Experimental Annealing of Zircon: Influence of Inclusions on Stability, Intracrystalline Melt Migration, Common Lead Leaching, and Permeability to Fluids.

Zircon derived from crustal rocks can survive dissolution into hot basalts during magma hybridization and rock assimilation if it is shielded as an inclusion phase in early-formed phenocrysts or in minerals from non-disaggregated xenoliths. Under these conditions, zircon can be thermally shocked, triggering recrystallization of metamict domains and reaction with its hosted mineral inclusions. This work simulates this process by performing thermal annealing experiments on zircon grains with variable degrees of metamictization. These were embedded in cristobalite powder under a N2 atmosphere at 1 bar and 1300 °C. The thermal annealing produces recrystallization of metamict domains, melting of multi-phase mineral inclusions, nanopore formation, and microcrack propagation by thermo-elastic stress. The porosity enhances intracrystalline melt mobility, leaching out trace-element and mineral impurities. Baddeleyite was formed at temperatures below the thermal decomposition of pure zircon by two mechanisms: (i) recrystallization of metamict domains assisted by silica migration from the reaction site and (ii) incongruent zircon dissolution into molten mineral inclusions with a high CaO/SiO2 ratio. Highly metamict zircons with elevated common Pb and radiogenic Pb loss, which were impossible to date with SHRIMP, lost all their common Pb and some radiogenic Pb upon annealing, producing well-fitted discordias with a significant upper intercept age.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties, Bioaccessibility and Intestinal Absorption of Sea Fennel (Crithmum maritimum) Extract Encapsulated in Soy Phosphatidylcholine Liposomes.

A sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum) aqueous extract was prepared and loaded into soybean phosphatidylcholine liposomes. Both the free extract (FE), and the empty (L) and loaded (L-FE) liposomes were shown to be non-cytotoxic to THP-1 and Caco-2 cells. The anti-inflammatory effect was tested on THP-1 cells differentiated into macrophages. FE showed anti-inflammatory activity, revealed by the induced secretion of IL-10 cytokines in macrophages that were subsequently stimulated with LPS. Also, a decrease in TNF-α production by L was observed, evidencing that liposomes reduced the pro-inflammatory mediators' secretion. The liposomes (L) showed protective anti-inflammatory activity and also were able to downregulate the inflammation. Furthermore, L-FE were also found to downregulate the inflammation response, as they were able to decrease TNF-α secretion in macrophages previously exposed to LPS. The simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (GID) of FE diminished the chlorogenic acid content (the main polyphenolic compound of the extract) by 40%, while in L-FE, the amount of this phenolic compound increased with respect to the undigested liposomes. The amount of bioaccessible chlorogenic, however, was similar for FE and L-FE. The percentage of chlorogenic acid absorbed through a Caco-2 cell monolayer after 3 h of incubation, was significantly similar for the extract and the liposomes (~1.5%), without finding significant differences once the extract and liposomes were digested.

Characterization, Bioactivity and Application of Chitosan-Based Nanoparticles in a Food Emulsion Model.

In this study, chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared by the ionic gelation technique with tripolyphosphate (TPP), and the effect of CNP composition and physicochemical characteristics were evaluated. After the synthesis optimization, CNPs were used as carriers for a fish protein hydrolysate (FPH) with bioactive properties (CNPH). The physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial, antihypertensive and emulsifier properties of unloaded and loaded CNPs in a food system model were studied. CNPH showed a uniform particle distribution, size ~200 nm, high stability (zeta potential around 30 mV), radical scavenging activity and increased antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella sonnei and Aeromonas hydrophila. Additionally, CNPH showed an angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity of 63.6% and, when added to a food emulsion model, this system containing CNPs, with or without FHP, exhibited improved food emulsion stability. Thus, CNPs were able to carry the FPH while maintaining their bioactive properties and can be an alternative to the delivery of bioactive peptides with potential as an emulsion stabilizer for food applications.

Yogurt Fortification by the Addition of Microencapsulated Stripped Weakfish (Cynoscion guatucupa) Protein Hydrolysate.

The aim of the present work was to fortify yogurt by adding a stripped weakfish (Cynoscion guatucupa) protein hydrolysate obtained with the enzyme Protamex and microencapsulated by spray drying, using maltodextrin (MD) as wall material. The effects on the physicochemical properties, syneresis, texture, viscoelasticity, antioxidant and ACE inhibitory activities of yogurt after 1 and 7 days of storage were evaluated. In addition, microbiological and sensory analyses were performed. Four yogurt formulations were prepared: control yogurt (without additives, YC), yogurt with MD (2.1%, YMD), with the free hydrolysate (1.4%, YH) and the microencapsulated hydrolysate (3.5%, YHEn). Yogurts to which free and microencapsulated hydrolysates were added presented similar characteristics, such as a slight reduction in pH and increased acidity, with a greater tendency to present a yellow color compared with the control yogurt. Moreover, they showed less syneresis, the lowest value being that of YHEn, which also showed a slight increase in cohesiveness and greater rheological stability after one week of storage. All yogurts showed high counts of the microorganisms used as starters. The hydrolysate presence in both forms resulted in yogurts with antioxidant activity and potent ACE-inhibitory activity, which were maintained after 7 days of storage. The incorporation of the hydrolysate in the microencapsulated form presented greater advantages than the direct incorporation, since encapsulation masked the fishy flavor of the hydrolysate, resulting in stable and sensorily acceptable yogurts with antioxidant and ACE inhibitory activities.

Sex Matters in the Association between Physical Activity and Fitness with Cognition.

PURPOSE: The benefits from physical activity (PA) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) on normal age-related cognitive decline might be sex dependent. Our aim was to explore the relationship between different types of PA, CRF, and cognition and to identify the mediating effects of CRF in the association between PA and cognition in women and men. METHODS: We recruited 115 healthy adults 50-70 yr of age. We obtained demographic, cognitive, and PA status data based on the Projecte Moviment protocol. We calculated cognitive domains by grouping z-sample scores. We obtained self-reported total energy expenditure during the last month and grouped it into sportive PA (S-PA) and nonsportive PA (NS-PA). CRF was estimated using the Rockport 1-Mile Walk Test. We applied regression models and mediation analyses in a final sample of 104 individuals (65 women and 39 men). RESULTS: In the total sample, CRF was positively associated with executive function, verbal memory, and attention-speed. S-PA was positively related to executive function and attention-speed, whereas NS-PA was unrelated to cognitive domains. Greater amounts of S-PA were associated with executive function and attention-speed for both women and men. Higher CRF was associated with executive function, memory, language, and attention-speed only in men. Mediation analyses showed that CRF was a significant mediator of the positive effects of S-PA on executive function and attention-speed in men but not in women. CONCLUSIONS: Both women and men show cognitive benefits from greater S-PA, but not from NS-PA. However, there were sex differences in the mediating effects of CRF in this relationship, showing that CRF was mediating these benefits only in men.

Structural features of myofibrillar fish protein interacting with phosphatidylcholine liposomes.

The interactions between liposomes and fish myofibrillar protein (surimi ground salted protein, SURP) were evaluated. Liposomes prepared with ultrapure phosphatidylcholine (UPC) or partially purified phosphatidylcholine (PPC) were dispersed at different weight ratio on SURP. Changes in protein stability and structure were evaluated using FTIR, intrinsic fluorescence and free sulfhydryl groups, and changes in liposome properties were studied by dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy. PPC promoted denaturation and aggregation of SURP, reflected in secondary structure loss, exposure of tyrosine residues and increment of free sulfhydryl. UPC produced partial unfolding and changes in the secondary structure of SURP from α-helical to ß-strand. Liposome size increased by about 40% and showed modified surface charge after SURP exposure, indicating the formation of protein corona. Surface charge and composition of liposomes influence SURP stability and could exert different effects on the myofibrillar protein network, which is important for liposome applications in surimi products.

Cells, Materials, and Fabrication Processes for Cardiac Tissue Engineering.

Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer worldwide, with myocardial infarction (MI) responsible for approximately 1 in 6 deaths. The lack of endogenous regenerative capacity, added to the deleterious remodelling programme set into motion by myocardial necrosis, turns MI into a progressively debilitating disease, which current pharmacological therapy cannot halt. The advent of Regenerative Therapies over 2 decades ago kick-started a whole new scientific field whose aim was to prevent or even reverse the pathological processes of MI. As a highly dynamic organ, the heart displays a tight association between 3D structure and function, with the non-cellular components, mainly the cardiac extracellular matrix (ECM), playing both fundamental active and passive roles. Tissue engineering aims to reproduce this tissue architecture and function in order to fabricate replicas able to mimic or even substitute damaged organs. Recent advances in cell reprogramming and refinement of methods for additive manufacturing have played a critical role in the development of clinically relevant engineered cardiovascular tissues. This review focuses on the generation of human cardiac tissues for therapy, paying special attention to human pluripotent stem cells and their derivatives. We provide a perspective on progress in regenerative medicine from the early stages of cell therapy to the present day, as well as an overview of cellular processes, materials and fabrication strategies currently under investigation. Finally, we summarise current clinical applications and reflect on the most urgent needs and gaps to be filled for efficient translation to the clinical arena.

Social inequalities in health: duration of unemployment unevenly effects on the health of men and women.

BACKGROUND: Employment status is an important determinant of health inequalities. The aim of this article is to analyze the association between duration of unemployment and the presence of cardiovascular risk factors, self-perception of health and presence of depression and anxiety, assessing differences in the effects of unemployment by sex and age. METHODS: The sample was composed of 12 123 people (52.4% men), 18 to 74 years old (mean age= 43.5 years, SD = 10.4). Logistic regression analyses were used to study the influence of duration of unemployment on health ('0 days', '≤11 months' and '≥12 months'). Sex, age, level of education, employment status and time spent unemployed, as well as tobacco and alcohol use and physical activity, were considered. Morbidity variables were hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, obesity, depression and anxiety, and a subjective health assessment. RESULTS: The results showed both unemployed men and women had worse outcome in health compared with their active counterparts. The risk of hypertension was presented in long-term unemployed men, which had 1.3 times more likely to suffer from hypertension. The risk of obesity was presented only in unemployed women, which had 1.5 times more risk of obesity, doubling the risk (OR= 2.2) among women under age 40. The unemployment had a protective effect against anxiety among younger women (OR = 0.53). CONCLUSION: It has been observed a different influence of unemployment time on men and women's health. The employment status should be considered in public health policy agendas with the purpose of reducing inequalities in health.

Encapsulation of antioxidant sea fennel (Crithmum maritimum) aqueous and ethanolic extracts in freeze-dried soy phosphatidylcholine liposomes.

Soy phosphatidylcholine liposomes encapsulating increasing concentrations of two sea fennel extracts (aqueous and ethanolic) prepared by ultrasonication were freeze-dried, using glycerol as lyoprotectant. Particle properties, water dispersibility, colour, thermal properties and antioxidant capacity (radical scavenging capacity, ferric ion reducing power, Folin-reactive substances) of the liposomal preparations were determined. The freeze-drying process caused an overall increase in particle size and polydispersity index, while the zeta-potential became more electronegative. Both sea fennel extracts were rich in chlorogenic acid (42.61 and 58.48 mg/g for the aqueous and ethanolic extracts, respectively) and showed great antioxidant activity. Vitamin C was identified in the aqueous extract, whereas rutin and rosmarinic acid in the ethanolic one. The entrapment efficiency, determined in the liposomes prepared at the highest extract concentration, was 65.6% and 49.1% for the aqueous extract and the ethanolic extract, respectively. The liposomal antioxidant activity and total phenolic content followed a linear increasing tendency as a result of increasing the extract concentration, irrespective of the type of extract. Higher antioxidant activity was found in the liposomes loaded with the ethanolic extract, in a clear relationship to the greater amount of highly antioxidant phenolic compounds extracted, and also to their lower entrapment efficiency, which caused a greater amount of extract to remain outside the liposome. Both extracts were suitable for producing liposomes with antioxidant properties which could be dried and used to design functional foods.

Bioaccessibility and antimicrobial properties of a shrimp demineralization extract blended with chitosan as wrapping material in ready-to-eat raw salmon.

A shrimp extract (SME) obtained from the mild-acid demineralization treatment of shrimp shells to produce chitosan was collected. It was mainly composed of fat (≈73%), protein (≈19%), and ash (≈9%) and contained considerable amounts of calcium (≈1.9 g/100 g), astaxanthin (≈30 mg/100 g) and unsaturated fatty acids (≈27% MUFA, ≈39% PUFA). The SME was used in combination with chitosan for wrapping raw salmon to produce a ready-to-eat product enriched in calcium. No significant changes in hardness were found, as compared to the unwrapped salmon. Estimated intakes of bioaccessible calcium increased significantly by 3.6-fold, whereas intake of bioaccessible fat was reduced by 15%. SFA were the main fatty acid group reduced (≈80%), whereas MUFA and PUFA were only reduced by ≈20% each. Total viable counts, pseudomonads, enterobacteria, and specific fish spoilers were reduced by 2-4 log CFU/g in wrapped sample during the chilled storage period (19 days).

Chemical characterization of wash water biomass from shrimp surimi processing and its application to develop functional edible films.

The aim of this work was to recover and study the composition of the biomass obtained from the surimi processing industry, and to explore the feasibility of its valorization by developing functional edible films. A concentrate from wash water of minced shrimp muscle of low commercial value [shrimp concentrate (SC)] was obtained by alkaline solubilization and isoelectric precipitation, which had protein content of 61.8% and fat 23.6%. The protein fraction of low molecular weight (≤37 kDa), with maximum solubility at basic pH 9-11, and was rich in essential amino acids (296 essential amino acids/1000 residues), whereas the fat fraction showed a high degree of unsaturation (26.8% MUFA, 28.3% PUFA). SC, showed antioxidant activity measured by FRAP and ABTS assays and, was successfully incorporated into an agar film matrix (agar-to-protein ratio of 3:1). The films were translucent and brownish and maintained integrity upon immersion in water, but swelled considerably. Films were able to release protein and exert antioxidant activity in water and 95% ethanol (aqueous and fatty food simulants, respectively), the release being faster and greater in the former. In conclusion, the biomass obtained from shrimp mince/surimi processing was for developing edible films.

Experimental evidence for the preservation of U-Pb isotope ratios in mantle-recycled crustal zircon grains.

Zircon of crustal origin found in mantle-derived rocks is of great interest because of the information it may provide about crust recycling and mantle dynamics. Consideration of this requires understanding of how mantle temperatures, notably higher than zircon crystallization temperatures, affected the recycled zircon grains, particularly their isotopic clocks. Since Pb2+ diffuses faster than U4+ and Th+4, it is generally believed that recycled zircon grains lose all radiogenic Pb after a few million years, thus limiting the time range over which they can be detected. Nonetheless, this might not be the case for zircon included in mantle minerals with low Pb2+ diffusivity and partitioning such as olivine and orthopyroxene because these may act as zircon sealants. Annealing experiments with natural zircon embedded in cristobalite (an effective zircon sealant) show that zircon grains do not lose Pb to their surroundings, although they may lose some Pb to molten inclusions. Diffusion tends to homogenize the Pb concentration in each grain changing the U-Pb and Th-Pb isotope ratios proportionally to the initial 206Pb, 207Pb and 208Pb concentration gradients (no gradient-no change) but in most cases the original age is still recognizable. It seems, therefore, that recycled crustal zircon grains can be detected, and even accurately dated, no matter how long they have dwelled in the mantle.

Maternal plasma antioxidant status in the first trimester of pregnancy and development of obstetric complications.

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative stress is present in pregnancy complications. However, it is unknown if early maternal antioxidant status could influence later development of complications. The use of assisted reproduction techniques (ART) is rising due to the delay of first pregnancy and there is scarce information on its influence on oxidative balance. OBJECTIVE: To assess the possible relationship between maternal plasma antioxidant status in first trimester of gestation with later development of pregnancy complications, evaluating the influence of ART and nutrition. METHODS: Plasma from 98 healthy pregnant women was obtained at week 10, nutrition questionnaires filled and women were followed until delivery. We evaluated biomarkers of oxidative damage (carbonyls, malondialdehyde-MDA), antioxidants (thiols, reduced glutathione, phenolic compounds, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities) by spectrophotometry/fluorimetry and melatonin (ELISA). Antioxidant status score (Antiox-S) was calculated as the computation of antioxidants. Diet-antioxidants relationship was evaluated through multiple correspondence analysis. RESULTS: Melatonin and carbonyls exhibited a negative correlation. No difference in oxidative damage was found between groups, but Antiox-S was significantly lower in women who developed complications. No differences in oxidative damage or Antiox-S were found between ART and no-ART pregnancies. High consumption of foods of vegetable origin cluster with high plasma levels of phenolic compounds and with high Antiox-S. CONCLUSIONS: In early normal gestation, low plasma antioxidant status, assessed through a global score, associates with later development of pregnancy complications. Larger population studies could help to determine the value of Antiox-S as predictive tool and the relevance of nutrition on maternal antioxidant status.

Enhancement of ACE and prolyl oligopeptidase inhibitory potency of protein hydrolysates from sardine and tuna by-products by simulated gastrointestinal digestion.

This work was focused on the study of the bioactive potential of three fish protein hydrolysates, one of them prepared from industrial sardine by-products (head and viscera) and the others from tuna by-products (head, and muscle and viscera). These protein hydrolysates exhibited moderate ability to inhibit Angiotensin Converting Enzyme or ACE (IC50 between 0.24-1.16 mg dry weight per ml) and prolyl oligopeptidase or PO (IC50 between 3.30-9.57 mg ml(-1)), those obtained from tuna by-products being the most effective. Overall, ACE- and PO-inhibiting activities were enhanced by sequential nanofiltration through 3 and 1 kDa MWCO membranes (IC50 between 0.02-0.16 mg ml(-1) (ACE) and 1.10-4.21 mg ml(-1) (PO)). The inhibitory properties of the hydrolysates were greatly improved by in vitro gastric digestion, and were barely affected by further intestinal digestion. The digested tuna hydrolysates, mainly that from heads, proved to be the best source of PO- and ACE- inhibiting molecules (IC50 = 0.16 mg ml(-1) (ACE) and 1.04 mg ml(-1) (PO)) and could be potential new ingredients in food with interest in the prevention or treatment of cardiovascular and neurological diseases.

Incorporation of liposomes containing squid tunic ACE-inhibitory peptides into fish gelatin.

BACKGROUND: Hydrolysates from collagen of jumbo squid (Dosidicus gigas) tunics have shown excellent angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity. However, peptides directly included in food systems may suffer a decrease in activity, which could be minimized by loading them into nanoliposomes. RESULTS: A fraction of peptides with molecular weights <1 kDa obtained from hydrolyzed squid tunics, with reasonably high ACE-inhibitory activity (half-maximal inhibitory concentration IC50 = 0.096 g L(-1)), was encapsulated in phosphatidylcholine nanoliposomes. The peptide concentration affected the encapsulation efficiency and the stability of the resulting liposomes, which remained with a high zeta potential value (-54.3 mV) for at least 1 week at the most suitable peptide concentration. The optimal peptide concentration was established as 1.75 g L(-1). Liposomes obtained with this peptide concentration showed an encapsulation efficiency of 53%, a zeta potential of -59 mV, an average diameter of 70.3 nm and proved to be stable in the pH range 3-7 at 4 °C. CONCLUSION: Liposomes containing ACE-inhibitory peptides were incorporated in fish gelatin without detriment to the rheological properties and thermal stability of the resulting cold-induced gel. The ACE-inhibitory activity of the peptide fraction, which was not affected by the encapsulation process, conferred the bioactive potential to the nanoliposome-containing gelatin gel.

Nanoencapsulation of an active peptidic fraction from sea bream scales collagen.

Sea bream scales were subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis with Esperase, and a peptide fraction with a molecular mass <3kDa (F3) was isolated by ultrafiltration. F3 was encapsulated in nanoliposomes made of partially purified phosphatidylcholine (PC). Concentrations of 3.1% and 1mg/ml for PC and F3, respectively, were established as the best entrapment protocol by response surface methodology. The liposomes entrapment efficiency and zeta potential were 74.6±0.9% and -40.8±0.67mV, respectively. The liposome size ranged from 66.2 to 214nm, with a mean diameter of 90.3nm and a polydispersity index of 0.25. The antioxidant activity and ACE inhibitory activity of the encapsulated peptide fraction (L-F3) remained constant after 8days at 4°C. Encapsulation preserved the biological activities of F3, and could therefore be an alternative to improve the stability of these compounds when applied to a food product.

Functional decline over 2 years in older Spanish adults: evidence from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe.

AIM: To evaluate the social, educational, health and behavioral predictors of physical functional decline in older Spanish adults. METHODS: A 2-year longitudinal study based on 699 community-dwelling Spanish adults aged over 65 years participating in the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe was carried out. Several predictors of a combined measure of functional disability were examined using logistic regressions. RESULTS: A decline in function was experienced by 166 individuals. Functional decline in men was associated with an increased number of chronic diseases (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.21-4.19) and depressive symptoms (OR 5.05, 95% CI 2.42-10.54) over a 2-year period, whereas among women it was associated with decreased numeracy score (OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.05-3.34). CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal changes in predictors are strongly associated with longitudinal changes in function between baseline and a 2-year follow up, most clearly among men. A decrease in cognitive functioning and increased depressive symptoms are associated with a decline in physical functioning, and can serve as useful clinical predictors to prevent disability in older Spanish adults.

The effect of combined traditional and novel treatments on oxidative status of dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus) and sardine (Sardina pilchardus) muscle lipids.

Fish is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids with beneficial effects on human health; however, these lipids are very sensitive to auto-oxidation reactions, leading to loss of nutritional and sensory quality. The effect of traditional (brining, smoking) and novel (addition of polyphenolic extracts, high pressure) preservation processes on the antioxidant/oxidative status of muscle lipids from dolphinfish and sardine was studied. Brining with oregano or rosemary aqueous extracts, as well as smoking, gave rise to deposition of phenolic compounds (9-42, 1.5-4.5 and 0.4-2.3 µg phenol/g for smoked, oregano-brined and rosemary-brined samples, respectively) in the muscle of both fish species. The antioxidant activity, as measured by ferric reducing ability, was also improved after brining with antioxidant extracts or smoking, results ranging from 8.9 to 82 mM FeSO4 · 7H2O equivalents/mg muscle depending on the treatment and the fish species. Consequently, fish lipid oxidation (as measured by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) derived from brining and pressurizing, applied alone or in combination, was reduced between 6.6 and 69.8% depending on the treatment and the fish species. The combination of brining with oregano extract and light smoking showed an additional antioxidant effect, as compared with that obtained by smoking, on reducing sardine lipid oxidation derived from brining and pressurizing.

Social inequality in dynamic balance performance in an early old age Spanish population: the role of health and lifestyle associated factors.

This study investigates the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and dynamic balance performance and whether lifestyle factors explained any possible associations. A total of 448 nondisabled individuals, age-range 54-75 years and enrolled in the Active Aging Longitudinal Study of Spain in 2006, constituted the study population. Baseline data of this cross-sectional study were obtained by personal interviews and objective measures of balance performance. The present study shows an educational gradient in poor dynamic balance, where individuals with no formal education had higher risk of poor balance, also after adjustment for age, gender, obesity and physical activity. In addition, obesity and sedentary physical activity were related to poor dynamic balance. The findings suggest an independent effect of both SES and behavioral factors on poor balance performance in the older Spanish population.