A. Hardisson de la Torre

Bacteriocinogenic activity from starter cultures used in Spanish meat industry

Thirty-nine bacterial strains, obtained from commercial starter cultures and commonly used by the meat industry in Spain, have been examined for their ability to produce bacteriocins. Fourteen (35%) of them showed antagonism against at least one of the indicator strains, by the agar spot test. The strains showing an inhibitory action against pathogenic indicator strains were identified as Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus pentosus and Lactobacillus plantarum, which showed an inhibitory action against a wide range of Gram-positive bacteria. The only strain which showed reliable inhibitory activity against pathogenic indicator strains, by the well diffusion assay, was P. acidilactici. This strain produces an inhibitory compound, which reaches its maximum activity at the beginning of the stationary phase of growth. This antimicrobial substance (bacteriocin) has a proteinaceous nature, is stable over a broad range of pH, resistant to heat and shows a bactericidal action.

Nitrate intake from drinking water on Tenerife island (Spain).

Although meat and vegetable products contain higher concentrations of nitrate, drinking water is the fastest and most direct form of nitrate consumption by the population. It becomes contaminated with nitrates when sea water infiltrates fresh water aquifers and when rain and irrigation water wash through soils that have been excessively treated with nitrated fertilizers. Nitrates are of great toxicological interest as they are involved in the origin of nitrites and nitrosamines and the development of metahaemoglobinaemia in infants. The objective of this study was to determine the quantities of NO(3)(-) in the water supply of each of the Islands municipalities and in the leading brands of bottled waters consumed by the population of Tenerife. This parameter is necessary for the determination of Acceptable Daily Intake (A.D.I.) of nitrates from drinking water. With one unremarkable exception, the nitrate levels found in the water analyzed were optimum for human consumption and amply complied with current European Legislation.

Epidemiología global de la intoxicación aguda en un área de salud

Objetivo. Conocer el perfil epidemiologico global de las IA. Diseno. Estudio prospectivo entre octubre 1998 y marzo de 1999, de las IA atendidas en todos los niveles asistenciales de un area de salud. Asimismo se recogieron las autopsias forenses realizadas en dicho periodo con diagnostico de IA. Emplazamiento. Area de Salud de la Isla de La Palma (Canarias), con una poblacion de 81.507 habitantes. Los centros estudiados fueron el Hospital General (nivel II), 2 servicios normales de urgencias, 4 puntos de atencion continuada (PAC) y una ambulancia medicalizada. Participantes. Como criterio de inclusion se uso la exposicion al toxico referida por el paciente o acompanantes, sintomatologia clinica compatible y/o confirmacion analitica. Se excluyeron las toxiinfecciones alimentarias y dentro de las drogas se incluyo el alcohol. Resultados. Se recogieron 147 casos, el 0,18% de las urgencias atendidas, con una incidencia de 22,2 IA/106 habitantes/ano, y una edad media de 27,5 anos (DE, 18,2). Un 75,5% fue atendido en urgencias extrahospitalarias y el resto directamente en el hospital (fig. 1). La intencionalidad y el grupo de toxico se muestran igualmente en la figura 1.

Quantity of K, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Cu, Pb, Zn and ashes in DOC Tacoronte-Acentejo (Canary Islands, Spain) musts and wines

This study determines ash, K, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Cu, Pb, and Zn content in musts and wines of the DOC Tacoronte-Acentejo (Tenerife, Canary Islands) from two consecutive harvests. Samples were treated with HNO3 and H2O2. Na and K were determined by flame photometry and the remaining metals by air/acetilene flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Significant differences were observed in Na, Ca and Mg contents between both harvests, possibly due to climate conditions.This study determines ash, K, Ca, Na, Mg, Fe, Cu, Pb, and Zn content in musts and wines of the DOC Tacoronte-Acentejo (Tenerife, Canary Islands) from two consecutive harvests. Samples were treated with HNO3 and H2O2. Na and K were determined by flame photometry and the remaining metals by air/acetilene flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Significant differences were observed in Na, Ca and Mg contents between both harvests, possibly due to climate conditions.

Direct potentiometric determination of fluoride in beverages. Comparative study of different buffering solutions

Abstract A comparative study of different buffering solutions was carried out for the direct potentiometric determination of the fluoride content of beverages manufactured on the island of Tenerife: beer and soft drinks. The technique used was that of standard additions. The accuracy and precision for each of the solutions tested is expressed in terms of average and standard deviation of recovery percentages. Orthophosphoric acid (0.75 m stood out as the optimum buffering solution. Potentiometry, preceded by heat-facilitated diffusion with or without incineration of the sample, was used as a reference technique. With the exception of beers, all fluoride in the rest of the beverages was present in unbound ionic form; it is therefore detectable through direct potentiometry.

Incidencia de resultados negativos de medicación en un servicio de urgencias hospitalario y factores asociados

OBJECTIVES To offer a rationale for assigning a minimum score for risk of malnutrition for total proteins lower than 5g/dl and a scoring scale for our filter (FILNUT-Scale); and to analyse results of the MUST screening test performed on positive scores in the FILNUT nutritional filter and assess usefulness of said test in this population. METHODS We searched the laboratory database for laboratory test orders (dated between 2004 and 2007) for which total proteins and albumin or cholesterol levels were determined, and we identified those with results for the above three parameters plus lymphocyte count. A limit (less than 5g/dl) was placed on the total protein level and the results for other parameters were not limited. Distribution curves for albumin and cholesterol were analysed. The same protocol was followed after establishing the CONUT score for each sample with the necessary parameters. From September 2007 to January 2008, the MUST test was performed on all FILNUT positives and we analysed how the degrees of risk corresponded. RESULTS In 95% of the cases in which total proteins are lower than 5g/dl (n=1,176), albumin values are between 0.98 and 2.94g/dl, resulting in CONUT scores of 4 or 6 for albumin. Regarding total cholesterol, (n=761) 89.1% of the samples are lower than 180mg/dl, which accounts for one or two points in the score. In 98.79 % of the cases (n=490) that presented all four parameters, CONUT score was >/=5, which could be classified as medium or high risk. During the study period, 100% of the patients identified as medium or high risk by the FILNUT-Scale (n=568) tested as at-risk by MUST: of these, 421 (74.1%) were at high risk and 147 (25.9%) were at medium risk. CONCLUSIONS Total proteins lower than 5g/dl determine a medium or high risk of malnutrition where a complete nutritional screening profile is lacking. This is why it should be included in the FILNUT-Scale with a score of five points. Performing the MUST test on patients with five or more points is efficient and provides clinical data needed for a complete assessment.

Incidence rate of adverse drug effects in a hospital emergency unit and its associated factors

Abstract Introduction Adverse drug effects (ADE) are the reason for 0.86% to 38.2% of emergency hospital admissions, and a large percentage of them are avoidable. Rational prescription and pharmacotherapy monitoring reduce the appearance of such health problems. Method Study performed in a tertiary hospital emergency unit with patients selected using a two-phase random sample. The information was obtained from a validated questionnaire and from the clinical history. The data were grouped according to the following cause-effect schema: 1-Potential risk factors for an ADE. 2-Effects likely to be caused by drugs. 3-Consequences of ADE. 4-Potential confounding factors. The information obtained was evaluated by four independent evaluators using the Dader method. Results Eight hundred forty patients were included in the study, and 33% of them came to the emergency unit due to an ADE. ADE were more frequently observed in female patients, those with higher drug consumption, older patients, those with an underlying illness and in those from underprivileged backgrounds. The factors determining risk of an ADE are the quantity of drugs consumed, sex and the health practices index. Discussion One third of emergency hospital admissions were due to ADE, and these were associated with the same factors found in other studies (number of drugs consumed, female sex, age and social background). In addition, we observed that ADE are predominant in patients with low values on the health practices index, and in those with underlying illnesses.

Concentration of fluoride in beers and soft drinks consumed in the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands, Spain

Abstract We have determined the fluoride content of those soft drinks and beers most widely consumed by the population of the Canary Islands. We tested 18 samples of beers and 21 samples of soft drinks and obtained mean concentrations of 0.49 mg fluoride/liter (SD = 0.27) for the former and 0.40 mg fluoride/liter (SD = 0.32) for the latter. With the exception of two samples, the fluoride concentration values of the beers were within the limits established as normal by the appropriate reference texts. Within the group of soft drinks, two samples surpassed the concentration of 1 mg/liter. Most of the others samples were below 0.5 mg/liter.

[Ochratoxin A in foods for human consumption: review].

INTRODUCTION Ochratoxin A is a neurotoxic, immunosuppressive, genotoxic, carcinogenic and teratogenic mycotoxins present in human food, mainly cereals and cereals products, alcoholic beverages and mill products (coffee, cocoa). The levels of Ochratoxin A in food are closely related with the production and conservation conditions. OBJECTIVE This review aims to assess the presence of OTA in different food groups, and to update the knowledge about its toxicity, mechanism of action, methods of analysis used for detection and quantification, and different aspects about regulations. METHODS References and publications related to the mechanism of action, toxicity, analysis and regulations about OTA in foods were searched and selected based on inclusion criteria. MEDLINE/PubMed, Scielo, Science Direct, Ebscohost were used as databases. RESULTS The presence of OTA keeps on being observed in different food groups. The detected OTA levels are below those permitted by limits set by the regulations However, inadequate agrotechnological production practices and improper storage of foods remain as critical control points to avoid the toxic hazards resulting from human exposure to this toxin. CONCLUSIONS Its recommended to promote the correct use of agrotechnological practices for raw materials and processed products to reduce the concentration of OTA in foods and to avoid the toxicity resulting from the consumption of OTA contaminated foods.INTRODUCTION Ochratoxin A is a neurotoxic, immunosuppressive, genotoxic, carcinogenic and teratogenic mycotoxins present in human food, mainly cereals and cereals products, alcoholic beverages and mill products (coffee, cocoa). The levels of Ochratoxin A in food are closely related with the production and conservation conditions. OBJECTIVE This review aims to assess the presence of OTA in different food groups, and to update the knowledge about its toxicity, mechanism of action, methods of analysis used for detection and quantification, and different aspects about regulations. METHODS References and publications related to the mechanism of action, toxicity, analysis and regulations about OTA in foods were searched and selected based on inclusion criteria. MEDLINE/PubMed, Scielo, Science Direct, Ebscohost were used as databases. RESULTS The presence of OTA keeps on being observed in different food groups. The detected OTA levels are below those permitted by limits set by the regulations However, inadequate agrotechnological production practices and improper storage of foods remain as critical control points to avoid the toxic hazards resulting from human exposure to this toxin. CONCLUSIONS Its recommended to promote the correct use of agrotechnological practices for raw materials and processed products to reduce the concentration of OTA in foods and to avoid the toxicity resulting from the consumption of OTA contaminated foods.

Implantación y evaluación del análisis de peligros y puntos de control críticos (APPCC) en las industrias tinerfeñas productoras de Gofio

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of trematode Aspidogastrea in the freshwater mussels in the Yangtze River basin within Anhui province, China. Methods: We initially harvested the freshwater mussels living in the Yangtze River running through Anhui area, and labeled them with corresponding number. Then the samples were dissected for isolating the flukes, which were identified by conventional staining. Results: Infection rate of trematode Aspidogastrea in freshwater mussels in the Yangtze River basin within the territory of Anhui province was 30.38℅(103/339)in general, and a total of 912 flukes of Aspidogastrea were detected in the 103 mussels, with average infection rate of 8.85 for each mussel. Conclusion: Trematode Aspdogastrea is prevalent in the freshwater bivalves living in the Yangtze River basin running through Anhui area, and the treamatode was identified as Aspidogaster sp. belong to Aspidogaste under Aspidogastridae of Aspidogastrea.Objective: to assess the use of oral nutritional supplements analyzing the reason for prescription and its implication in caloric-protein intake. Setting: study performed at a university hospital of 350 beds with medical and surgical specialties. Subjects, patients: Patients inclusion was done by selecting all starting oral nutritional supplement prescription. Exclusion criteria were being younger than 18 years, being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, having cognition or communication impairments, being on concomitant parenteral nutrition or requiring complete enteral diet, and/or using nasogastric tube for feeding. We also excluded special enteral diets, specifically designed for certain conditions. Interventions: One-year long prospective study on prescription of oral nutritional supplements. Through clinical chart review and personal interview, we recorded demographic data, nutritional parameters, characteristics of the diet and supplement, and caloricprotein intake prescribed and ingested. The data were introduced in an Access97 database and processed by means of SPSS software for Windows®. We performed a descriptive study of quantitative and qualitative variables, a χ2 analysis between qualitative variables, and a comparative analysis between means of all paired data by means of the student’s t test, and variance analysis between quantitative variables. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: we were only able to analyze 77 out of 130 prescriptions for nutritional supplements since we could not adequately interview the remaining patients, mainly due to neurological impairments. Mean age was 74.8 years (SD = 12) and 50.6% were women. The departments prescribing the highest number of supplements were hematology (22.1%) and internal medicine (20.8%). GI neoplasm was the most frequent diagnosis at admission (27.3%). The most frequent indication was kwashiorkor (45.5%), with 15.6% of patients being well nourished. Mean therapy duration was 11 days (SD = 11.1), and the main reason for termination was hospital discharge (70.1%). The supplement was concomitantly prescribed with the meals in 70.6% of the cases, and more than halfMaterial y metodos: Estudio retrospectivo de 55 pacientes de 65,4 ± 14,7 anos, 35,7% mujeres y 64,3% varones con un IMC 27,87 ± 5,56 kg/m (0% con IMC 30 kg/m ) en tratamiento con NPT con una duracion de 28 ± 5 dias (mas de 20 dias en el 75% de los casos). El 16,1% presentaba Diabetes Mellitus previa al inicio de NPT. En el 64,3% de los pacientes, la fistula ocurria tras cirugia reciente: en un 38.8% tras reseccion de colon, 16,6% de intestino delgado y 13,9% de estomago. La NPT se planificaba para aportar diariamente 1,5 × Gasto Energetico Basal, 1,5 g/kg/dia de proteinas, 6 mg de vitamina B 12 y 414 μg de acido folico. Ninguna solucion contenia hierro.Objective. To assess the impact of weight loss in clinical progression of the comorbidities in a group of morbid obese patients submitted to surgical treatment with the duodenal switch technique. Study setting. Between 2001-2006, we have operated by the duodenal crossing technique a total of 118 morbid obese patients (97 women and 21 men), mean age 42.6 years. Average pre-surgical BMI was 49.7, with average overweight of 69.1 kg. After surgical intervention, we have prospectively assessed the progression of the main comorbidities (arterial hypertension, diabetes, OSAS, osteoarticular pathology, dyslipidemia), according to the subscale of the BAROS scoring system. Postsurgical controls are done at months 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 and annually thereafter. We have followed-up 110 patients, of whom 90 presented comorbidities, being the ones studied. Results. At 3 months post-surgery, we observed a decrease in the mean value of %WL to 31%, and a mean BMI value of 41.3, the percentage of lost BMI being 40.3%. Most of the weight loss occurred within 2 years, with %WL of 74.8% and a percentage of lost BMI of 97.7%. In 68 patients (75.5%) there was resolution of their comorbidities, 14.4% having improvement, and 10% with no improvement in spite of the surgery. Of patients achieving complete resolution, almost all of them achieved it within two years after surgery. Cure rates correlate with weight loss, so that at 3 months, with a mean weight loss of 25 kg (BMI decrease of 8.4 points) the comorbidity resolution rate is 45.5%. At 12 months, with a mean decrease in BMI of 16.4 points, %WL of 61.6% and % of lost BMI of 70.4%, the comorbidity resolution rate is 89.7%. At two years, by the time most of the main comorbidities resolved (68 patients), the BMI decreased by 22.4 points, the %WL 74.8% and the % of lost BMI 97.9%. Conclusion. The aim of bariatric surgery is weight loss and overweight-associated comorbidities improvement. In our study, most of the comorbidities improvement started at the third month, with the highest improvement rate occurring within two years, verifying that there is a direct relationship between post-surgical weight loss comorbidities improvement and resolution in most of the cases.Objective: To investigate the breeding rate and breeding density of Carpoglyphus lactis in stored Fructus Jujubae in Anhui, China in order to provide a scientific basis for prevention of Carpoglyphus lactis(C. lactis) from spoiling the dried fruit of such category. Methods： By the breeding nature of C. lactis, we collected samples of Fructus Jujubae, which were kept over 6 months in general, from the dried fruit shop and (or) Chinese herbal medicine warehouse, and isolated C. lactis from those samples. The mite specimens were prepared, and microscopically and morphologically identified. Species classification was done in accordance with Hughes (1976). Result:C. lactis was identified in 19 of the 300 samples, with breeding density and breeding rate of 6.52 heads/g and 6.33%. Constitute ratio at distinct developmental phase was associated with adult (including nymph, 85.71%), larva(12.27%), hypopus (0.56%) and egg(1.45%), respectively. The richness index, diversity index and evenness index was1.644, 1.644 and 0.923, respectively. Conclusion： Carpoglyphus lactis appears infesting in large quantity in the Fructus Jujubae stored in the above places in Anhui province, and the density is higher. Therefore, it is urgent to take effective measures to prevent C. lactis from spreading over other dried products stored in the same room and potential human intestinal acariasis as a result of the biological contamination.Objective: To determine possible associations between the risk of breast cancer in Brazilian women and demographic, social and economical variables, and past dietary intake. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil, between june and november 2003 involving a group of 33 women recently diagnosed with breast cancer and a control group of 33 healthy women volunteers. Personal details, health history and past dietary intake were obtained via questionnaires and interviews. Data between groups were compared using χ2, Fisher, and Student’s t test, whilst associations were evaluated using a non-conditional logistic regression method and odds ratio (OR). Results: Statistically significant differences between the two groups were revealed with respect to age distribution (P = 0.007), family income level (P = 0.02), educational level (P 45 years), low family income (<