Newly formed dust within the circumstellar environment of SN Ia-CSM 2018evt.

Dust associated with various stellar sources in galaxies at all cosmic epochs remains a controversial topic, particularly whether supernovae play an important role in dust production. We report evidence of dust formation in the cold, dense shell behind the ejecta-circumstellar medium (CSM) interaction in the Type Ia-CSM supernova (SN) 2018evt three years after the explosion, characterized by a rise in mid-infrared emission accompanied by an accelerated decline in the optical radiation of the SN. Such a dust-formation picture is also corroborated by the concurrent evolution of the profiles of the Hα emission line. Our model suggests enhanced CSM dust concentration at increasing distances from the SN as compared to what can be expected from the density profile of the mass loss from a steady stellar wind. By the time of the last mid-infrared observations at day +1,041, a total amount of 1.2 ± 0.2 × 10-2 M⊙ of new dust has been formed by SN 2018evt, making SN 2018evt one of the most prolific dust factories among supernovae with evidence of dust formation. The unprecedented witness of the intense production procedure of dust may shed light on the perceptions of dust formation in cosmic history.

Biological and functional responses of the benthic surf zone community to different beach types.

In this study, we analyzed the biological descriptors and functional traits of the benthic community inhabiting the water/bottom layer in the surf zones of three sandy beaches: a tide-dominated flat, and two intermediate beaches, from tide-modified to wave-dominated. Samples were collected seasonally in the inner surf zone by hand-towing a benthic sledge equipped with two nets, one above the other, across transects parallel to the shore, capturing the benthic community in two levels, close to the seafloor. A total of 116 species were collected, with a total of 327,678 specimens. Arthropods were 99.63% of all individuals caught across the three beaches, mainly represented by peracarid crustaceans. An important species turnover was detected along the shore, with a significant change in community composition. The biological descriptors and some functional traits vary among beaches: the total density, the density of individuals of small (5-10 mm length) and very small sizes (<5 mm length), the density of larval forms, and the presence of colonial species were higher in the tide-dominated flat (sometimes also in the tide-modified beach). More arthropods and more mobile individuals were found in those beaches, while mollusks and sedentary individuals were found in high number in the wave-dominated beach. Stratification was present across the three studied beaches, with higher densities in the near-bottom layer. In the tide-dominated beach, there was also a higher richness in this layer, with a nested community between levels. In the wave-dominated beach, similar richness was registered between levels, with a different community composition (and some differences in functional traits), indicating that some species can maintain their position close to the bottom despite the turbulent conditions experienced on this beach. Differences in wave conditions among beach types could be an important factor driving the biological descriptors and functional traits of the benthic community in surf zone ecosystems. Therefore, acknowledging their role is crucial in deciphering global patterns in surf zone biodiversity.

Bioaccessibility, Intestinal Absorption and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Curcuminoids Incorporated in Avocado, Sunflower, and Linseed Beeswax Oleogels.

Beeswax oleogels (OGs), with a mechanical strength similar to pork backfat, were formulated with avocado (A), sunflower (S), and linseed (L) oils, applying a central composite design plus star point, and were evaluated as oral delivery vehicles of curcuminoids (OGACur, OGSCur, OGLCur). The incorporation of curcumin into the OG matrix significantly delayed both the formation of peroxides and conjugated trienes (K268 values), and the degradation rate of curcumin decreased with the increase of the oil polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) content. The oil structuring did not affect the bioaccessibility of curcuminoids (>55% in all the OGs, regardless of the oil type), but it did reduce the release of fatty acids (~10%) during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. The intestinal absorption, evaluated in Caco-2 cell monolayers, was higher for the micelle-solubilized curcumin from the digested OG than from unstructured oils, and it showed high anti-inflammatory potential by inhibiting the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production compared to the positive control, both before and after the stimulation of ThP-1 cells with LPS. Regardless of the oil type, these beeswax-based OGs with gel-like behavior designed as fat replacers may be promising vehicles for the oral delivery of curcuminoids.

Directing the Stereoselectivity of the Claisen Rearrangement to Form Cyclic Ketones with Full Substitution at the α-Positions.

We report an enantioselective synthesis of cyclic ketones with full substitutions at the α-positions in a highly diastereoselective manner. Our method is achieved by subjecting substrate motifs in 2-allyloxyenones to chiral organomagnesium reagents, which trigger the Claisen rearrangement upon direct 1,2-carbonyl addition. The observed diastereoselectivity of the allyl migration is proposed to originate from the intramolecular chelation of the magnesium alkoxide to the allyloxy moiety.

Relationship of early brain growth pattern measured by ultrasound with neurological outcome at two years of age in very low birth weight infants.

The purpose of this study is to define the impact of early brain growth trajectory in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) on neurological prognosis at 2 years, assessed using sequential ultrasound (US) scans. This is a prospective cohort study with consecutive inclusion of VLBWI ≤ 32 weeks gestational age and ≤ 1500 g at birth. Total brain volume (TBV) was assessed using sequential 3D-US from birth to discharge. Prognosis at 2 years (corrected age) was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Third Edition. TBV showed slower growth with postmenstrual age (PMA) in those VLBWI who had an adverse cognitive prognosis compared to those with good cognitive prognosis (mean difference in TBV between prognostic groups from 4.56 cm3 at 28 weeks to 42.58 cm3 at 43 weeks) as well as in those with adverse language prognosis (mean difference in TBV from 2.21 cm3 at 28 weeks to 26.98 cm3 at 43 weeks) although other variables showed more impact than TBV on language prognosis (gestational age at birth, brain injury at term, and socioeconomic status). No association was found between TBV and motor prognosis. Brain growth rate was also significantly higher in those VLBWI who presented good cognitive scores (18.78 + (0.33 × (PMA-33)) cm3/week) compared to those with adverse cognitive outcome (13.73 + (0.64 × (PMA-33)) cm3/week).  Conclusion: Early altered brain growth is associated with poor cognitive prognosis at 2 years of age. Using sequential US monitoring, we can detect early brain growth deviation in patients who will have adverse cognitive outcomes. What is known: • The prediction of neurodevelopmental outcome of VLBWI is mostly based on the presence of brain injury in US and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at term. • Some studies have related brain volume measured on MRI at term with neurodevelopment outcome. What is new: • VLBWI with adverse cognitive prognosis at two years of age present smaller brain volumes detectable by sequential US during NICU admission. • Brain volume can be estimated from 2D and 3D US and has prognostic value in VLBWI.

Ultrasonographic evaluation of the early brain growth pattern in very low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND: Preterm infants develop smaller brain volumes compared to term newborns. Our aim is to study early brain growth related to perinatal factors in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). METHODS: Manual segmentation of total brain volume (TBV) was performed in weekly 3D-ultrasonographies in our cohort of VLBWI. We studied the brain growth pattern related to term magnetic resonance image (term-MRI). RESULTS: We found different brain growth trajectories, with smaller brain volumes and a decrease in brain growth rate in those VLBWI who would later have an abnormal term-MRI (mean TBV 190.68 vs. 213.9 cm3; P = 0.0001 and mean TBV growth rate 14.35 (±1.27) vs. 16.94 (±2.29) cm3/week; P = 0.0001). TBV in those with normal term-MRI was related to gestational age (GA), being small for gestational age (SGA), sex, and duration of parenteral nutrition (TPN) while in those with abnormal term-MRI findings it was related to GA, SGA, TPN, and comorbidities. We found a deceleration in brain growth rate in those with ≥3 comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: An altered brain growth pattern in VLBWI who subsequently present worst scores on term-MRI is related to GA, being SGA and comorbidities. Early ultrasonographic monitoring of TBV could be useful to detect deviated patterns of brain growth. IMPACT STATEMENT: We describe the brain growth pattern in very low birth weight infants during their first postnatal weeks. Brain growth may be affected in the presence of certain perinatal factors and comorbidities, conditioning a deviation of the normal growth pattern. The serial ultrasound follow-up of these at-risk patients allows identifying these brain growth patterns early, which offers a window of opportunity for implementing earlier interventions.

Changes in Serum Creatinine Levels Can Help Distinguish Hypovolemic from Euvolemic Hyponatremia.

Background and Objectives: Differentiating between hypovolemic (HH) and euvolemic hyponatremia (EH) is crucial for correct diagnosis and therapy, but can be a challenge. We aim to ascertain whether changes in serum creatinine (SC) can be helpful in distinguishing HH from EH. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of patients followed in a monographic hyponatremia outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital during 1 January 2014−30 November 2019. SC changes during HH and EH from eunatremia were studied. The diagnostic accuracy of the SC change from eunatremia to hyponatremia (∆SC) was analyzed. Results: A total of 122 hyponatremic patients, median age 79 years (70−85), 46.7% women. In total, 70/122 patients had EH, 52/122 HH. During hyponatremia, median SC levels increased in the HH group: +0.18 mg/dL [0.09−0.39, p < 0.001], but decreased in the EH group: −0.07 mg/dL (−0.15−0.02, p < 0.001), as compared to SC in eunatremia. HH subjects presented a higher rate of a positive ∆SC than EH (90.4% vs. 25.7%, p < 0.001). EH subjects presented a higher rate of a negative/null ∆SC than HH (74.3% vs. 9.6%, p < 0.001). ROC curve analysis found an AUC of 0.908 (95%CI: 0.853 to 0.962, p < 0.001) for ∆SC%. A ∆SC% ≥ 10% had an OR of 29.0 (95%CI: 10.3 to 81.7, p < 0.001) for HH. A ∆SC% ≤ 3% had an OR of 68.3 (95%CI: 13.0 to 262.2, p < 0.001) for EH. Conclusions: The assessment of SC changes from eunatremia to hyponatremia can be useful in distinguishing between HH and EH.

Ecology and population dynamics of yeast starter cultures in cocoa beans fermentation.

This study aimed to investigate controlled fermentation of cocoa beans with selected yeasts as starter cultures via integrating microbiological, biochemical, and chromatographic analyses. The steps involved in the yeast starter culture test were of the following order: 1) counting, isolation, purification, and biochemical identification of yeasts, 2) selection of ethanol-producing yeasts, 3) selection of thermotolerant yeasts, and 4) evaluation of physicochemical parameters of the selected yeasts in controlled fermentation of cocoa (F1 - Saccharomyces ssp. and Hanseniaspora ssp. and F2 - spontaneous fermentation - control). A total of 32 yeasts were isolated from three sampling points (M1, M2, and M3), which comprised 50% Candida ssp., 9.4% Rhodotorula ssp., 18.8% Saccharomyces ssp., and 18.8% Hanseniaspora ssp. The yeasts identified as Saccharomyces ssp. (n = 6) were subjected to the ethanol production test. Saccharomyces spp. CLV09 showed the highest concentration of ethanol in the simulated cocoa medium (3.5% v/v). Hanseniaspora spp. CVL20 and CVL19 strains showed the highest thermotolerance at 42°C after 72 h of growth. The starter cultures with Saccharomyces ssp. and Hanseniaspora ssp. showed a similar growth rate of the mesophilic aerobic population in both F1 and F2. Fermentation of the starter culture showed a higher production of organic acids than spontaneous fermentation (F2). Thus, Saccharomyces ssp. and Hanseniaspora ssp. can be used as a starter culture in cocoa fermentation.

Ultrasonographic Estimation of Total Brain Volume: 3D Reliability and 2D Estimation. Enabling Routine Estimation During NICU Admission in the Preterm Infant.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to explore if manually segmented total brain volume (TBV) from 3D ultrasonography (US) is comparable to TBV estimated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We then wanted to test 2D based TBV estimation obtained through three linear axes which would enable monitoring brain growth in the preterm infant during admission. Methods: We included very low birth weight preterm infants admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with normal neuroimaging findings. We measured biparietal diameter, anteroposterior axis, vertical axis from US and MRI and TBV from both MRI and 3D US. We calculated intra- and interobserver agreement within and between techniques using the intraclass correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman methodology. We then developed a multilevel prediction model of TBV based on linear measurements from both US and MRI, compared them and explored how they changed with increasing age. The multilevel prediction model for TBV from linear measures was tested for internal and external validity and we developed a reference table for ease of prediction of TBV. Results: We used measurements obtained from 426 US and 93 MRI scans from 118 patients. We found good intra- and interobserver agreement for all the measurements. US measurements were reliable when compared to MRI, including TBV which achieved excellent agreement with that of MRI [ICC of 0.98 (95% CI 0.96-0.99)]. TBV estimated through 2D measurements of biparietal diameter, anteroposterior axis, and vertical axis was comparable among both techniques. We estimated the population 95% confidence interval for the mean values of biparietal diameter, anteroposterior axis, vertical axis, and total brain volume by post-menstrual age. A TBV prediction table based on the three axes is proposed to enable easy implementation of TBV estimation in routine 2D US during admission in the NICU. Conclusions: US measurements of biparietal diameter, vertical axis, and anteroposterior axis are reliable. TBV segmented through 3D US is comparable to MRI estimated TBV. 2D US accurate estimation of TBV is possible through biparietal diameter, vertical, and anteroposterior axes.

HDL cholesterol efflux capacity and lipid profile in patients with systemic sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: It is well established that patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) have a disrupted lipid profile and an increased cardiovascular risk. Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC), the ability of high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol to accept cholesterol from macrophages, has been linked to cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to establish whether CEC and lipid profile were impaired in SSc patients with respect to controls and whether these changes were associated with disease-related data. METHODS: Cross-sectional study encompassed 188 individuals: 73 SSc patients and 115 controls. CEC, using an in vitro assay, and lipoprotein serum concentrations were assessed in patients and controls. A multivariable analysis was performed to study the differences in CEC between patients and controls, and if SSc-related data could explain such differences. RESULTS: The multivariable analysis adjusted for demographic characteristics, cardiovascular risk factors, and lipid-related molecules showed that total cholesterol (beta coefficient: - 22 [95%CI - 37 to - 7], p = 0.004), triglycerides (beta coefficient: 24 [95%CI 2-47], p = 0.033), lipoprotein A (beta coefficient: 22 [95%CI 2-43], p = 0.033), and CEC (beta coefficient: - 6 [95%CI - 10 to - 2]%,p = 0.002) were significantly different between patients and controls. Skin thickness, as assessed by modified Rodnan skin score, was independently associated with a lower CEC (beta coefficient: - 0.21 [95%CI - 0.37 to - 0.05]%, p = 0.011) after multivariable adjustment. CONCLUSION: SSc patients show an abnormal lipid profile with respect to controls including CEC. Skin thickness is independent and inversely associated with CEC in SSc patients.

Differences in Capacity of High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Efflux Between Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) is the ability of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol to accept cholesterol from macrophages. Lipid profiles and CEC appear to be altered in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) due to disease activity and inflammation. CEC has been linked to cardiovascular events in the general population and to subclinical atherosclerosis in SLE and RA patients. The aim of this study was to establish whether CEC varies between patients with SLE and those with RA. METHODS: The study encompassed 460 individuals (195 SLE patients and 265 patients with RA). CEC (using an in vitro assay) and concentrations of lipoprotein serum were assessed in both populations. A multivariable regression analysis was performed to study whether CEC differs between SLE patients and RA patients. RESULTS: Comparison of lipid patterns revealed that patients with RA have lower HDL cholesterol and higher apolipoprotein B serum levels than SLE patients. CEC was downregulated in SLE patients compared to patients with RA (ß -12 [95% confidence interval -13, -10], P < 0.001). It occurred independently of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, statin use, disease-related data, and other variations in the lipid profile related to the diseases. CONCLUSION: Patients with RA have a more proatherogenic lipid pattern compared to those with SLE. However, CEC seems to be more damaged in SLE patients than in RA patients.

Pleural line thickness reference values for preterm and term newborns.

BACKGROUND: In lung ultrasound (LUS), the pleural line is an artifact whose thickness depends on the underlying lung pathology. To date there are no published studies on normal values of pleural line thickness (PLT) in newborns. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to describe normal PLT values in term newborn (TN) and preterm newborn (PTN). METHODS: We recruited eupneic TN and PTN, under 34 weeks of gestation, on their first 24 hours of life. Newborns presenting any respiratory distress since birth were excluded. LUS was performed in four areas: upper anterior, lower anterior, lateral and posterior. At each location, we measured PLT and values where compared. Intraobserver and interobserver agreement were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: We included 23 TN with a median birth weight of 3365 g (interquartile range [IQR] 3100-3575 g) and a median gestational age of 39 weeks (IQR, 38-40 weeks). In the PTN group, 23 patients were included with a median birth weight of 1350 g (IQR, 1150-1590 g) and a median gestational age of 31 weeks (IQR, 30-32 weeks). Median PLT values were less than 1 mm, and there were no significant differences between groups at any locations, with the exception of the left lower anterior field (0.79 mm [IQR, 0.72-0.89 mm] vs 0.68 mm [IQR, 0.62-0.72 mm]). Intraobserver agreement was high: consistency ICC 0.77 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32-0.92) and absolute ICC 0.78 (95% CI, 0.34-0.93). Interobserver agreement was high for the definition of thin pleural line as less than 1 mm. CONCLUSIONS: TN and asymptomatic PTN have similar PLT values. Overall, PLT in healthy newborns should be less than 1 mm.

Reproducibility and reference values of diaphragmatic shortening fraction for term and premature infants.

BACKGROUND: New ultrasound measurements to diagnose diaphragmatic dysfunction, including diaphragmatic shortening fraction (DSF), have been studied in adults and children, but there are no data on reference values for neonates. OBJECTIVE: To describe DSF reference values for term neonate (TN) and preterm neonate (PTN), and to calculate its reproducibility. METHODS: We included asymptomatic TN and PTN during their first 24 hours of life. We measured DSF at the zone of apposition in both hemithoraces. Reproducibility of image acquisition, including inter- and intra-rater agreement of the measurements were calculated among an experienced and a novel operator (after completion of a 1-day course on lung ultrasound [LU] and performance of 10 diaphragm ultrasounds [DUs] under supervision), and a more-trained examiner (completion of a 1-day course on LU and performance of 60 DUs under supervision). RESULTS: Two groups of 33 TN and 33 PTN were studied. Median DSF values did not differ between the groups, although diaphragm thickness was higher in the TN group. Intra-observer reproducibility: the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.95 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.86-0.98). Interobserver reproducibility with novel operator had an ICC of 0.42 (95% CI -0.74 to 0.81), and with a more experienced operator improved to 0.76 (95% CI 0.27-0.92). Both intra- and interobserver agreement were high. CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic TN and PTN have similar DSF values in the first 24 hours of life. The intra- and interobserver agreement is high. Reproducibility is acceptable, but intensive training is necessary to perform adequate DU.

Impaired HDL cholesterol efflux capacity in systemic lupus erythematosus patients is related to subclinical carotid atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: Lipid profiles appear to be altered in SLE patients due to disease activity and inflammation. Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) is the ability of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to accept cholesterol from macrophages. CEC has been linked to cardiovascular events in the general population and is impaired in SLE patients. The aim of this study was to establish whether CEC is related to subclinical carotid atherosclerosis in SLE patients. METHODS: The present report is of a cross-sectional study that encompassed 418 individuals: 195 SLE patients and 223 controls. CEC, using an in vitro assay, and lipoprotein serum concentrations were assessed in patients and controls. Carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaques were evaluated in SLE patients. A multivariable analysis was performed to study the relationship of CEC to SLE-related data, lipid profile and subclinical carotid atherosclerosis. RESULTS: CEC was downregulated in SLE patients [8.1 (4.2) % vs 16.9 (10.4) %, P = 0.004). This occurred independently of traditional cardiovascular risk factors, statin use or other variations in the lipid profile related to the disease. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors, both in patients and controls, and SLE-related data such as activity, severity or damage were not associated with CEC. After multivariable regression analysis including lipid profile-related molecules, CEC was inversely and independently associated with the presence of carotid plaques in SLE patients [odds ratio 0.87 (95% CI: 0.78, 0.97), P = 0.014]. CONCLUSION: CEC is impaired in SLE patients independently of other inflammation-related lipid profile modifications that occur during the disease. CEC is associated with carotid plaques in SLE patients.

HDL cholesterol efflux capacity is related to disease activity in psoriatic arthritis patients.

OBJECTIVE: Cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) is the ability of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol to accept cholesterol from macrophages. CEC is linked to cardiovascular events in the general population, and it has been shown to be disrupted in inflammatory states. The aim of this study was to establish whether CEC is impaired in PsA patients and if this could be explained by disease-related features like disease activity. METHODS: Case-control study that encompassed 105 individuals: 52 PsA patients and 53 controls. CEC, using an in vitro assay, and lipoprotein serum concentrations were assessed in patients and controls. Disease activity in patients with PsA was measured using the Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA). Multivariate analysis was performed to study the differences between CEC in patients and controls, and the relation of CEC with PsA activity-related data and lipid profile. RESULTS: Total cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1, and LDL cholesterol serum levels were downregulated in PsA patients. CEC did not differ between controls and patients (17 ± 10 vs. 18 ± 2%, p = 0.15) after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors or other variations in the lipid profile related to the disease. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors, both in patients and controls, were not related to CEC. After multivariate regression analysis, the DAPSA score was inversely and independently associated with CEC (beta coefficient - 0.75 [95%CI - 1.39-- 0.11] %, p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: CEC is inversely associated with disease activity in PSA patients, reinforcing the role of disease activity as a key factor in the development of accelerated atherosclerosis in these patients.Key Points• Cholesterol efflux capacity is linked to cardiovascular events in the general population.• In patients with psoriatic arthritis, cholesterol efflux capacity is inversely associated with disease activity (beta coefficient - 0.75[95% CI - 1.39-- 0.11] %, p = 0.023).• This finding reinforces the role of disease activity as a key factor in increasing cardiovascular risk in psoriatic arthritis patients.

Role of maltodextrin and inulin as encapsulating agents on the protection of oleuropein during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion.

Olive leaves extract (OLE) was spray-dried with maltodextrin (MD) or inulin (IN) to study the evolution of oleuropein (OE) during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, its bioaccessibility and potential bioavailability. In the case of OLE-MD, OE was partially degraded in gastric and intestinal conditions; whereas in OLE-IN, OE was released under gastric conditions and partially degraded under intestinal conditions. In both cases, the encapsulation of OLE led to higher OE contents at the end of digestion, compared with non-encapsulated OLE, suggesting a protective role of the polysaccharides by the formation of non-covalent polysaccharides-OE complexes. OE bioaccessibility was ten times higher (p ≤ 0.05) in OLE-MD and OLE-IN than in non-encapsulated OLE. However, OE potential bioavailability, evaluated by tangential filtration, was not detected. Encapsulation technology and the encapsulant agent used may determine the release of the encapsulated compounds at a specific-site and their effect on health.

Crude extracts of metabolites from co-cultures of lactic acid bacteria are highly antagonists of Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeria monocytogenes is a pathogen difficult to control, due to its resistance to extreme conditions. The antimicrobial activity of a mixture of metabolites produced by lactic acid bacteria was evaluated against L. monocytogenes. Bacterial combined cultures in 1:1 ratio of Lactobacillus plantarum and Weissella cibaria (treatment LP + WC) and mixtures in ratio 1:1:1 of Lactobacillus brevis, L. plantarum, and W. cibaria, (treatment (LB + LP + WC) were grown by discontinuous fermentation, at 32 °C for 48 h. At 1, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h of fermentation, samples were taken, the biomass was separated from the metabolites, and the antimicrobial activity of the metabolites was measured in vitro against L. monocytogenes. For comparison, experimental data published in the literature corresponding to monocultures of L. brevis (L.B), L. plantarum (LP) and W. cibaria (WC) were used. The antimicrobial activity was measured by a surface diffusion technique using absorbent paper discs impregnated with 60 µl from each metabolite and placed on the TSA agar surface (36 °C, 24 h). The metabolites from the microbial mixtures showed statistical differences with respect to their respective monocultures. With the treatment (LP + WC) an inhibition diameter of 2.54 cm was obtained at 12 h of fermentation, this value was higher than those obtained in the monoculture LP (2.19 cm), and WC (2.44 cm), during the same period. In the mixture (LB + LP + WC) during the first 12 h of fermentation, the antimicrobial activity was higher (2.12-2.28 cm) than the antimicrobial activity of the monoculture LB (1.66-2.23 cm). The use of metabolites from the co-culture of L brevis, L. plantarum and W. cibaria under the evaluated conditions, potentiate the antimicrobial activity of L. brevis against L. monocytogenes, therefore, they are promising in bio-preservation.

Double emulsions with olive leaves extract as fat replacers in meat systems with high oxidative stability.

Double emulsions (DE) with a healthy oil blend as lipid phase and an olive leave extract (OLE) encapsulated in the internal aqueous phase (DE/OLE) were incorporated as fat replacers in meat systems, in order to improve both the lipid profile and the oxidative stability. After 14 days of storage at 4 °C, DE/OLE showed good physical stability (90% of globule population was still below 10 µm diameter), and high antioxidant capacity (over 80%), longer than time required for this type of food ingredients. A high correlation was found between the remaining oleuropein content and the antioxidant capacity in both meat systems with DE/OLE (MS-DE/OLE) and meat systems with the oil blend as liquid oil and non-encapsulated OLE (MS-L/OLE). MS-DE/OLE were technologically feasible and showed higher retention of oleuropein (69%), oxidative stability and antioxidant capacity at 60 °C for 7 days than MS-L/OLE, where oleuropein was almost depleted. The encapsulation of OLE in DE could be a suitable strategy to avoid lipid oxidation in meat systems with healthier lipid profile.

Evolution of the phenolic compounds profile of olive leaf extract encapsulated by spray-drying during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion.

An olive leaf extract (OLE) was microencapsulated with sodium alginate (SA) by spray-drying to study the evolution of oleuropein (ORP) during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, and its bioaccessibility and potential bioavailability from OLE and OLE-SA microparticles. Secoiridoids, flavonoids, simple phenols, oleosides and elenolic acid were identified in OLE. OLE/SA ratio 1:1.6 and inlet air temperature 135 °C were the optimal conditions for OLE-SA microparticles. ORP (70%) from OLE was degraded during gastric digestion, giving hydroxytyrosol and ORP-aglycone, whereas only the superficial ORP was released from microparticles. The remaining ORP from OLE was degraded under intestinal conditions, leading to oleosides; whereas alginate was swollen and disintegrated, releasing the ORP (90% of encapsulated ORP). ORP from both OLE and microparticles was degraded to hydroxytyrosol under colonic conditions. Encapsulation of OLE allowed the protection of ORP under gastric conditions and its controlled release at intestinal conditions, and higher bioaccessibility (58%) and potential bioavailability (20%).

L-selectin expression is regulated by CXCL8-induced reactive oxygen species produced during human neutrophil rolling.

Neutrophils destroy invading microorganisms by phagocytosis by bringing them into contact with bactericidal substances, among which ROS are the most important. However, ROS also function as important physiological regulators of cellular signaling pathways. Here, we addressed the involvement of oxygen derivatives in the regulation of human neutrophil rolling, an essential component of the inflammatory response. Flow experiments using dihydroethidium-preloaded human neutrophils showed that these cells initiate an early production of intracellular ROS during the rolling phase of the adhesion cascade, a phenomenon that required cell rolling, and the interaction of the chemokine receptor CXCR2 with their ligand CXCL8. Flow cytometry experiments demonstrated that L-selectin shedding in neutrophils is triggered by ROS through an autocrine-paracrine mechanism. Preincubation of neutrophils with the NADPH oxidase complex inhibitor diphenyleniodonium chloride significantly increased the number of rolling neutrophils on endothelial cells. Interestingly, the same effect was observed when CXCL8 signaling was interfered using either a blocking monoclonal antibody or an inhibitor of its receptor. These findings indicate that, in response to CXCL8, neutrophils initiate ROS production during the rolling phase of the inflammatory response. This very early ROS production might participate in the modulation of the inflammatory response by inducing L-selectin shedding in neutrophils.