de la actividad farmacológica de un extracto elaborado a partir de dicha droga. En concreto, los ensayos se centrarán en Atropa Belladonna L. y sus principios activos, atropina y escopolamina. El recurso se compone de una serie de textos, vídeos didácticos y cuestiones teórico-prácticas que proporcionan soporte al estudiante para avanzar en los diferentes escenarios. Dichos elementos serán liberados mediante la interacción del estudiante con los elementos del laboratorio. Este recurso es una herramienta de gran utilidad para que los alumnos apliquen, de una forma sencilla y con un ejemplo práctico, sus conocimientos adquiridos durante su interacción con el contenido de dichas asignaturas, así como combinarlos con aquellos adquiridos en otras asignaturas como, por ejemplo, la asignatura de Farmacognosia del Grado de Farmacia. Es de destacar que este recurso también es de gran valor como herramienta docente no presencial, ya que permitirá adaptar la docencia práctica a laboratorios virtuales. De esta manera, hace accesible la práctica de laboratorio al alumnado que no pudiera acudir físicamente al laboratorio. La necesidad de este tipo de herramientas virtuales ha quedado evidente con la pandemia del SARS-CoV-2 que se está viviendo desde principios del 2020.

Nitrification of centrate from anaerobic sewage sludge digestion presents a major opportunity as an electron acceptor in anoxic biogas biodesulphurisation. Nitritation and nitrification inhibition by free ammonia was detected at laboratory scale, but was avoided during the scale-up operation in a 4 m

Using Quinolin-65 (Q-65) and Violantrone (V-79) as model molecules for polar heavy hydrocarbons and resins, the nanosize effects of NiO nanoparticles on the competitive molecular adsorption on nano...

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multiorgan disorder with a deregulated immune-inflammatory response. Nutritional therapy has been considered a promising approach to SLE management. Oleocanthal (OLE), the main extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)-derived secoiridoid, has shown to regulate the immune-inflammatory response in various disease contexts; however, its possible beneficial effects on SLE remain unclear. This study sought to evaluate the effects of OLE enriched diet on renal damage and aortic endothelial dysfunction in murine pristane-induced SLE, focusing on the action mechanisms and signaling pathways involved. BALB/c mice were injected with pristane and fed with OLE supplemented diet (0.01 % (w/w)) for six months. Levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peritoneal macrophages and splenocytes. Presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM immune complexes were examined by immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Thoracic aortas were used to evaluate endothelial dysfunction. Western blotting was employed to detect signaling pathways and oxidative-inflammatory-related mediators. Dietary OLE supplementation reduced Th1/Th17 pro-inflammatory cytokines production and alleviated renal damage by decreasing immunoglobulin complexes deposition, and inflammation-mediating enzymes expression. The mechanisms underlying these protective effects could be related to the regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/Haem oxygenase 1 (Nrf-2/HO-1), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), signal transducer and transcription activator of transcription (STAT-3), inflammasome and, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways. Also, dietary OLE improved aortic endothelial dysfunction and vascular reactivity, normalizing endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling, and NADPH oxidase-1 (NOX-1) overexpression. This study shows the immunomodulatory effects of OLE in an in vivo model of SLE by improving renal damage and regulating aortic endothelial dysfunction. These preliminary results provide OLE as a new therapeutic strategy in SLE management.

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses of (−)-methyl-oleocanthal (met-OLE), a new metabolite of the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) phenolic oleocanthal (OLE), were explored in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine peritoneal macrophages. Possible signaling pathways and epigenetic modulation of histones were studied. Met-OLE inhibited LPS-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrite (NO) production and decreased the overexpression of the pro-inflammatory enzymes COX-2, mPGES-1 and iNOS in murine macrophages. In addition, met-OLE was able to significantly decrease the activation of p38, JNK, and ERK mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and blocked canonical and non-canonical inflammasome signaling pathways. On the contrary, met-OLE upregulated haem oxigenase 1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf-2) expression in treated cells. Finally, met-OLE pretreated spleen cells counteracted LPS induction, preventing H3K18 acetylation or H3K9 and H3K27 demethylation. Overall, these results provide novel mechanistic insights into the beneficial effects of met-OLE regarding the regulation of the immune–inflammatory response through epigenetic changes in histone markers. This revealing evidence suggests that the methylated metabolite of OLE may contribute significantly to the beneficial effects that are associated with the secoiridoid-related compound and the usual consumption of EVOO. España Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad grant number AG-2017-89342-P Junta de Andalucía funded by CTS-259, FQM-182

The application of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) in wind turbine design and analysis is becoming increasingly common in research on wind energy, resulting in a better knowledge of the aerodynamic behaviour of rotors. Due to the deformation of blade airfoils on account of icing, a significant drop in aerodynamic performance brings wind turbines to lose considerable portions of their productivity. Estimating power degradation due to icing via 3D simulation, although it is essential to capture the three-dimensional turbulence effects, is very costly in computational resources despite technological development it then becomes unfeasible when it comes to different operation scenarios to estimate icing originated power losses. The Quasi-3D simulation based on the CFD-BEM method is a practical alternative for generating wind turbines power curves. It showed effectiveness in predicting performance up to a certain level. More than few studies in the literature have adopted this approach to generate the power curve for both clean (un-iced) and iced-up wind turbines. However, the methodology was not adequately presented and discussed for wind turbine icing. This paper reviews the results of almost all the up-to-date published papers that approached this method, summarizing the findings and federates the research in that field to conclude with concrete facts and details that advance research in this domain. &nbsp

Nanoparticles (NPs) have recently gained great attention as effective agents for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) applications, especially at ambient temperatures. Nevertheless, harsh conditions are nee...

Se trata de un recurso de realidad virtual que sitúa al estudiante en un laboratorio de cultivo celular. El recurso permite al estudiante conocer los instrumentos y equipos básicos que componen un laboratorio de cultivo celular, así como realizar de forma virtual un experimento modelo para evaluar la actividad antiinflamatoria de un nuevo fármaco en estudio preclínico. El recurso consta se compone de una serie de videos y cuestiones teórico-prácticas que permiten al estudiante ir avanzando por diferentes escenarios para comprender y profundizar en conceptos básicos sobre la Farmacología Experimental, centrados en el cultivo celular como herramienta de ensayo preclínico. El recurso consta de dos escenarios, uno dentro del laboratorio de cultivo celular y el otro en un laboratorio general para finalizar el experimento. Concretamente, al inicio del recurso, el alumnado puede conocer e informarse sobre los diferentes elementos del laboratorio de cultivo celular con sólo colocar el puntero del ratón sobre los objetos que se visualizan en el laboratorio y cliqueando sobre ellos. Una vez reconocidos todos los elementos del laboratorio, se inicia la práctica a través del cliqueo del cuaderno de prácticas que se encuentra en la mesa del laboratorio de cultivos. Esta herramienta docente está formada por 18 pasos en total, donde el alumnado debe ir visualizando los vídeos y contestando a las diferentes preguntas y actividades para poder avanzar en las prácticas y conseguir así completar el informe con los resultados obtenidos en el ensayo. Las respuestas correctas puntúan positivamente, quedando registradas en un contador de color verde, y permiten avanzar en el recurso. Por el contrario, las respuestas incorrectas puntúan negativamente, registrándose en un contador de color rojo, e impiden el avance al siguiente paso. En este último caso, el alumnado puede volver a consultar los elementos de dicho paso para corregir su selección y, de esa forma, poder seguir avanzando en el recurso. También existe un contador que registra el tiempo empleado en total. Al finalizar la práctica, el alumnado deberá realizar una “captura” de pantalla con los resultados obtenidos (contador de respuestas correctas, contador de respuestas incorrectas y contador del tiempo) y adjuntar dicha captura con el informe de resultados en pdf que deberá rellenar y enviar al profesorado. Es altamente aconsejable trabajar el recurso con un ordenador de sobremesa/portátil, ya que permite cargar de forma más rápida y eficiente los elementos. Aunque es posible su visualización y realización desde dispositivos móviles, la potencia técnica de los mismos podría dificultar su realización al no cargar correctamente los elementos.

The term “epigenetics” refers to a series of meiotically/mitotically inheritable alterations in gene expression, related to environmental factors, without disruption on DNA sequences of bases. Recently, the pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases (ADs) has been closely linked to epigenetic modifications. Actually, epigenetic mechanisms can modulate gene expression or repression of targeted cells and tissues involved in autoimmune/inflammatory conditions acting as keys effectors in regulation of adaptive and innate responses. ADs, as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a rare disease that still lacks effective treatment, is characterized by epigenetic marks in affected cells. Taking into account that epigenetic mechanisms have been proposed as a winning strategy in the search of new more specific and personalized therapeutics agents. Thus, pharmacology and pharmacoepigenetic studies about epigenetic regulations of ADs may provide novel individualized therapies. Focussing in possible implicated factors on development and predisposition of SLE, diet is feasibly one of the most important factors since it is linked directly to epigenetic alterations and these epigenetic changes may augment or diminish the risk of SLE. Nevertheless, several studies have guaranteed that dietary therapy could be a promise to SLE patients via prophylactic actions deprived of side effects of pharmacology, decreasing comorbidities and improving lifestyle of SLE sufferers. Herein, we review and discuss the cross-link between epigenetic mechanisms on SLE predisposition and development, as well as the influence of dietary factors on regulation epigenetic modifications that would eventually make a positive impact on SLE patients. Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad AG2017-89342-P

© 2021 by the authors., Oleuropein (OL), an olive tree secoiridoid and its peracetylated derivate (Per-OL) have exhibited several beneficial effects on LPS-stimulated macrophages and murine experimental systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study was designed to evaluate dietary Per-OL in comparison with OL supplementation effects on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) murine model. Three-weeks-old DBA-1/J male mice were fed from weaning with a standard commercial diet or experimental enriched-diets in 0.05 % (w/w) OL, 0.05% and 0.025% Per-OL. After six weeks of pre-treatment, arthritis was induced by bovine collagen type II by tail base injection (day 0) and on day 21, mice received a booster injection. Mice were sacrificed 42 days after the first immunization. Both Per-OL and OL diets significantly prevented histological damage and arthritic score development, although no statistically significant differences were observed between both compounds. Also, serum collagen oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), metalloprotease (MMP)-3 and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels were ameliorated in paws from secoiridoids fed animals. Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)s and nuclear transcription factor-kappa-B (NF-κB) activations were drastically down-regulated whereas nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein expressions were up-regulated in those mice fed with OL and Per-OL diets. We conclude that both Per-OL and its parent compound, OL, supplements might provide a basis for developing a new dietary strategy for the prevention of rheumatoid arthritis., The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support by a research grant (Reference: AG2017-89342-P) from the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad of Spain, the assistance of Centre for Technology and Innovation Research at the University of Seville (CITIUS), Dirección General de Investigación of Spain (CTQ2016-78703-P), Junta de Andalucía (CTS259 and FQM134) as well as, the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) for financial support. M.L.C. acknowledges support from Junta de Andalucía and Fondo Social Europeo. T.M. thanks support from a Postgraduate Program of PIF fellowship and financial sponsorship from VI Plan Propio de Investigación y Transferencia at the University of Seville.

The use of proxies for ecosystem function in biomonitoring is desirable to move towards more holistic strategies. Next-generation sequencing of environmental DNA can clearly contribute to these advances. This research is part of a project aimed to use constructed wetlands (CWs), managed by the company Global Omnium (https://www.globalomnium.com/Group/Home/) and having the University of Valencia in charge of the scientific research, in order to improve the ecological quality of already treated wastewaters before being poured into natural environments. The rationale is that, although wastewaters treated by classical methods can meet the standards required by law, transitional constructed ecosystems, as the CWs, can promote ancillary benefits that contribute to the maintenance of the ecological health of receiving natural ecosystems. We propose that some functional traits of the microbial community can be used to outline the process of water renaturation. To assess this, the prokaryotic communities of different types of CWs were profiled by the MiSeq sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA. Using the sequences obtained, a prediction of the functional capabilities of these communities was made with the bioinformatic package PICRUSt2 (Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States; https://github.com/picrust/picrust2), assuming that phylogeny and function are effectively related attributes. Predictions on the occurrence of functional marker genes, particularly those involved in the biogeochemical cycling of main nutrients (C, N, S, P), were then made. The PICRUSt2 predictions were based in the annotated genes catalog of the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database (https://www.genome.jp/kegg/). In general, results indicated a decline in the CWs effluents of microbial functions typical from wastewater in favor of those more suited for the receiving environment. An enhancement of aerobic metabolism was predicted to occur based on the increase of the gene encoding the cytochrome-c oxidase compared to fermentation pathways. Accordingly, both the denitrification and the dissimilatory reduction of sulfate, that are predominant in the anaerobic environments, also decreased in the effluents of the CWs to lower levels more similar to those observed in natural environments, showing a shift towards reactions at higher redox potentials. On the other hand, a development of metabolic skills for degrading plant materials (e.g., xylose, vanillin, syringate, protocatechuate) was also predicted, which was likely related to a parallel transformation of the organic matter pool in the CWs (more unreactive and natural). Additionally, increases observed in pathways for the synthesis of some cell structural compounds (e.g., mycolic acids) and coenzymes (e.g., F420 cofactor, NAD+) can be related with an enhancement of colonization and competitive potentials of the natural microbial community, as well as with changes in the actual availability of nutrients in the environment. Based on these findings, we raise the possibility of considering these functional surveys made on marker genes as a complementary strategy on the biomonitoring procedures, not only for CWs, but for the general study of freshwater ecosystem potentially affected by wastewater pollution.

This work investigates the thermo-oxidative behaviour of saturates, aromatics, and resins, at different pressures of 0.084, 3.0, and 6.0 MPa. Saturates (S), aromatics (Ar), and resins (R) were characterized by elemental analysis, vapor pressure osmometry, 1H- and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The atmospheric evaporation of S, Ar, and R was evaluated by simulated distillation, whereas high-pressure distillation curves were created by calculation using the Clapeyron equation with the Redlich Kwong equation of state. The mass change and rate of mass change profiles were assessed in a high-pressure thermogravimetric analyzer (HP-TGA) by injecting nitrogen and air to obtain the pyrolysis and oxidation responses. Kinetic analysis was performed using a first-order kinetic model discretizing thermal oxidation profiles in four different regions, namely, oxygen chemisorption (OC), decomposition of chemisorbed oxygen-based compounds (DCO), first combustion (FC), and second combustion (SC). As main results, it was obtained that the saturates were just described by FC and SC regions at all pressures, while aromatics and resins by the four stages (OC, DCO, FC, and SC) for pressures higher than 3.0 MPa. At 6.0 MPa, aromatics exhibit a rapid consumption in the FC region, while resins present a more controlled consumption, distributed in the three decomposition regions. This implies that as pressure increases, aromatics have a greater influence on oxidation reactions at high temperatures. From pyrolysis curves, it was noted that the amount of coke generated follows the increasing order saturates

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease without an effective and safe treatment. Besides, macrophages are the major components of the innate immune system and play a critical role in the inflammation process in SLE. Secoiridoids from olive tree are phenolic compounds which have shown important pharmacological effects. Particularly, oleuropein (OL) has shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties suggesting a potential application in a large number of inflammatory and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated diseases. In addition, different studies have shown the importance of acyl derivatives of natural phenols due to their better hydrophilic/lipophilic balance.

The hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathology is characterized by both hyperproliferation of synovial fibroblasts (SFs) and massive infiltration of inflammatory immune cells. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of hydroxytyrosol (HTy) and hydroxytyrosol-acetate (HTy-Ac) in regulating IL-1β-induced production of metalloproteases (MMPs) and proinflammatory cytokines in human synovial cell line. Treatment with HTy or HTy-Ac significantly inhibited IL-1β-induced MMPs, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-6 production. IL-1β-up regulation COX-2 and mPGE-1 was downregulated by HTy and HTy-Ac. IL-1β-induced MAPKs phosphorylation and NF-κB activation were inhibited by HTy and HTy-Ac. These results suggest that these EVOO phenols reduce the production of proinflammatory mediators in SW982 cells; these protective effects could be related to the inhibition of MAPKs and NF-κB signalling pathways. Thus, HTy and HTy-Ac might be promising targets for the prevention and management of diseases associated with overactivation of synovial fibroblasts, like RA.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease mainly characterized by aggressive hyperproliferation of synovial fibroblasts (SFs). It is accompained by a massive infiltration of inflammatory immune cells inducing progressive matrix degradation, destruction of cartilage and bone erosion through the production of inflammatory mediators. Oleuropein is the most prevalent phenolic component in olive leaves, seed, pulp and peel of unripe olives and is responsible for the characteristic bitter taste of unprocessed olives. This secoiridoid possesses well-documented pharmacological properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and is available as a food supplement in Mediterranean countries. However, to date, anti-arthritic effects of oleuropein on SFs have not been yet elucidated. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the potential effects of oleuropein, on IL-1β-induced production of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in the human synovial sarcoma cell line (SW982). In order to gain a better insight into mechanisms of action, signaling pathways were also explored. Cell viability was determined using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. The expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-1 and MMP-3 was evaluated by ELISA. Moreover, changes in the protein expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) as well as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signalling pathways were analysed by western blot. Oleuropein exerted anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects via down-regulation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways and induction of Nrf2-linked HO-1 controlling the production of inflammatory mediators decreasing IL-6 and TNF-α cytokines, MMP-1 and MMP-3 levels and mPGES-1 and COX-2 overexpression. Thus, oleuropein might provide a basis for developing a new dietary strategy for the prevention and management of RA.

espanolResumen En este trabajo, se desarrollo un estudio de la adsorcion/desorcion de asfaltenos a bajas y altas concentraciones (100 - 30000 mg/L) incluyendo el efecto del tamano de particula del adsorbente (nano y microsilice), efecto de la presion, de la temperatura y el tipo de solvente. Las pruebas de adsorcion/desorcion en las diferentes superficies de silice se realizaron mediante pruebas por lotes usando espectrofotometria UV-vis y analisis termogravimetricos. Debido a sus especiales caracteristicas de alta area superficial y dispersabilidad, las nanoparticulas de silice adsorben una mayor cantidad de asfaltenos que la silice microparticulada. Ademas, se observo que la desorcion de los asfaltenos de las nanoparticulas de silice fue significativa, mientras que para el sistema microparticulado fue insignificante, sugiriendo un mayor potencial de adsorcion para la silice microparticulada. La cantidad de asfaltenos adsorbidos aumento al incrementar la presion, al mismo tiempo que disminuye al aumentar la temperatura del sistema. Tambien, los resultados obtenidos demuestran que el tipo de solvente juega un papel importante en el proceso de desorcion de los asfaltenos. Adicionalmente, se realizaron pruebas de humectabilidad para las nanoparticulas de silice en presencia y en ausencia de asfaltenos adsorbidos y se evidencio que incluso a altas cantidades adsorbidas, las nanoparticulas mantienen su condicion humectable al agua. EnglishAbstract In this work, a study of the adsorption/desorption of n-C7 asphaltenes at low and high concentrations (100 - 30000 mg/L) was performed for which the effects of adsorbent particle size (nano and microsilica), pressure, solvent, and temperature were evaluated. Adsorption/desorption tests on different silica surfaces were performed in batch-mode using UV-vis spectrophotometry and thermogravimetric analyses. Owing to its high surface area and dispersibility, nanosilica adsorbed higher quantities of n-C7 asphaltenes than microsilica. Asphaltene desorption from nanosilica surface was significant, while the desorption from microsilica surfaces was insignificant, suggesting a higher adsorption potential for the latter. Asphaltene adsorption increased with pressure and decreased with temperature. Type of solvent plays a significant role on the asphaltene desorption. The wettability tests for virgin nanosilica and nanosilica contained adsorbed asphaltenes showed that even at high asphaltene loading, the nanoparticles maintained its water-wet nature. portuguesResumo Neste trabalho foi realizado um estudo sobre a adsorcao/dessorcao de asfaltenos n-C7 em concentracoes altas e baixas (100 - 30000 mg/L) no intuito de avaliar os efeitos do tamanho da particula adsorvente (nano e microsilica), pressao, solvente e temperatura. Testes de adsorcao/dessorcao em diferentes superficies de silica foram realizados em serie utilizando analises termogravimetricos e de espectrofotometria UV-vis. Vista sua grande area de superficie e capacidade de dispersao, a nanosilica adsorveu maiores quantidades de asfaltenos n-C7 do que a microsilica. A dessorcao de asfalteno da superficie da microsilica foi insignificante, isso sugere a existencia de um maior potencial de adsorcao para a microsilica. A adsorcao de asfalteno aumentou com a pressao e diminui com a temperatura. O tipo de solvente tem um papel preponderante na dessorcao de asfalteno. Os testes de molhabilidade para nanosilica virgem e asfaltenos adsorvidos com conteudo de nanosilica mostraram que mesmo durante uma carga alta de asfaltenos, as nanoparticulas preservaram sua natureza de humidade-agua.

8 páginas.- 7 figuras.- 52 referencias, The present study was designed to investigate the role of the canonical and noncanonical inflammasome, MAPKs and NRF-2/HO-1, signaling pathways involved in the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of oleocanthal in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine peritoneal macrophages. Isolated cells were treated with oleocanthal in the presence or absence of LPS (5 μg mL -1 ) for 18 h. Oleocanthal showed a potent reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (25 μM, 50.612 ± 0.02; 50 μM, 53.665 ± 0.09; 100 μM, 52.839 ± 0.02), nitrites (25 μM, 0.631 ± 0.07; 50 μM, 0.652 ± 0.07; 100 μM, 0.711 ± 0.08), and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels when compared with LPS-DMSO-treated control cells. In terms of enzymes protein expression, oleocanthal was able to downregulate iNOS (25 μM, 0.173 ± 0.02; 50 μM, 0.149 ± 0.01; 100 μM, 0.150 ± 0.01;p < 0.001), COX-2 (25 μM, 0.482 ± 0.08; 50 μM, 0.469 ± 0.05; 100 μM, 0.418 ± 0.06; p < 0.001), and mPGES-1 (25 μM, 0.185 ± 0.11; 50 μM, 0.218 ± 0.13; 100 μM, 0.161 ± 0.15; p < 0.001) as well as p38 (25 μM, 0.366 ± 0.11; 50 μM, 0.403 ± 0.13; 100 μM, 0.362 ± 0.15; p < 0.001), JNK (25 μM, 0.443 ± 0.11; 50 μM, 0.514 ± 0.13; 100 μM, 0.372 ± 0.15; p < 0.001), and ERK (25 μM, 0.294 ± 0.01; 50 μM, 0.323 ± 0.01; 100 μM, 0.274 ± 0.01; p < 0.001) protein phosphorylation, which was accompanied by an upregulation of Nrf-2 (25 μM, 1.57 ± 0.01; 50 μM, 1.54 ± 0.01; 100 μM, 1.63 ± 0.05; p < 0.05) and HO-1(25 μM, 2.12 ± 0,03; 50 μM, 2.24 ± 0.01; 100 μM, 1.92 ± 0.05; p < 0.01) expression in comparison with LPS-DMSO cells. Moreover, oleocanthal inhibited canonical and noncanonical inflammasome signaling pathways. Thus, oleocanthal might be a promising natural agent for future treatment of immune-inflammatory diseases. © 2019 American Chemical Society., Funding This study was supported by research grant AG2017-89342-P (Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad, Spain). We thank Dirección General de Investigació de Investigación of Spain (CTQ2016-78703-P), Junta de Andaluciá (FQM134, CTS259), and the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER) for funding. A.G.B. is thankful for the FPU fellowship. T.M. gratefully acknowledges support from a Postgraduate Program of the PIF fellowship and financial sponsorship from VI Plan Propio de Investigación y Transferencia, University of Seville.

Iridoids, which have beneficial health properties, include a wide group of cyclopentane [c] pyran monoterpenoids present in plants and insects. The cleavage of the cyclopentane ring leads to secoiridoids. Mainly, secoiridoids have shown a variety of pharmacological effects including anti-diabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, and anti-obesity, which increase the interest of studying these types of bioactive compounds in depth. Secoiridoids are thoroughly distributed in several families of plants such as Oleaceae, Valerianaceae, Gentianaceae and Pedialaceae, among others. Specifically, Olea europaea L. (Oleaceae) is rich in oleuropein (OL), dimethyl-OL, and ligstroside secoiridoids, and their hydrolysis derivatives are mostly OL-aglycone, oleocanthal (OLE), oleacein (OLA), elenolate, oleoside-11-methyl ester, elenoic acid, hydroxytyrosol (HTy), and tyrosol (Ty). These compounds have proved their efficacy in the management of diabetes, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, and viral and microbial infections. Particularly, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties of secoiridoids from the olive tree (Olea europaea L. (Oleaceae)) have been suggested as a potential application in a large number of inflammatory and reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated diseases. Thus, the purpose of this review is to summarize recent advances in the protective role of secoiridoids derived from the olive tree (preclinical studies and clinical trials) in diseases with an important pathogenic contribution of oxidative and peroxidative stress and damage, focusing on their plausible mechanisms of the action involved. España Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad

The polyphenolic extract (PE) from extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has been shown to possess important anti-inflammatory and joint protective properties in murine models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was designed to evaluate the effects of PE on IL-1β-activated human synovial fibroblasts SW982 cell line. PE from EVOO treatment inhibited IL-1β-induced matrix metalloproteases (Pαand IL-6 production (Pβ-induced cyclo-oxygenase-2 and microsomal PGE synthase-1 up-regulations were down-regulated by PE (Pβ-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation and NF-κB activation were ameliorated by PE (PκB signalling pathways. Taken together, PE from EVOO probably could provide an attractive complement in management of diseases associated with over-activation of synovial fibroblasts, such as RA.

Systemic lupus erythemathosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory and autoimmune disease which can affect multiple organ systems, without an effective and safe treatment. Olive leaf extracts are of special interest for their therapeutic effects. Oleuropein (OL) is the most abundant constituents of olive leaf extract and possesses many beneficial properties. In this study, we evaluated the effects of dietary OL and its new derivate, peracetylated oleuropein (Per-OL), in a pristane-induced SLE model. Mice received an injection of pristane or saline solution and were fed with experimental diets: enriched with OL and Per-OL. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines and markers were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase, microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1, heme oxygenase (HO-1), nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT), nuclear transcription factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and inflammasome nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeats-containing family, pyrin domain-containing-3 (NLRP3) pathways activation were determined in kidneys by Western blot. OL and Per-OL significantly reduced renal damage and decreased serum matrix metalloproteinase 3 and prostaglandine E2 kidneys levels. Our findings indicate that Nrf2 and HO-1 antioxidant protein expressions were up-regulated in mice fed with OL and Per-OL diets, whereas the activation of JAK/STAT, MAPK, NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways was significantly ameliorated. These results suggest that OL and Per-OL supplementation might provide a new alternative approach as a preventive/palliative treatment of nephritis in SLE management.

In a previous study, we showed that Ni–Pd bimetallic nanocatalysts supported on fumed silica had better adsorption affinity and catalytic activity toward adsorption and post-adsorption decomposition of asphaltenes compared to the support without functionalization. In this study, the effect of oxide support types on the adsorption and subsequent steam gasification of adsorbed asphaltenes was studied over Ni–Pd bimetallic nanocatalysts supported on TiO 2 or γ-Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and N 2 physisorption at 77 K were used to characterize the crystal size and surface area of NiO and/or PdO-supported-on-TiO 2 or γ-Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles, respectively. The type of support was shown to affect the adsorption affinity and catalytic activity of the particles; Ni–Pd/TiO 2 nanoparticles showed higher adsorption capacity and catalytic activity than Ni–Pd/γ-Al 2 O 3 , presumably due to different metal-support interaction and geometric and electronic effects on the surface. Bimetallic nanoparticles appeared to have better adsorption and catalytic behavior than monometallic nanoparticles regardless of the oxide support used, confirming their synergistic effect.

Asphaltenes may generate production loss in oil reservoirs, because of several factors related to the interaction between the asphaltene molecules, aggregates, and the reservoir rock. Consequently, this could alter the wettability of the rock surface, increase the viscosity of the crude oil, and reduce the permeability of the porous media. In a previous study, we have developed the solid–liquid equilibrium (SLE) model based on Chemical Theory to describe the adsorption behavior of asphaltenes onto porous and nonporous solid surfaces. However, the SLE model neglects the effect of pressure on the interactions of asphaltene–asphaltene and asphaltene–aggregate–solid surfaces of the reservoir rock primarily under reservoir conditions (RC). Thus, in this study, to account for the effect of pressure, a modification to the previously developed SLE equation is presented. In this study, a novel and original model—called the SLE-RC model of adsorption—has been proposed to describe the adsorption mechanism mainly und...

This study is a continuation of our previous works on the use of metal-based nanoparticles for the adsorption of asphaltenes and its subsequent catalytic thermal decomposition. In this study, we evaluated the effects of asphaltene aggregation on the adsorption process and the subsequent catalytic oxidation using fumed silica and nanoparticles of NiO and/or PdO supported on fumed silica. Adsorption isotherms were constructed through batch adsorption experiments at 25 °C by using mixtures of n-heptane and toluene in amounts of 0, 20% v/v n-heptane (Heptol 20), and 40% v/v n-heptane (Heptol 40) to obtain different aggregate sizes of asphaltenes. Subsequently, asphaltene oxidation in the presence and absence of the nanoparticles was carried out in a TGA/FTIR system to investigate the impact of adsorbed asphaltene aggregates on the catalytic activity of the selected nanoparticles. The adsorption isotherms were described by the solid–liquid equilibrium (SLE) model, and the catalytic behavior of the nanoparticle...

The present study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of a new derivative of hydroxytyrosol (HTy), peracetylated hydroxytyrosol (Per-HTy), compared with its parent, HTy, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophages as well as potential signaling pathways involved. In particular, we attempted to characterize the role of the inflammasome underlying Per-HTy possible anti-inflammatory effects. Isolated murine peritoneal macrophages were treated with HTy or its derivative in the presence or absence of LPS (5 μg/ml) for 18 h. Cell viability was determined using sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. Nitric oxide (NO) production was analyzed by Griess method. Production of pro-inflammatory cytokines was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway (STAT3), haem oxigenase 1 (HO1), nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) expression and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activation was determined by Western blot. Per-HTy significantly reduced the levels of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as both COX-2 and iNOS expressions. Furthermore, Per-HTy treatment inhibited STAT3 and increased Nrf2 and HO1 protein levels in murine macrophages exposed to LPS. In addition, Per-HTy anti-inflammatory activity was related with an inhibition of non-canonical nucleotide binding domain (NOD)-like receptor (NLRP3) inflammasome pathways by decreasing pro-inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 cytokine levels as consequence of regulation of cleaved caspase-11 enzyme. These results support that this new HTy derivative may offer a new promising nutraceutical therapeutic strategy in the management of inflammatory-related pathologies.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease mainly characterized by aggressive hyperproliferation of synovial fibroblasts (SFs). It is accompained by a massive infiltration of inflammatory immune cells inducing progressive matrix degradation, destruction of cartilage and bone erosion through the production of inflammatory mediators. Oleuropein is the most prevalent phenolic component in olive leaves, seed, pulp and peel of unripe olives and is responsible for the characteristic bitter taste of unprocessed olives. This secoiridoid possesses well-documented pharmacological properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and is available as a food supplement in Mediterranean countries. However, to date, anti-arthritic effects of oleuropein on SFs have not been yet elucidated. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the potential effects of oleuropein, on IL-1β-induced production of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in the human synovial sarcoma cell line (SW982). In order to gain a better insight into mechanisms of action, signaling pathways were also explored. Cell viability was determined using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. The expression of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, MMP-1 and MMP-3 was evaluated by ELISA. Moreover, changes in the protein expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1) as well as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signalling pathways were analysed by western blot. Oleuropein exerted anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects via down-regulation of MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways and induction of Nrf2-linked HO-1 controlling the production of inflammatory mediators decreasing IL-6 and TNF-α cytokines, MMP-1 and MMP-3 levels and mPGES-1 and COX-2 overexpression. Thus, oleuropein might provide a basis for developing a new dietary strategy for the prevention and management of RA.

Asphaltenes exhibit an amphiphlic behavior and tend to form colloidal i-mers, because of their chemical structure. The formation of colloidal aggregates can generate formation damage for the precipitation and/or deposition of asphaltenes, because of the degree of self-association, altering the wettability of rock surface and significantly affect crude oil viscosity and specific gravity. This study aims at introducing a novel model for describing, at the macroscopic level, the adsorption equilibria of self-associating molecules such as asphaltenes in solution onto solid surfaces based on the “chemical theory”. The model describes the adsorption isotherms temperature-dependent using three parameters, namely, maximum amount adsorbed, constant of i-mer reactions, and Henry’s law constant. Furthermore, a temperature-independent model of five parameters, based on the modifications of the constants of reaction and Henry’s law using an Arrhenius-type equation was proposed for estimating the thermodynamics paramet...

High asphaltene content in heavy crude oil normally generates adverse rheological properties that affect the flow through the reservoir, preventing optimal hydrocarbon production. It has been demonstrated that using nanoparticles may improve the mobility of oil. Nanoparticles may be used as adsorbents and catalysts in the oil industry for in situ upgrading. The main objective of this study was to investigate the sorption kinetics and the thermodynamic equilibrium for asphaltene sorption onto nickel and/or palladium oxides supported on fumed silica that was nanoparticulated at different times, temperatures, and concentrations. After adsorption, thermally cracked asphaltenes from Colombian crude oil were investigated using catalytic oxidation. The asphaltenes adsorbed onto the selected nanoparticles were subjected to thermal decomposition up to 700 °C in a thermogravimetric analyzer. This study was realized using an experimental design with a measured simplex–centroid of the three components by varying the ...

Constructed wetlands are commonly used for sewage treatment. However, as the natural processes operate, these artificial ecosystems can also be used to enhance the equalization of water features to those of the receiving environments, thus reducing the impacts of the treated water on the natural systems. Here, we studied, by a year-round survey, the simultaneous and separated operation of two subsurface wetlands that were used as a tertiary treatment to enhance the naturalization of wastewaters that had already been treated in a waste water treatment plant (WWTP). These wetlands were operating serially, with the first wetland being covered by the riparian plant Helosciadum nodiflorum, which has not been described so far as being used in treatment wetland, whereas the second was covered by Typha latifolia. The changes in the concentrations and transformation among the different types of pollutants and other physical and chemical parameters, as well as in the bacterial abundance and activity, were studied under different operational conditions of serial co-operation or of separately-operating wetlands. Both wetlands were differentially efficient in the reduction and transformation of the remaining pollutants, with very active nitrification and denitrification processes, which reduced the ammonium concentrations by more than 65%, although they changed according to the operational status of each wetland. They also reduced the already low organic matter contents by around 30% and promoted slight shifts in the dominant types of dissolved organic matter to less labile compounds. To a certain extent, the Typha-covered wetland also contributed to phosphorus removal, by up to 35%. Noticeably, both of the wetlands contributed greatly to the reduction of bacterial abundance, which was even 50% lower after the wetland transit, although the resulting community increased its activity, thus keeping the capacity for pollutant removal and transformation. Overall, the wetlands&rsquo, operation increased the similarity between the poured waters and those of the receiving stream, thus diminishing its environmental impact.

Esta contribución presenta tres metodologías de recolección de información en lainvestigación en psicología, inspiradas en las premisas del construccionismo social.Primero, proponemos que la postura de no saber permite balancear la relación de poder en investigaciones con niños en situación de calle. Luego, presentamos una metodología nueva de construcción conjunta de historias de vida con adolescentes en conflicto con la ley que se encuentran privados de libertad. Finalmente, exhibimos como la epistemología socioconstruccionista propició el reconocimiento de múltiples voces en el estudio del apoyo social con mujeres migrantes en Bolivia.Abstract.This contribution presents three methods of gathering information on research in psychology, inspired by the premises of social constructionism. First, we propose that the position of not knowing can balance the power relationship in research with children in street situations. Then, we present a new methodology for joint construction of life stories with adolescents in conflict with the law who are deprived of freedom. Finally, as the social constructionist epistemology exhibit led to the recognition of multiple voices in the study of social support migrant women in Bolivia.

[EN] tIn recent years, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methods have increasingly been used to charac-terize hydrodynamics and mass-transport in wastewater treatment units. Despite being a well-knownand widely applied treatment method to stabilize sludge before final disposal, the hydrodynamics andmass transport in the anaerobic digester have been less studied than those of other treatment units.This paper presents the preliminary results of a 3D numerical study, investigating the characteristicsof sludge flow inside the Ontinyent Wastewater Treatment Plant anaerobic digester (Valencia, Spain).An approach based upon the Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equation was applied, and clo-sure was obtained using the classical standard k model. In this particular case, a single-phase modelwas applied considering both Newtonian and Non Newtonian behavior for the sludge simulations. Thesesingle-phase preliminary results allowed the occurrence of dead zones to be identified as well as pos-sible shortcuts inside the digester. The analysis was carried out considering the velocities and the flowpatterns inside the digester as well as the sludge volume in the digester that had lower velocities than adetermined settling velocity. The model was calibrated using available experimental pressure and tem-perature data. Finally, as well-mixed conditions are strongly desirable for effective anaerobic digestion,proposals to reduce the volume of dead zones are suggested and discussed., The authors acknowledge the cooperation of the Entidad Publicade Saneamiento de Aguas Residuales. This work has been partially supported by Instituto de la Mediana y Pequena Industria Valenciana (IMPIVA, Project IMIDTF/2011/107) and Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER). The authors also acknowledge the help of Vincenzo Morone in the preliminary development of the present research.