Olga Díaz

Chia Seed (Salvia hispanica): An Ancient Grain and a New Functional Food

Chia seed (Salvia hispanica) is an ancient oilseed used by Mayas and Aztecs as foodstuff. This seed is a natural source of omega-3 fatty acids (α-linolenic acid), soluble and insoluble fibers, and proteins in addition to other important nutritional components, such as vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants. Chia can be considered as “functional food” because apart from contributing to human nutrition, chia helps to increase satiety index, prevent cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory and nervous system disorders, and diabetes, among others. Today, chia seed offers a huge potential in the industries of health, food, animal feed, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceuticals, among others, due to its functional components.

Whey protein-based coatings on frozen Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar): Influence of the plasticiser and the moment of coating on quality preservation

The effects of different whey protein concentrate coating formulations (with or without glycerol or sorbitol in two proportions) on frozen Atlantic salmon quality parameters were evaluated. The influence of the moment of coating application (before or after freezing) was also studied. The coating application after freezing increased the thaw yield, decreased the drip loss, and modified colour parameters of frozen and thawed fillets, in comparison with application before freezing. The moment of coating also influenced the colour of cooked fish fillets. The type of plasticiser affects the colour of thawed and cooked samples, but not the colour of frozen samples. The protein coatings delayed lipid oxidation of salmon fillets, providing better protection against it than water glazing, and this effect was more pronounced when glycerol instead of sorbitol was used in the coating formulation. WPC+glycerol (1:1) coating was the best for frozen Atlantic salmon protection. The sensory properties of salmon fillets were not modified by the use of this coating.

Chemical and fatty acid composition of meat and liver of wild ducks (Anas platyrhynchos)

Abstract The chemical and fatty acid composition of the liver and the meat from breasts and legs of Spanish wild ducks have been studied. Significant differences ( p p

Comparison of relaxation training with a cognitive-behavioural intervention for indicated prevention of depression in university students: A randomized controlled trial

Although cognitive-behavioural programmes for preventing depression have produced promising findings, their administration requires extensive training. Relaxation techniques are more straightforward psychological strategies, but they have not been investigated in the prevention of depression. This trial aimed to compare the results of relaxation training (RT) with that of a cognitive-behavioural programme (CBT) for prevention of depression in university students with elevated depressive symptoms. The 133 participants (mean age 23.3 years, 82% women) were randomly assigned to CBT or RT. Both programmes were administered to groups of 5 or 6 participants in eight weekly 90-min sessions. Participants were evaluated by independent raters before, immediately after, and 3 and 6 months after taking part in the programmes. By itself, intervention type had no significant effect on either depression or anxiety scores. The scores were lower at the follow-up time points with respect to pre-intervention scores. Effect size was greatest between pre- and immediately post-intervention scores for CBT, d = 1.32, 95% CI [1.00, 1.64], and between pre- and 6-month post-intervention scores for RT, d = 0.75, 95% CI [0.47, 1.03]. Anxiety symptoms were significantly improved by both interventions at 3-month follow-up, and by CBT at 6-month follow-up also. In the medium term (3-6 months), relaxation training produced similar reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms as a more complex cognitive-behavioural programme.

Chemical and fatty acid composition of Lacón gallego (dry-cured pork foreleg) : differences between external and internal muscles

Abstract Chemical and fatty acid composition of external and internal muscles of “Lacon gallego” (dry-cured pork foreleg) have been studied. This product is manufactured in the northwest of Spain from the fore extremity of the pig, following a series of phases, salting, washing, standing and drying, that last approximately 35 days. Significant differences were found between external and internal muscles in dry matter, water activity, TBA, nitrates and nitrites. Lipolysis has been analysed by studying the changes of glycerides, phospholipids and free fatty acids in lipids from green forelegs and dry-cured forelegs. Glycerides accounted for about 72% of total lipids in both green and dry-cured forelegs. Phospholipid content decreased from 23% to 17% while free fatty acid fraction doubled its values (from 5% to 11%) in both external and internal muscles. The proportion of PUFA of phospholipids was significantly lower in dry-cured forelegs compared with the values of green forelegs. The amount of PUFA of free fatty acid fraction of dry-cured pork foreleg was significantly lower in external muscles than in internal muscles; these differences could be due to oxidation of these fatty acids.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity among preadolescent schoolchildren in Galicia, Spain.

BACKGROUND Childhood obesity is rising rapidly in many countries. Preadolescents appear to be at particularly high risk. This study estimated the prevalence of overweight and obesity in preadolescent schoolchildren in Galicia, Spain. METHODS The heights and weights of a random sample of 2305 Galician schoolchildren aged 10-12 years were measured using calibrated standardized scales and measures. Overweight and obesity were identified using the criteria of the International Obesity Task Force. RESULTS The prevalences of obesity and overweight were respectively 9.2% and 31.0% among boys, 8.6% and 28.8% among girls and 8.9% and 29.9% overall. Taking boys and girls together, the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity fell significantly with increasing age. Overweight was more prevalent in rural than urban areas (30.7% vs. 28.4%), as also was obesity (9.8% vs. 7.2%). CONCLUSIONS Our study evidences the emergence of the obesity epidemic among preadolescents in Galicia, especially in rural areas. Both overweight and obesity in this age group are more prevalent in Galicia than in other areas of Spain or most other Western nations.

Prevalence, Comorbidity, and Correlates of Dsm-iv Axis I Mental Disorders Among Female University Students

This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV), axis I mental disorders among Spanish female students and investigated their psychiatric comorbidity and correlates. 1054 female students with a mean age of 22.2 years were randomly selected, with stratification by academic seniority and the type of academic discipline. The cases of mental disorder were identified by clinically trained interviewers with the aid of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders-Clinician Version. The lifetime prevalence of the targeted psychiatric disorders was 50.8%, and its point prevalence was 37.3%. The commonest disorders were nicotine dependence, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. Nearly 37% of subjects with a psychiatric disorder had two or more diagnoses. Mental illness was associated with family income, financial independence, type of academic discipline, violence from men, social support, and self-esteem. Psychiatric disorders are common among female university students. Serious attention should be paid to preventive and therapeutic programs in this group.

Prevalence of major depressive episodes in non-professional caregivers.

Despite research demonstrating the psychological burden associated with caregiving, there is limited information regarding the real rates of clinical depression among non-professional caregivers (NCs) of dependent patients. The goals of the current study are (a) to report the prevalence of major depressive episodes (MDEs) and the frequency of depressive symptoms in NCs from Galicia (Spain) and (b) to examine the relationship between MDEs and characteristics of caregivers, care recipients, and the care situation. A sample of 504 NCs providing care to persons with all kinds of disorders that result in dependency was randomly selected, and the occurrence of MDEs was assessed by trained interviewers who applied the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorders-Clinician Version (SCID-CV). Overall, 8.9% of NCs met the criteria for a current MDE. Sleep problems, diminished ability to think or concentrate, and depressed mood were the clinical depressive symptoms most frequently reported. MDEs were significantly more common among NCs older than 55 years old (odds ratio [OR]=1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-3.75) and those who were unemployed (OR=3.43; 95% CI 1.02-11.48). The findings highlight the magnitude of major depression in this population.

Psychological Distress and Related Factors in Female College Students

Abstract Objective: This study assessed the psychological distress in Spanish college women and analyzed it in relation to sociodemographic and academic factors. Participants and Methods: The authors selected a stratified random sampling of 1,043 college women (average age of 22.2 years). Sociodemographic and academic information were collected, and psychological distress was assessed with the Symptom Checklist-90–Revised. Results: This sample of college women scored the highest on the depression dimension and the lowest on the phobic anxiety dimension. The sample scored higher than women of the general population on the dimensions of obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, paranoid ideation, psychoticism, and on the Global Severity Index. Scores in the sample significantly differed based on age, relationship status, financial independence, year of study, and area of study. Conclusion: The results indicated an elevated level of psychological distress among college women, and therefore college health services need to devote more attention to their mental health.

Long-term Follow-up of a Randomized Clinical Trial Assessing the Efficacy of a Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Depression Prevention Intervention for Caregivers with Elevated Depressive Symptoms.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy of a cognitive-behavioral intervention for the prevention of depression in caregivers with elevated depressive symptoms through 12 months of follow-up. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING Community in Galicia (Spain). PARTICIPANTS 170 caregivers with elevated depressive symptoms. INTERVENTIONS Caregivers were randomized to a cognitive-behavioral intervention (N = 88), administered to groups of five participants in five weekly 90-min sessions, or to a usual care control group (N = 82). MEASUREMENTS Major depressive episodes (according to the Structured Clinical Interview for Axis I Disorders of the DSM-IV), depressive symptoms, emotional distress, caregiver burden, pleasant activities, depressive thoughts, social contacts. Trained blinded interviewers conducted assessments at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS At the 12-month follow-up, there was a lower incidence of major depressive episodes in the intervention group compared with the control group (3.4% versus 22.0%). The relative risk was 0.15 (95% CI: 0.05-0.51) and the number needed to treat was 5 (95% CI: 3-11). The time of delay of the depressive episode onset in the intervention group was significant. Caregivers with good compliance to the intervention had a lower incidence of depression. The effects of the intervention on depressive symptoms, emotional distress, and caregiver burden were maintained for 12 months. Younger caregivers were more likely to benefit from the intervention. The change in depressive thoughts mediated the reduction in depressive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Depressive episodes can be successfully prevented in caregivers, with long-term effects.